This park is a hidden gem! Absolutely love how peaceful it is, clean (aside from goose poops haha)…read moreit is spacious, has sun and shady areas, lots of benches and a nice long paved walkway around the whole lake. There is a playground for smaller/older kids, swing set for smaller and older kids. There is a huge parking lot with lots of spaces it is secluded away from a busy street. An absolute gem! Happy that I came across it. We will for sure be coming here more often. I really don't like that I found cigarette buds around the lake but then again, some people are care-less and some care more. Regardless, it's a beautiful and peaceful park. Wether you are coming to have a nice evening stroll, a stroller walk, a dog walk, or go for a run/exercise or take your kids to a shaded playground, this is a great park for it. There is also a tennis court! Negatives: no bathrooms, geese poops Closest bathroom I think would be a Dunkin' Donuts around the corner, 2 minutes of a drive away

Thanks to Marlena K for her fine review. I wish that there were restrooms. That would make it…read moreperfect. Jersey parks are usually the best. Local town, please put them in. Thanks in advance. (port-a-potty's at least).

Verterans Park is a nice sized park that's easily accessible from multiple points. The park is…read morewell equipped with various sporting facilities, including tennis courts, volleyball nets and even a small, ver basic, skate park. There's even a location for roller hockey. There are play areas for kids, and picnic tables (including covered picnic locations) for families looking to spend some time out of doors. It can be very crowded on a nice weekend, which is both good and bad, as I'm glad that they park is being used by the Township's citizens, but at the same time, you always want the nice places all for yourself. There are parking areas on different sides of the park, and I prefer to park on the Hamilton/Whitehorse Road side, but that spot is pretty small, is popular with runners, and fills up especially fast on weekends. To make matters worse, for some reason the City recently installed E-Car charging stations there (sure, pick the smallest lot--nice work, Hamilton), so parking in those four spaces is no longer available for anyone, as the even the e-cars must leave after charging. There are well paved paths that lead through the park, and there are park maps located in a few places along the main paved paths. There are also dirt trails that lead through the more wooded areas in the park, but sadly, they are very poorly marked--meaning almost not at all, and it's up to you to figure them out. However, the park isn't so big that you can really get lost, so...go out and try to get lost, and you'll figure out the dirt trails soon enough. They aren't nearly as popular as the paved trails, so they should be your destination if the sensation of having the park to yourself is a goal. There's a dog park located by the Kuser Road entrance. There's a fenced in area for large and smaller dogs, but to be brutally honest, both areas are tiny compared to the expansive dog park located at Rosedale Park in nearby Pennington. That said, if you just want to bring your dog to a place where they can socialize and you're not worried about them having a place to run, it's fine. Just make sure you walk them through the main park itself before or after so that they can get some exercise. On the negative side, other than the poorly marked dirt trails and the underwhelming size of the dog park, the main problem in Veterans Park, which is pretty much the main problem in every park in the county. The city recently put up signs saying there will be improvements made to the paths that include separate bike lanes. It's a good idea, and a necessary one , but I'll be surprised if the people on feet respect the bike lines. Prove me wrong, Hamilton!

Great facility visited here for a USTA tennis tournament. Parking is limited, but they have…read moreextended parking options. There are restrooms within the park. They do have pickle ball courts. The surface of the tennis courts could be maintained well. They do have a hitting wall. I see a lot of dog walkers in the club.

I love this park I've been here with my family and it's amazing we did bike ride walking looking…read moredown at the river I really really love it and it's so beautiful the view is amazing this is one of the best parks I've been in thank you so much have a wonderful day.

This is technically a Mercer County Park. It is cleaned and maintained by the county. However, this…read moreis a park in the heart of the South Ward of Trenton. It is a great place to bring small children to play on the playground or for a quiet walk along the promanade overlooking the Delaware River. You can jog or bike this 61/2acre park but no motorized vehicles are permitted. This is a wonderful respite in a lovely historic neighborhood. Be warned! The residents in this area a extremely active and vigilant. There is no parking unless you have a resident sticker on your car You will be ticketed or towed. There is parking upriver in the lots by the Trenton Thunder baseball stadium. Also, the park closes at dusk. You may get a warning or you may be fined, or...

