| The Somerset County Park
Commission provides specialized park areas and facilities of regional interest which
supplement municipal parks and recreation areas. Additional natural areas are in the
Watchung Mountains and are heavily wooded; Little Brook Sanctuary is in Bernardsville; and
the Chipman Tract is in Bridgewater. Colonial
Park, Franklin Township
This parks arboretum includes the Rudolf
van der Goot Rose Garden, the Fragrance and Sensory Garden, and the Bridal Garden. Other
attractions include picnic sites, two playgrounds, three fishing ponds, a fitness course,
paddle boat rentals, a canoe launch, a 1.4-mile paved walking/bike path, eight lighted
tennis courts, and a bridle path.
Colonial Park Tennis Center, Franklin
Township
Eight all-weather composition courts are
available. The center is fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater
This scenic park along the Raritan River offers
picnic sites, two playgrounds, two softball fields, and free outdoor summer concerts on
Sundays.
Green Knoll Golf Course, Bridgewater
The oldest course in the county system, Green
Knoll is a challenging championship course.
Green Knoll Tennis Center,
Bridgewater
This 10-court facility is open for day or night
play. Classes and tournaments are organized throughout the year.
Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills
This 33-acre garden features rock formations and
plants from around the world.
Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge
Area horseback riders can use the stables or
take lessons in English-style riding. An environmental education center has a natural
history library and bookstore.
North Branch Park (County
Fairgrounds), Bridgewater
Bordered by the north branch of the Raritan
River, this is the site of the annual 4-H Fair each summer. Facilities include picnic
sites, two softball fields, two horse show rings, and a model airplane field.
Quail Brook Golf Course, Franklin
Township
A gently rolling front nine is complemented by a
tight back nine. The clubhouse serves as a senior center.
Ralph T. Reeve Cultural Center,
Branchburg
This 35-acre site is dedicated to promoting the
cultural arts. It is home to the Printmaking Council of New Jersey.
Sourland Mountain Preserve,
Hillsborough and Montgomery
This hilly, 1,530-acre park is open for public
visitation on a limited basis to preserve its ecologically sensitive character.
Therapeutic Recreation Services
Year-round recreation is available to
individuals of all ages and disabilities through this cooperative effort by participating
municipalities.
Warrenbrook Golf Course, Warren and
Green Brook
This 18-hole championship design offers a unique
challenge with its tall trees and narrow fairways.
Warrenbrook Park, Warren
Located at the Warrenbrook Golf Course, the park
features an outdoor swimming pool, classes and special clinics.
Delaware and Raritan Canal Park
This linear park runs 50 feet along the bank of
the canal for its entire length. It is a favorite hiking spot for area residents. Canoe
and boat rentals, a playground, picnic sites and fishing are available.
Washington Rock State Park, Green
Brook
From this vantage point, General George
Washington looked down upon British troops during the Revolutionary Wars First
Middlebrook Encampment in 1777. Facilities include picnic sites, walking paths, and a
scenic overlook point.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Off Pleasant Plains Road in Basking Ridge, the
nearly 7,000 acre Refuge is ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. To the west,
visitors can see a wooded swamp, a bog, and a freshwater marsh. To the east, hikers can
enjoy eight mile-long trails. |