Though the weather is getting chillier, there’s still nothing quite like spending time outdoors during the summer — especially for residents of Essex County. Essex County boasts some of the greatest park entertainment and events in all of New Jersey. And the good news is that Brookdale Park, a local favorite for residents of Montclair and Bloomfield, is getting a new entertainment-based addition next year. In August, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced a permanent bandstand will open in Brookdale Park in the spring of 2023. Here’s everything we know about its construction, and what local residents are saying about how it could affect them. Read on to learn more about the permanent bandstand coming to Essex County’s Brookdale Park.
(Photo credit: @brookdaleparkorg)
The Project: What We Know
In August, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced one of Essex County’s latest projects of building a permanent concert stage and gazebo in Brookdale Park. Each year, Brookdale Park acts as one of the hosts for The Essex County Summer Music Concert Series.
Read More: A Guide to Dog Parks in Montclair + Beyond
“The Essex Country Free Summer Music Concert Series offers a diverse lineup of performers who will take center stage throughout our historic Parks System. Pack a blanket, enjoy the cool evening breeze, and dance to the sounds of summer,” DiVincenco shared regarding the 2022 season.
The construction of the fixture began on September 13th, 2022. “We started construction of a gazebo/concert stage in Essex County Brookdale Park. The structure will eliminate the need to bring in a portable stage for our summer concert series,” said DiVincenco Jr.
This latest addition to Brookdale Park is expected to open in spring 2023. The construction of the bandstand was awarded to ZN Construction, LLC for $1,245,000, according to Essex’s County Office of Purchasing.
View this post on Instagram
Feedback From Local Residents
Some residents local to Essex’s County Brookdale Park have been left wondering how the construction of this permanent bandstand could affect them throughout the summer months and if Brookdale Park will in turn host more summer concert events than it typically has historically.
“There are about 6 concerts a year. The portable bandshell suits the purpose,” shared a commenter on Facebook.
“Hate to be a naysayer but that doesn’t look like a good acoustic environment. The current portable bandshell will surely sound better and have the benefit of being removed and maintained by necessity,” shared another.
Other Brookdale Park local residents are thrilled about the addition to the park, saying “That’s great! It’s a welcome change! Concerts at Brookdale Park are the BEST!!!”
See More: North Jersey Picnic Services to Try This Fall
If you’re looking for opportunities surrounding the betterment of Brookdale Park, you can visit the Brookdale Park Conservancy’s website. The Brookdale Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to preserve, enhance, and promote the park. Volunteers are welcomed throughout the year for a number of projects.
