Hershfield Park

For New Jersey locals, especially those who grew up in or around Pompton Lakes, Hershfield Park is more than just a public space; it's a cherished landmark woven into the fabric of community life and personal memories. This isn't a sprawling wilderness area, but rather a dynamic, multi-faceted park that serves as the athletic and recreational heart of the borough. From active sports to peaceful moments by the water, Hershfield Park offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and interests, making it an indispensable asset for residents of our state.

Hershfield Park has a rich history, with its dedication in 1939 honoring Mr. Hershfield, a pivotal figure in Pompton Lakes' development. This legacy continues today, with the park maintaining its role as a central gathering place for sports, leisure, and connecting with nature. Imagine a place where generations have learned to play baseball and football, where families gather for picnics, and where you can still spot ducks in the summer and geese in the fall. It's a testament to enduring community spirit and the importance of accessible outdoor spaces.

Despite changes over the years, the core appeal of Hershfield Park remains. It’s a place where kids can burn off energy on the playground, where athletes can hone their skills on well-maintained courts, and where dog owners can let their furry friends play freely. Its blend of structured recreation and natural elements along the Wanaque River creates a balanced environment that truly serves the diverse needs of the Pompton Lakes community and beyond. This introduction aims to celebrate Hershfield Park as a vibrant and essential hub for outdoor enjoyment in New Jersey.

Hershfield Park is conveniently located on Hershfield Park Place, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA. This address places it centrally within the borough of Pompton Lakes, a charming community in Passaic County, New Jersey, known for its natural beauty and active local life. For residents across New Jersey, especially those in Passaic, Bergen, and Morris counties, the park's location offers excellent accessibility, making it a regular destination for recreation.

The park's specific location on Hershfield Park Place means it's often nestled within a residential area, making it easily walkable for many local residents. As one long-time local recalled, living less than a "5 min walk from park" highlights its prime residential integration. For those driving, the park is easily reachable via Pompton Lakes' main roads, including Paterson Hamburg Turnpike, which offers straightforward access. A significant advantage noted by visitors is "great parking!", indicating that ample space is typically available to accommodate a good number of vehicles, which is crucial for a popular community park.

Pompton Lakes itself is well-connected by New Jersey's comprehensive road network, including proximity to major highways such as Route 287, Route 23, and Route 208. This ensures that Hershfield Park is a convenient drive for residents from various parts of northern New Jersey. While public transportation options might be more limited to local bus routes, the park's walkability for nearby residents and ample parking for drivers make it a highly accessible and practical choice for outdoor activities and community gatherings in New Jersey.

Hershfield Park offers a wide array of services and facilities designed to support diverse recreational activities for all ages. It functions as a comprehensive community park, providing essential amenities for sports, play, and relaxation. Here are the key services and features it provides:

• Extensive Playground Area: The park features a "playground is great" with "a variety of activities suitable for all children." While there was a recent closure for replacement, new, updated equipment ensures a modern and engaging play experience for younger visitors.
• Basketball Courts: For hoops enthusiasts, the park boasts "nice basketball courts," providing a dedicated space for pick-up games and organized play.
• Tennis Courts: Hershfield Park is equipped with "lots of tennis courts," catering to tennis players of all skill levels, from casual matches to more serious play.
• Dog Park: A highly valued service for pet owners is the "Great dog park," offering a designated and safe area for dogs to run and socialize off-leash.
• Athletic Fields: The park is home to various athletic facilities, historically used for "football (PLYO) and baseball," indicating fields suitable for organized team sports and practices. This includes accommodating "Cardinals home games."
• River Access and Views: Situated "along the Wanaque River," the park provides scenic views and a natural element, potentially allowing for passive enjoyment of the river, like "fishing" (as remembered by a past resident).
• Open Green Space: Beyond structured facilities, there is ample open grassy area for general recreation, picnicking, or simply relaxing in the outdoors.
• Wildlife Observation: The presence of "ducks in the summer and geese in the fall" indicates opportunities for informal wildlife viewing, adding to the park's natural appeal.
• Community Hub for Organized Sports: The park consistently serves as a venue for local sports leagues and teams, fostering community participation and healthy activity.

Hershfield Park in Pompton Lakes stands out as a true gem for the community, highlighted by its diverse offerings and its enduring appeal across generations. Its features are tailored to provide a comprehensive outdoor experience for New Jersey residents. Here are some of its key features and highlights:

