A stunning 685-acre public park called Colonial Park can be found in Dunellen, New Jersey. The park is a great destination for families and people of all ages because it offers a variety of activities and attractions to its visitors and is owned and managed by the Somerset County Park Commission. Colonial Park offers a wide variety of activities, from its lovely gardens to its many recreational facilities.
The horticultural display garden, one of Colonial Park’s most notable features, has won numerous awards. There are many different types of landscapes in the garden, such as rose gardens, herb gardens, and even a sensory and fragrance garden. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and take in the eye-catching hues and enticing aromas of the displayed plants and flowers. A large pond that is home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals is one of the garden’s many water features. The garden is a well-liked destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to get away from the bustle of daily life because it is open all year long.
Colonial Park provides a range of recreational amenities in addition to its gardens, such as sports fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. Numerous youth sports leagues, including softball, soccer, and lacrosse, play on the park’s athletic fields. The public is welcome to use and reserve the tennis courts in advance. The swings, slides, and other play structures make the playgrounds ideal for younger kids. The park is a great place for a family picnic or a day out with friends because it has many picnic areas with tables and grills.
The Spooky Brook Golf Course is another well-liked destination in Colonial Park. The park’s 18-hole public golf course provides a challenging and enjoyable round of golf for players of all skill levels. Golfers can benefit from the course’s practice amenities, which include a driving range and putting green, as well as its scenic views and testing holes. The golf course also has a clubhouse with a restaurant and a pro shop.
There are several miles of hiking and biking trails in Colonial Park for those who like to hike and explore the outdoors. The trails meander through the park’s fields and woodlands, giving visitors a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery. Visitors can also try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and other freshwater fish at the park’s numerous fishing ponds.
The Rudolf W. is one of Colonial Park’s distinctive features. More than 3,000 roses in more than 325 different varieties can be found in the van der Goot Rose Garden. Rudolf W. is honored in the garden’s name. van der Goot, a well-known horticulturist and former leader of Somerset County’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Weddings frequently take place in the rose garden, and guests are welcome to reserve the space for special occasions.
Colonial Park offers a variety of year-round events in addition to its many attractions, such as a summer concert series, a fall festival, and a holiday festival. The summer concert series presents a range of musical acts, including regional bands and well-known performers from across the country. The fall festival is a fun activity for the whole family that features hayrides, pumpkin painting, and other activities with a fall theme. The winter holiday festival includes Santa Claus, holiday music, and crafts.
A true gem in the center of New Jersey is Colonial Park. For anyone seeking a fun and relaxing day out, its natural beauty, recreational amenities, and attractions make it a must-visit location. Colonial Park offers something for everyone, whether you enjoy the outdoors, sports, or are just looking to get away from it all. So why not take a day to explore everything Colonial Park has to offer? Pack a picnic lunch, grab your bike or hiking boots.
