Essex County Parks

The Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs offers three distinct and historic Golf Courses. Francis Byrne Golf Course, a Seth Raynor/Charles Banks 1928 Design recently renovated by Stephen Kay in 2023, is located in West Orange. Hendricks Field Golf Course, the only publicly commissioned Charles Banks Design in1929, is located in Belleville and underwent a complete renovation to include a re-routing by Stephen Kay Design in 2021.  Weequahic Golf Course, the First Public Golf Course to open in New Jersey designed by the First Pro from Baltusrol Golf Club, George Low in 1914, is located in Newark, the largest city in Essex County. Weequahic Golf Course most recently completed a renovation in 2025 by Stephen Kay.

 

Essex County's commitment to golf is second to none across the country. Since hiring Tim Christ, the Director of Golf Operations/General Manager, Essex County has invested over 35 million dollars to the complete overhaul of these three historically significant Golf Courses. Investing in many of the needs that golfers cannot see initially, but setting the table for a long run of success. Infrastructure such as golf course irrigation, maintenance equipment, maintenance facilities, clubhouse renovations, pavilions, and cold storage facilities all play a large part in protecting and enhancing Essex County's commitment to Golf.