Phelps Park
Teaneck’s Phelps Park is a beautiful manicured 15.71 acre urban park that many consider to be one of the finest jewels in the Teaneck park system. The park boasts many fine amenities typical of urban parks such as baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, picnic area and a swimming pool. But the feature that stands out is the 1 acre Arboretum. Phelps Park is the only park in Teaneck’s park system to feature an Arboretum.
Arboretum Area
This section of the park (located in the most northern section of the park near River Road) was designated an Arboretum in 2002. The Arboretum features an estimated 150 trees. Most of the trees consist of varieties of Oak such as Red Oak, Scarlet Oak, and White Oak. Other trees include:
Gray Birch
Many trees have labels on them (most are placed high on the trees) with the common and scientific name of the tree.
Black Cherry
A small estimated .46 of an acre south of the Aboretum is remnant wetlands, which is most unusual to find in an urban park. At one time a stream flowed through this area on the way to the Hackensack River.
Phelps park is heavily used by FDU students (FDU is located right across the street from the park) and local residents but is worth a look for those interested in a museum of trees.
Feel free to e-mail NJUrbanForest at NJUrbanForest@gmail.com with any comments, memories or suggestion! Thank you and have fun exploring!
