Burlington County Parks Warm Up to Spring

Our Burlington County parks play host to several popular showcase events, such as Earth Fair, the Fall Foliage Float and Arts in the Park. But the parks are alive with family programs and activities year-round, and this spring is the ideal time to explore.

The events calendar perpetually is filled with a variety of programs—from nature walks and canoe trips led by park rangers, to fly-fishing, bird-watching and amphibian exploration.

Many programs are targeted at youngsters. Even better, almost all are free, and dog-friendly. It’s all about fresh air and exercise. Can you get a better deal?

A wealth of information is at your fingertips. You can get both a full description of each park, as well as the current list of programs at the various parks, by tapping into www.co.burlington.nj.us/parks. Information is also available by calling 609-265-5858.

Aside from the hiking and biking trails, typical to our parks are picnic areas, restrooms and age-appropriate play areas.

Those who hit the trails for the first time, by themselves, or as a program participant, find it both a mind- and eye-opening experience. The panoramic view of the Delaware River at Amico Island Park in Delran, the bird-busy marshlands at Boundary Creek in Moorestown, and the rugged terrain in Crystal Lake Park in Mansfield are just a few examples of what you will find.

Altogether, there are nine designated county parks, including the expansive Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton, the Prison Museum in Mount Holly and the Community Agriculture Center in Moorestown.

The county most recently-acquired Willingboro Lakes Park, and with input from local residents, is working on improvements to make this picturesque site, with two attractive fishing lakes, more accessible and user-friendly.

You can’t help but notice that several parks share a common resource—namely, the Rancocas Creek. This includea Pennington Park in Delanco and Long Bridge Park in Hainesport.

Two other park destinations must be mentioned: 

• Palmyra Cove Nature Park, just south of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, is a 250-acre site along the Delaware with an extensive trail network and nature center. The “Cove” also offers an extensive list of events. Freeholders have worked cooperatively with the Burlington County Bridge Commission to improve the park. More information can be had at www.palmyacove.org or by calling 856-829-1900.
• Rancocas State Park, a 700-acre portion on the south side of the Rancocas Creek, is open daily, and maintained by the county through an agreement with the state. The park is located on Rancocas Avenue in Hainesport, in close proximity to Long Bridge.

You may have read recently about our call for volunteers to participate in park “cleanups” and, in fact, we are fortunate to have a dedicated corps of regulars who find this just one more way to enjoy the outdoor experience. If you want to know more, call 609-499-1001, ext. 266.

Finally, yes there will be a renewal of Earth Fair at Smithville. Mark your calendar now for Sunday, June 9.