While the City of Trenton has fallen on hard times over the past 50 years, it must be remembered…read morethat in the 1950s and 60s it was considered an " All American City." A tour of the old neighborhoods reflects its faded glory, from the sweeping stone mansions in Hiltonia, to the riverside peacefulness of The Island, and the professional enclaves of Berkeley Square and Glen Afton. But, the beautiful heart of this capital city has been Cadwalader Park since the turn of the Twentieth Century. It was in the last years of the 19th that the city fathers decided the historic and economic importance of town required a public space equal to its greatness. New York City was creating Central Park with the help of the geniuses Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, so why not , "the City that built the Brooklyn Bridge?" They began by purchasing 90 acres of forested and meadowed land from George Farlee for $50,000 in 1887, and sculpted a park dedicated to the well being of its residents beginning the next year. Olmsted accepted the commission and spent the next decade coming to Trenton to design the park and oversee its development. The immense landscaping project was named after Thomas Cadwalader, a doctor and chief burger (mayor) of the city before the Revolutionary War (1746), and a founder of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia along with Benjamin Franklin. During its heyday the park held a zoo, Ellarslie Mansion, the original home of the McCall family who owned most of the land used as their summer home to escape the heat and disease of Philly summers, before it was sold to the Farlees. They planted many specimen trees and shrubs that were brought from around the world. As with any public works there were government administrations that did not agree with spending taxpayer money for "amenities", and economic hard times that led to benign neglect of the park over many years. The park fell into disrepair and became a dangerous place (just like Central Park). Yet, for those of us who lived nearby it was always a wonderful site to walk, jog, bike along its trails and play softball in its open fields. Today it is a bit disheveled, with an overhead canal running through it, and an interesting city oriented museum operating in the mansion (Olmsted visioned it as a restaurant). It is worth your time when visiting Trenton to drive over and do a walkabout. The trees are now huge and the paths and trails uncrowded. In fall it is awash with color. In winter the view extends down slope to the mighty Delaware River. In spring and summer the sounds of baseball, dogs barking and children on wheels echo throughout. It is my favorite place in this "Trenton Makes, The World Takes" city; struggling, but sprouting new roots and branches for the next century. In many important ways how Cadwalader Park engages with its residents going forward will determine the direction of this city, much more than its main business of state government. It deserves our love and protection. P.S. The Five Stars reflect not just the current status of the park, but its history and future potential. I know that if I were to move back to Trenton, I would want to live in Hiltonia overlooking Cadwalader Park, and have its 109 acres as my front yard.

Williamson Park in Morrisville was the perfect spot for concerned citizens and patriots to gather…read moreon March 28th during the 250 year anniversary of our blessed nation to sing out, "No Kings!" This public space since 1939 is where the community has gotten together for everything from Little League to Fourth of July fireworks for generations. It was fitting that voices be raised out of concern for the continuation of those sacred traditions which always assumed that democracy was always to be a part of those traditions. If felt good and right that we come together on this chilly March Saturday afternoon to recommit ourselves to the struggle against authoritarianism and the beating heart of our Constitution that lives within each of us.

MORRISVILLE, PA: while walking along the Delaware Canal towpath in town, we spotted a beautiful…read more"MORRISVILLE" sign across the way and were so intrigued, we walked over and found Williamson Park! The park has been providing recreational enjoyment to its residents and visitors since 1939. It is a great place to walk your leashed pup and be sure to bring a baggie. The park is also part of a potential redevelopment project that is causing quite a stir in the community. We hope that whatever happens, the town still leaves some green space.

Spacious playground nestled in Lawrence Townships's Central Park. Good for kids up to 10 yrs old…read moreI'd say. There's a big parking lot with lots of spaces. One of the parents said there was a bathroom, but we didn't manage to locate it. There's an abundance of playground equipment available, from monkey bars to swings and slides. Everything is in good shape and my kids had a great time. While there are 2 picnic tables of varying quality available, this park is in desperate need of seating! There's not a single bench or chair anywhere. I would have definitely stayed longer if there was somewhere to sit. Four stars. Serviceable park that your kids will probably enjoy.

Really nice place to take your kids. Safe and clean. You…read morecan watch other kids play baseball on the field.

I don't like using the phrase, "hidden gem", but even though it's quite literally between a…read moreresidential area and I-295, this location is a unexpectedly nice, peaceful space to walk and view nature just minutes from the bulk of Mercer County's population. The name of the page should actually read "John A Roebling Park/Abbot Marshlands", as the surrounding marshlands and its trails make up the bulk of what you'll see, and provides a home for many of the creatures living at the park. It's perfect for a walk to help get in your 10K steps, and you've a great mix of wooded and marsh dwelling wildlife to view. The trails are smooth and easy to walk on. I especially like the trail on the Island portion of the park, as it's completely forested and you can easily walk the entire circular route without encountering another soul. If you're like me and prefer to walk in a park without encountering someone every 30-seconds, this is your place. I wouldn't say the park is quiet, the background buzz of cars on 295 is ever present, but with a breeze and rustling leaves, you really don't notice it unless you try to notice it. That said, if you're at the picnic area--which is actually pretty nice--you're going to hear the traffic. If you have questions about some of the wildlife you see there, the helpful people at the adjacent Tulpehaking Nature Center are very knowledgeable about all things fauna.

