Watsessing Park is located on 69.67 acres in the Townships of Bloomfield and East Orange, in the eastern section of Essex County. The meandering Second River, joined here by Toney's Brook, flows through this long open park. The name was derived from the Lenni-Lenape Indians, whose words for hill (Watschu) and stone (Assan), are combined.

Watsessing Park was designed in 1899 by the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm and the first section opened in 1901. The park was completed in 1915.

Since 1998 the WHNA has been working closely with Essex County to upgrade park facilities and ensure the historical integrity of the park is maintained as changes are made. The WHNA has sponsored regular spring and fall park cleanups, installed and maintained planters, and created a "W" flowerbed in the park. Our recently-formed sister organization, the Watsessing Park Conservancy, has partnered with the County to receive Green Acres grants to continue the process of restoring and improving the park. Major work was completed during 2004, including the restoration of the historic bandstand, surrounded by new attractive paving and pedestrian-friendly lighting. Expect to see more improvements in 2005, including an off-leash dog park!