Green Brook

Washington Rock State Park, Washington Ave. – Step back in time and put yourself in the shoes of America’s first president.  In June of 1777, General George Washington stood at this 30-mile lookout that offered a view of the British troops heading toward Westfield.  This allowed his troops to circle the British and prevent their attack.  This is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the sights of the Raritan Valley and NYC skyline. 

Arthur Lewis Park, 49-59 Greenbrook Rd. – Your kids will love coming here.  This park offers playground equipment for children ages 2-5 and 6-12, a large sprayground, zip line, sand volleyball, basketball and handball courts, and a pavilion or gazebo to have lunch in.

Central Bark Park, 255 Greenbrook Rd. – Have your dog make some new friends at this fun dog park.  It consists of two separate areas – the larger offers a pavilion with benches, a gazebo, water and a track.  The smaller also has a track and benches, along with picnic tables.

For more information on Green Brook’s parks, click here.

Watchung Lake Park, 129 Stirling Rd. – Take a mile walk around the three-fountain lake and cascading dam, or do some fishing.  If you want to relax, sit on a bench around the lake or at the gazebo and enjoy the scenery.  You’ll probably catch a view of some ducks, geese, turtles, a heron and an egret.  There is also a playground with picnic tables.

Best Lake Picnic Grove, 45 Valley Rd. – This is the place for fishing.  The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream/bluegill, bullhead, carp, catfish, perch, pickerel and pumpkinseed sunfish.  You can also play chess and checkers or exercise at the fitness circuit.

For more information on Watchung’s parks, click here.

Greenwood Meadows Park, Liberty Village Dr. just off Liberty Corner Rd. - This is the place for kids.  The playground boasts a stand-up spinner, hanging spinner, two sit-down spinners and a tire swing.  There are also tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, 9-hole Frisbee disc golf, and a great hill for sledding in the winter.

Dealaman/Stransky Nature Trail & Pond, 185 Mount Horeb Rd. – Take a stroll through the woods or do some fishing during the annual Spring Fishing Derby.

Codington Woods, 15 Mt. Horeb Rd. – Forty-five acres of wooded area that includes a working farm and a historic woodlot with farmstead dating back to the 1700’s.  Walk through old orchards containing apple, pear and cherry trees, as well as areas containing maple, oak, dogwood and various other trees.  During your walk you might even catch a glimpse of deer, fox, turkey or more. 

Glenhurst Meadows, 185 Mountain Ave. – The largest of open space areas in Warren Twp. boasts a riverside walk along the Passaic, wildflower meadows, trees, pasture, ponds, trails and a golf course.  

Wagner Farm Arboretum, 197 Mountain Ave. – A non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate and connect the community to nature and working with the land.  You can visit the community and children’s gardens, help those in need through the Giving Garden Project, and participate in various events throughout the year.  

For more information on Warren’s parks and trails, click here.

Middlebrook Trail System, Argonne Farms Dr. - The trail is home to many plants and animals, but also a part of history.  General George Washington used the hills of Middlebrook as shelter for a winter season while battling the British.  More recently, the Boy and Girl Scouts volunteered their time to construct part of the trail, boardwalk and bridge.  There are various levels of trail, depending on terrain.

Kidstreet Playground, 700 Garretson Rd. – The enclosed playground is a part of 10-acre Slattery Park. It is a highly popular place for kids that includes a large castle-themed area, a 2-level pirate ship play area, multiple climbing structures, swings, slides, a zip line and more. 

Gene King Park, 34 Frohlin Dr. – At 30 acres, it is the largest single municipal park.  It includes hiking trails, one of which contains the highest pedestrian bridge in town, and connects to the Middlebrook Trail System.

For more information on Bridgewater’s parks and trails, click here.