John A. Roebling Memorial Park is a quiet pocket of nature in an otherwise urban area, tucked…read morebetween the southeast corner of Trenton and I-295. The park is a good size, with about 3.5 miles of trails. It is part of the larger Abbott Marshlands nature preserve along the Delaware River. Roebling Park's central feature is the beautiful Spring Lake which has a trail looping around it. Waterfowl like swans and ducks can frequently be seen on the lake. The best times to go are in the fall, winter, and spring; humidity and bugs come out of the marshes in full force during the summer. Being an urban park, there are paths connecting directly to the street grid in several places. There are also a couple of entrances with dedicated parking lots. The historic White City Mansion, with its grand old stone staircase, is located by the Sewell Ave parking lot. Even on a nice day, Roebling is much less busy than its larger and better-maintained counterpart Mercer County Park, a 15 minute drive away. It's nice if you prefer a little peace and quiet while walking the trails. Unfortunately Roebling also feels a bit neglected by the county, with some litter and overgrown trails in areas. If it were taken care of better, it would easily be a 5/5 park.

Intro to Rock Climbing with Valley to Summit on September 18, 2022…read more This was my second trip to Chickies Rock with VTS and it was wonderful! There were only 5 of us, so plenty of time to climb. Our Guide, Bob, was so patient, engaged and informative. I learned a lot of great things that I had not known before about clothing, ropes and technique. Bob was so patient with me and was there with his " green pointer" to help me over the tough spots. You should know that I am 74 years old and tho I have climbed indoors for a few years, my stamina was not that of the youngsters who were there! Nonetheless, it was a great time! I highly recommend Valley to Summit, this being my 3 rd trip with them. They Rock!

We were scheduled to do a 1/2 day ice hike at Ricketts Glen. I had spoken to the owner Dave and…read morelet him know of my disabilities. He asked a few questions, then determined that it should be OK for me to go on the hike. Shortly before the hike we received an email from Dave saying that because of the warm weather the trip would not have as much ice as it normally does. He offered to reschedule or refund our money if we wanted, but also said we could go if we wanted. We wanted. When I got there Dave and the guides were fantastic. Very personable. They were helpful but without being intrusive. One of them carried one of my forearm canes in his backpack in case I needed it. (This was to have one hand free for the ice axe.) The hike was great. At the end of the hike I asked one of the guides if he thought I could do the repelling they offer... he conferred with the owner and the lead repeller guide, and they agreed that I would be allowed to do that in the Spring. I highly recommend Valley to Summit for a great time. I look forward to a full day ice hike in February.

This "park" is comprised of 22 acres of land that the township bought from the owners of Kuser…read moremansion. The mansion was built in 1882 and is architecturally interesting, as are a few of the buildings. There is a tennis house that I would love to call my own( I have a thing for tiny houses) But as a township taxpayer I can't help feeling that this property is underutilized. There is a tiny playground that seems to be forgotten. An antique tennis court that appears not to have been played on for decades. A lawn bowling court that is meticulously groomed, but does anyone even know what lawn bowling is? And grape vines that are reverting back to their wild form. A few times a year there are tours of the mansion, and in the summer months there are some concerts near the very large gazebo. But this is not a park with much recreation going on. Not really advisable for walking or jogging unless you are within walking distance. Maybe a picnic spot if you live or work nearby. With all this land it would be nice to see some biking or walking trails, or an upgraded playground at least. Still, in a township where open spaces are evaporating, I guess it is good that this land was not sold to a developer. But for the amount of taxes that residents pay, it would be better to see this park become more utilitarian. It just squeaked in at 3 Yelps.

My wife, Lisa, and I had a wonderful tour of the Mansion with our guide, Joan, today (May 21 2022)…read moreand we loved every minute of it. Joan was a first class tour guide - as was Stephanie who gave the upstairs tour. It's a beautiful house, built in the late 1800s, with many fascinating artifacts and pieces of furniture and the history of the house and the Kuser family are very well presented. I highly recommend a visit - not only to the house but also to the park which has a wndmill, fountain, clay tennis court built in 1912, caretakers home, carriage house, gazebo, laundry house and gardens. Richard Moody Cranbury NJ