This is my family's favorite spot for a leisure stroll. We'd almost always come for a walk when the…read moreweather is nice, especially after a big meal. It allows for all sorts of activities in a compact 71 acre space. This is also a great spot to view the fall foliage. There are 2 entrances. The main entrance is off Pond Rd. There is a side entrance off Robertsville Rd but that parking lot can accommodate only about half a dozen cars. A typical walk is a round trip from between the 2 entrances and you'll rack up about 2 miles. There is an excursion trail around the outside boundaries of the park beginning at the Robertsville entrance. With that you can make up 3 miles which was what I used to do when I was training for the varsity cross-country team. The pond is good for boating and fishing and is stocked with trout every year. The playground is right by the pond and is a great photo spot for your kids. There is a stage and a nice-sized pavilion in front of it. Perfect for a summer concert or play. There are benches and picnic tables throughout. In my most recent visit (Oct'21) I was pleasantly surprised to find that they've added a large number of brand new benches and picnic tables made with recycled material. Also, the parking lot at the main entrance has been redone and doubled the capacity. For these surprises I'm bumping the rating up to 5 stars. PS. If you're into mountain biking, I'll let you in on a local secret. There is a technical course adjacent to the southeast side of the park and you can access it at the end of Brookwood Dr.

Definitely not the best maintained park in the area but still a hidden gem. Tucked away just behind…read morethe hustle and bustle on route 9 lies this picturesque little park. There is something for everyone to enjoy here. Bring your canoes or kayaks. There is a boat launch near the entrance. You can fish here, the lake is stocked with fish. We have yet to catch anything but plants and a snapping turtle. There is a nice trail along the lake to walk or bike. There is a little playground too but this is probably the worst maintained area of the park. There are no bathrooms here but there are porta potties. Every time I've been here when it's warm the ice cream truck has come in here. Other than that there are no concession stands. Just pack a lunch and enjoy at one of the picnic tables.

** 4-Star Review for John A. Phillips Cricket Ground**…read more John A. Phillips is a very well-maintained cricket ground with one of the better outfields I've seen lately. It's rare to find grounds these days with even a little bit of grass, and this one delivers -- the outfield is lush, making it a great place to play. The ground itself is huge, which makes clearing the boundary quite a task -- lots of running involved! The AstroTurf wicket has a nice bounce to it, which adds a good challenge for both batters and bowlers. Parking is decent but a little walk away from the actual field. The one downside is the lack of shade -- on a hot day, it can get brutal with almost no trees around. Also, no restrooms close by, which is definitely something to keep in mind. Overall, a solid ground for competitive cricket with a few areas that could make it even better. Four stars!

cute small park with some outdoor things for the kids baseball field basketball little gym and…read morebathrooms when they're working

Love this park and it's hiking trails. One of the trails has fitness stations which provide a great…read moreworkout. Plenty of bbq areas with grills and benches. If you want to have a gathering, they have a spot that you can reserve. Bathrooms are very clean and orderly. Playground has been updated with newer equipment.

This is my favorite park in the area, I absolutely love it. There are legitimate hiking trails, an…read moreexercise trail, several playgrounds, tennis courts, clean bathrooms and best of all, farm animals :). You can catch some wildlife as well. When I discovered it I was shocked I didn't find this gem sooner.

Almost always empty and pretty boring. My dog just wanders around smelling poop that other owners…read morehave not picked up. Besides two trash cans, a few benches and a water fountain there isn't much here for your furry friend.

Only been there once but might not come back. Area was big for dogs to run in but half the area was…read morea muddy mess! I was told by multiple regulars to the park that it is ALWAYS muddy. The water fountain was not turned on even though it was 80 degrees out. Unfortunately, a pet parent found 2 ticks on herself which prompted everyone to clear out. The people and dogs were very nice but I highly doubt I will be back.

The park is the site of a major battle between George Washington s Continental army and the British…read moreforces under General Clinton. The park is well laid out and it was filled with enthusiasm as volunteers acted out the battle on its anniversary. Staff here were unusually pleasant and helpful. Highly recommended.

What a gorgeous little activity we did today. Such a detailed museum with lots of information about…read morethe battle. There's a lovely man who knows everything about the battle and a movie. You unfortunately can't take photos inside. I definitely recommend it if you come here! 10/10

Great park for kids and adults alike. Great walking trails so many people also bring their furry…read morebabies for a walk. Note: please bring a plastic bag because this doesn't provide one for you. Kids can play in the playgrounds and it's mostly open space. Perfect for team sports to be played. Manalapan Day is held here, where there's fire crackers and a live brass band playing for everyone's entertainment. Easter egg hunts are also held here for little ones. I only minused a star because it could be maintained better but it's not the fault of the park. People walk their dogs but they need to please pick it up. Especially if it's on a trail. Currently as of March 2020, due to COVID-19, the park will be closed indefinitely.

Nice expansive complex but lacking in upkeep. Some of the backstops need to be repaired and there…read morearen't enough bathroom facilities. There is also no concessions unless there is a football game and no food trucks are permitted...only the diesel spewing ice cream truck which stinks up the place, idling in the parking lots. Nice walking/biking, jogging tracks, basketball, 9 baseball fields, and multiple soccer fields.

If you would like a quieter alternative for a morning walk, Cross Farm Park is your place. It's a…read morepretty large park that includes the following: -Paved walking paths -Baseball and soccer fields -Playground areas -Batting cages If you're looking for a more scenic walk in nature, you would probably prefer to go to nearby Holmdel Park. However, due to its popularity, it can be a little more busy. I'm pretty sure the fields are used for sporting events here, so that's when I would expect this park to be a little more busy. Otherwise, it's mostly quiet. And sometimes, that's just what I need.

Just moved to the area and was invited for a Social distancing play date and this was a perfect…read morepark for this.. huge wide open park with tons of soccer fields and I can imagine that when it's the season I'm sure it will be crowded with games and practices but otherwise it is super quiet. There are also walking paths that are paved and easy to follow and you won't get dirty and muddy..

They've come a long way. Haven't been here for the Monmouth country fair in about 15 years and…read morethey now have more vendors and performers. It's not just agricultural stuff anymore. There are rides, crafts, traders/vendors and of course the petting zoo and their famous and beloved pig races and equestrian show. Saw the high flying trapeze, Mutts Goes Nuts, and my new favorite, this hysterically funny unicycle juggler who tells you he's German and Swedish and makes lots of jokes about it. His jokes are more adult oriented and he does a great immigration of Mick Jagger dancing with a plunger. Had to be there. For something that could have been chaotic, thanks to the security and police officers, everything was organized. Great time.