Congratulations to our winners!
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2026 Rahway River Parkway Photo Contest!
We were overwhelmed by the number of beautiful submissions and truly inspired by the creativity, talent, and love for our parks reflected in every photograph. From breathtaking landscapes and seasonal colors to fascinating wildlife encounters and memorable moments of recreation, your photographs captured the magic of the Rahway River Parkway in so many wonderful ways. Each image tells a story and reminds us why these treasured green spaces mean so much to our communities.
Congratulations to our 2026 contest winners!
Each Top Winner in our photography categories will receive a $100 cash prize and have their photo featured in the upcoming 2027 Rahway River Parkway Calendar, alongside our talented Honorable Mentions.
We are so fortunate to have talented local photographers who captured beautiful views, images of wildlife and so much more! Much gratitude and thanks to all of our winners, whose photos will make up each month. Below is a look at this year's winning submissions.
Our 2027 Calendar is coming soon!
Our Calendar is also available for sale at the following locations:
The Town Book Store
270 E. Broad St., Westfield
(908) 233-3535
Hickory & Hill General Store
21 North Ave West, Cranford
908.447.6955
2026 Photo Contest Winners
1st Place
LandScape Category
$200 Prize
1st Place
Wildlife Category
$200 Prize
1st Place
Recreation Category
$200 Prize
Winner of The
People's Choice Contest
Congratulations to Jessica Kirstie (Jessica Kirste Photography) for her beautiful photograph, “Pileated Woodpecker Dad on Duty” taken in the Bloodgood Falls area, Rahway River Parkway. The photograph will also represent June in our 2027 RRP Calendar.
Jessica captured an extraordinary moment in nature and her story behind the photograph makes it even more meaningful:
"Following the trails less traveled led me to one of my favorite wildlife experiences. I discovered this pileated woodpecker excavating a nest cavity and had the privilege of watching and photographing the family from the very beginning until the two chicks finally fledged. Of all the moments I captured, this one of Dad arriving to feed his two hungry chicks will always be my favorite."
What a gift to witness and to share with all of us!
Congratulations, Jessica, on capturing the hearts of our park friends! Jessica will receive a $50 gift certificate to StageHouse Restaurant as our People’s Choice Award winner.
Honorable Mentions