• Comprehensive Sports Facilities: A major highlight is its array of well-maintained sports amenities. The park boasts "nice basketball courts" and "lots of tennis courts," catering to both casual players and organized leagues. Its history as a venue for "football (PLYO) and baseball" underscores its robust athletic infrastructure.
• Updated Playground: While a recent update was planned, the "playground is great" and provides "a variety of activities suitable for all children." This ensures a safe, fun, and modern play environment for the youngest visitors, reflecting a commitment to current standards.
• Excellent Dog Park: For pet owners, the "Great dog park" is a significant draw. This dedicated space allows dogs to exercise and socialize freely, making Hershfield Park a truly inclusive recreational area for the whole family, including furry members.
• Accessibility and Parking: Visitors praise the park for being "Easy to get to" and having "great parking!" This convenience is paramount for a popular community park, ensuring that residents can readily access its facilities without hassle.
• Scenic Wanaque River Frontage: The park's location "along the Wanaque River" adds a beautiful natural dimension. This provides a serene backdrop, opportunities for "fishing" (as recalled by a long-time resident), and a chance to enjoy the calming presence of water and local wildlife like "ducks in the summer and geese in the fall."
• Enduring Community Hub: Hershfield Park holds a special place in the hearts of Pompton Lakes residents, with many "growing up" and creating lasting memories there. This historical and communal significance makes it more than just a park – it's a living part of the town's identity.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its numerous amenities, the park is described as "still pretty quiet," offering a balanced environment where active play can coexist with moments of tranquility. This appeals to those seeking both engagement and relaxation.
• Support for Local Sports Leagues: The park's consistent use for "Cardinals home games" and other local sports reinforces its role as a foundational venue for community athletic programs and youth development.

As a public municipal park, Hershfield Park primarily offers free access to its facilities and amenities, rather than traditional commercial "promotions or special offers." Its main "promotion" is its consistent availability and the value it provides to the community. However, for New Jersey residents, there are implicit benefits and opportunities related to its use:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "offer" is that all its diverse facilities – playgrounds, courts, dog park, and open spaces – are available to the public completely free of charge. This makes it an incredibly accessible and affordable option for daily recreation.
• Year-Round Recreation: The park generally operates from "one hour before sunrise" to "one hour after sunset," allowing for extensive use throughout the year (weather permitting), providing continuous opportunities for outdoor activity.
• Community-Organized Sports & Programs: While the park itself doesn't offer promotions, the Pompton Lakes Recreation Commission frequently organizes various free or low-cost sports leagues, clinics (like youth football and baseball, historically played at Hershfield), and community events that utilize the park's facilities. These programs are the "special offers" for structured activity.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: By providing ample space and equipment for physical activity, the park continuously "promotes" health and wellness for all ages, a vital benefit for residents.
• Dog Park Access: The dedicated dog park is a special perk for local pet owners, offering a free and safe space for their companions to exercise and socialize.

To stay informed about specific programming, field availability, or any temporary closures (like the recent playground replacement), New Jersey residents should consult the official channels of the Borough of Pompton Lakes and its Recreation Department.

For more information about Hershfield Park, including updates on facilities, usage guidelines, or inquiries about recreation programs, you would typically contact the Borough of Pompton Lakes' Recreation Department. This is the primary point of contact for municipal parks and their activities.

Contact Information:

Address: Hershfield Park Pl, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA

Phone: (973) 835-7008 (This is a primary contact number for the park or related municipal services.)

Mobile Phone: +1 973-835-7008 (Another direct line for communication.)

For more general inquiries related to Pompton Lakes' municipal services, including parks and recreation facilities, you can also reach out to the Borough of Pompton Lakes directly:

Borough of Pompton Lakes (General Information): (973) 835-0143 (This is a general municipal number that can direct you to the correct department or provide additional information.)

It is highly recommended to check the official website of the Borough of Pompton Lakes (pomptonlakes-nj.gov) under their "Parks and Recreation" or "Alert Center" sections. This is the best source for the most current information regarding park hours, any temporary closures (such as for renovations or maintenance), upcoming events, and registration for various sports leagues or community programs that utilize Hershfield Park.

Hershfield Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for New Jersey locals, particularly those in Pompton Lakes and the surrounding communities, because it serves as a cornerstone of community life and provides diverse recreational opportunities right in our own backyard. For residents of our state, having such a comprehensive and well-loved park readily available offers significant value.

Firstly, its impressive array of facilities – including playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a dog park – caters to a wide range of ages and interests. This means that families with children of varying ages can all find something to enjoy, and individuals can pursue their favorite sports or simply enjoy a stroll. The recent playground updates demonstrate the borough's commitment to maintaining a modern and engaging environment for its youngest residents.

Secondly, the park's historical significance and its enduring role as a hub for local sports leagues (like PLYO football and baseball) foster a strong sense of community and tradition. For New Jerseyans, participating in local sports or cheering on community teams at Hershfield Park builds connections and enriches local life. The natural elements, like the Wanaque River and seasonal wildlife, add a calming and picturesque dimension to the active pursuits.

Finally, the convenience of "great parking" and its central location within Pompton Lakes make it highly accessible. This ease of access ensures that more residents can utilize and benefit from this fantastic municipal resource, reinforcing its status as a vital part of what makes Pompton Lakes a desirable place to live and visit in New Jersey. Hershfield Park is truly a beloved and indispensable asset for our local community.

Hershfield Park

Hershfield Park Pl, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA