Highlands Preserve

For residents of New Jersey seeking an exceptional outdoor space, the Highlands Preserve in Hewitt stands as a prime example of community enhancement and recreational excellence. Located at Arlington Ave, Hewitt, NJ, this park has undergone remarkable improvements, transforming it into a truly versatile and welcoming destination for individuals and families alike. What was once known as San Cap Park has evolved into a modern, well-maintained facility that seamlessly blends active recreation with the tranquility of nature.

Locals consistently praise the park's fantastic amenities, particularly highlighting the "really nice" kids' playground that is "very well kept." This ensures that families with younger children have a safe, engaging, and clean environment for play. But Highlands Preserve is more than just a playground; it’s a comprehensive recreational hub. The addition of a "paved track around the outside" provides a perfect surface for walking, jogging, or even pushing strollers, making it accessible for a wide range of users looking to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

Beyond the structured play and exercise areas, the preserve also features "beautiful ball fields" for baseball and softball, catering to local sports leagues and casual games alike. This robust offering of amenities, combined with the presence of "hiking trails" that invite exploration into the adjacent woods, truly makes Highlands Preserve "a great recreational addition to West Milford." It’s a testament to how thoughtful development can create a space that serves multiple community needs, from organized sports to quiet nature strolls, ensuring that generations of New Jerseyans can continue to enjoy the great outdoors close to home.

Highlands Preserve is conveniently located at Arlington Ave, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA. This address places it within West Milford Township, a picturesque area of Passaic County, New Jersey, known for its abundant natural landscapes.

The park's location offers straightforward accessibility for local residents, primarily by car. As a county park, it typically provides a dedicated parking lot for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by vehicle. Public reviews indicate that the presence of a parking lot is a key feature, which connects directly to the various amenities, including ball fields and the walking path. This thoughtful design enhances ease of access for all visitors.

While direct public transportation to Highlands Preserve might be limited given its more suburban/rural setting, its position within West Milford means it is readily accessible from surrounding residential areas. Locals can easily drive to the park, and for those in very close proximity, walking or cycling along local roads might also be an option.

The park's integration into the Passaic County Parks System ensures that it benefits from county-level planning and maintenance, contributing to its well-kept appearance and overall usability. Its adjacency to Abram S. Hewitt State Forest also provides a connection to a larger natural network, even though the primary access point and developed amenities are centered around the Arlington Ave address. This combination of local convenience and connection to broader natural areas makes Highlands Preserve a highly accessible and desirable recreational spot for New Jersey residents.

Highlands Preserve offers a diverse range of services and amenities designed to cater to various recreational needs and interests:

• Kids' Playground: A highlight for families, the park features a "really nice" and "very well kept" playground, providing a safe and engaging area for children to play.

• Paved Walking/Jogging Track: A paved track runs around the perimeter or a significant section of the park, ideal for walking, jogging, and pushing strollers, offering a smooth surface for exercise.

• Baseball/Softball Fields: The preserve boasts "beautiful ball fields" suitable for baseball and softball games, accommodating local leagues, team practices, and casual play.

• Hiking Trails: Access to hiking trails within the wooded areas of the preserve and potentially connecting to adjacent natural lands like Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. While some visitors desire better maps, the trails offer opportunities for nature walks and exploration.

• Dog-Friendly Areas: The park is dog-friendly (leashed), allowing pet owners to bring their canine companions for walks along the trails and paths.

• Parking Facilities: A designated parking lot provides convenient access for visitors arriving by car.

• Scenic Overlooks: As part of the Highlands region, the preserve offers scenic views, though not explicitly mentioned for panoramic vistas like some higher elevation parks, it still provides natural beauty.

• Picnic Areas (Potential): While not explicitly detailed, parks with playgrounds and ball fields often include picnic areas or benches for visitors to relax and enjoy meals.

• Community Recreational Space: The park serves as a hub for various community activities, from organized sports to informal gatherings, enhancing local recreational opportunities.

It is important to note that while the park is well-equipped for active and passive recreation, visitors should always come prepared with water and any personal necessities, as the availability of facilities like restrooms or concession stands may vary for smaller community parks.

Highlands Preserve is notable for several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and value within the West Milford community:

• Exceptional Playground Facilities: A major draw for families, the park's playground is frequently praised for being "really nice" and "very well kept." This indicates a commitment to modern, safe, and clean play equipment, providing a high-quality experience for children.

• Multi-Sport Athletic Fields: The presence of "beautiful ball fields" for baseball and softball makes Highlands Preserve a central hub for local sports. These well-maintained fields support organized leagues, youth sports, and casual games, fostering community engagement and active lifestyles.

• Paved Walking Track: The "paved track around the outside" is a significant highlight, offering a smooth, accessible surface for walking, jogging, and even pushing strollers. This feature caters to a wide range of users, from fitness enthusiasts to those seeking a leisurely stroll in a safe environment.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Despite being a developed park, Highlands Preserve also provides access to "hiking trails" that venture into the adjacent wooded areas. While some users express a desire for better trail maps, the existence of these trails allows for nature walks, exploration, and a sense of being immersed in the natural beauty of the Highlands. The park is approximately 250 acres and is adjacent to Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, connecting it to a broader network of trails.

