Branch Brook Park is an oasis in the most urban of cities. This special NJN program, Branch Brook Park, traces Branch Brook's origin as the first park in the Essex County Park System and looks at its development, realization and expansion to its present day 360 acres. Nearly four miles long and averaging ¼ mile wide, it was a challenging endeavor for the Olmsted Brothers firm when they were awarded the landscape project in 1898 after it had already been started by a competitor. A century later, the park is a mature landscape, exemplifying the philosophy of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., pioneer landscape architect, that an urban park system is common ground offering respite for everyone. That vision was brought to life by Olmsted's nephew and stepson, John Charles Olmsted.

In spring, nearly 3,000 flowering cherry blossom trees burst into bloom, attracting thousands of visitors. The most touching chapter of the story, however, is told by those who feel the park is a part of their lives. As the 19th century saplings have matured into stately elms, evergreens and red maples, so too have successive generations matured, their lives shaped and shaded by the boughs of the stately trees. Ninety-three-year-old Ralph Martino grew up on the edge of Branch Brook Park, courted his wife there, and still strolls its pathways every day, "The park has given me something. It's given me life."

Premiered April 25, 2003.