Great Falls of the Passaic Overlook Park, under the administration of the Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority, is a National Historical Landmark, a National Natural Monument, and the focal point of the Great falls / S.U.M. Historic District.  A new amphitheater will be situated in the sloped bank directly opposite the majestic Great Falls of the Passaic.  As the initial project in a comprehensive site improvements planning effort, the amphitheater will advance public uses and passive recreation.

Proposed revitalization projects required negotiations and applications to local, State and Federal agencies, including NJDEP. Projects will transform the site, expanding community use and tourism, while re-dedicating the park to the birth of American industry. In 1791, the organization of the first major American industrial plant was initiated in Paterson by Alexander Hamilton and a group of local investors under the acronym S.U.M., or “Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures.” Hamilton envisioned an infrastructure of industrial facilities powered by the Great Falls rivaling similar European complexes. The establishment of the dam, its raceways, and surrounding factories was a step towards American Independence from foreign industrial suppliers.

The Great Falls site, renewed by the proposed improvements, will provide visitors enhanced opportunities to enjoy the magnificent natural features and historic landmarks of the site and an exciting new venue for community events and heritage tourism.