• Seamless Integration of Amenities: One of the most impressive aspects is how effectively the park integrates diverse recreational opportunities. You can enjoy a high-energy game on the ball fields, a relaxing walk on the paved track, and then venture into the quiet woods, all within the same locale. This multi-purpose design enhances its appeal for different family members or groups.

• Community Investment and Improvement: The park's transformation is a clear highlight, reflecting how the county has "improved this park" to an "amazing" degree. This continuous investment ensures that Highlands Preserve remains a top-tier recreational asset for the community. A pedestrian bridge was built to connect the ball fields to a five-mile trail network, signifying a major upgrade.

• Scenic Surroundings: While not always offering dramatic vistas like mountain peaks, the preserve is located in the beautiful Highlands region, providing a naturally appealing environment for outdoor activities. The "panoramic views of Greenwood Lake" are sometimes mentioned in relation to the broader Highlands Preserve area (formerly known as San Cap Park).

• Dog-Friendly Environment: The park is explicitly noted as being dog-friendly (leashed), making it a popular choice for pet owners looking for a place to exercise their dogs in a safe and enjoyable setting.

As a publicly owned and operated county park, Highlands Preserve primarily offers the "promotion" of free and accessible recreation for residents. It doesn't typically run commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, such as discounts or sales. Its value lies in providing high-quality recreational amenities at little to no direct cost to the user.

However, we can frame its inherent benefits as ongoing "offers" to the community:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "promotion" is the consistent free access to the park's grounds, playground, paved track, and hiking trails. There are no entrance fees or parking charges for general use, making it an equitable and readily available option for outdoor activity for all New Jersey residents.

• Free Use of Sports Fields: While organized leagues may require permits or fees, casual use of the "beautiful ball fields" for pick-up games or practice is generally free, providing a valuable community resource for sports enthusiasts.

• Year-Round Enjoyment: The park offers a continuously evolving visual experience throughout the seasons. From lush summer greenery to vibrant autumn foliage and serene winter scenes, each time of year brings its own natural "offerings," providing a fresh incentive for repeat visits.

• Community Events (Potential): While not a regular promotion, county or local organizations (like the Passaic County Parks & Recreation Department or local sports leagues) might occasionally host free public events, tournaments, or community gatherings at Highlands Preserve. These events serve as a "special offer" for engaging with the park and the community. Information on such events would typically be found through official Passaic County channels or local West Milford community calendars.

• Enhanced Infrastructure: The county's "amazing" improvements, including the pedestrian bridge and upgraded pathways, represent a continuous "offer" of enhanced usability and safety for all visitors, demonstrating ongoing investment in the public's recreational experience.

For the most current information on any potential organized events, permit requirements for specific facilities (like ball fields for league play), or changes to park rules, it is always recommended to check the official Passaic County Parks & Recreation website or contact the West Milford Township administration. The core "offer" of Highlands Preserve remains its consistent provision of a well-maintained, diverse, and free outdoor space for the entire community.

For inquiries regarding Highlands Preserve or for general information about parks and recreation within West Milford and Passaic County, New Jersey, please use the following contact information:

Address: Arlington Ave, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA

While a direct phone number specifically for the Highlands Preserve itself isn't publicly listed, general inquiries and contact for facilities within Passaic County Parks can often be directed to the main Passaic County Parks & Recreation Department. You can find their general contact information on the Passaic County government website.

Alternatively, as Highlands Preserve is located in West Milford, local inquiries regarding park operations, maintenance, or community events might also be directed to the West Milford Township offices or their Recreation Department.

For specific details about ball field reservations for leagues, or any potential large group permits for events, it's always best to contact the Passaic County Parks & Recreation Department directly, as they oversee the management and scheduling of these facilities.

For information on hiking trails and maps within the preserve, reputable hiking organizations like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference often provide detailed maps that include Highlands Preserve, sometimes in conjunction with other state forest areas like Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. Online mapping services like Trailforks also show trail networks within Highlands Preserve.

It is always advisable to check official county and local government websites for the most up-to-date information, any park advisories, or changes to operating hours.

Highlands Preserve is an exceptional choice for locals in the New Jersey region, particularly for those in West Milford and surrounding communities, offering a comprehensive and continually improving recreational experience. Its suitability stems from its thoughtful design, diverse amenities, and its role as a vibrant community hub.

For families, the "really nice" and "very well kept" playground is a major draw, providing a safe and engaging environment for children to burn off energy and enjoy the outdoors. Parents can relax knowing their kids are in a well-maintained space. The addition of the "paved track around the outside" makes it ideal for a wider range of users, from those looking for a brisk walk or jog to parents pushing strollers, ensuring accessibility for all fitness levels and ages.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the "beautiful ball fields," which serve as a fantastic venue for local baseball and softball leagues, fostering community sports and providing high-quality facilities. This caters to organized team play as well as casual pick-up games, making it a versatile space for athletic pursuits.

Beyond structured activities, the presence of "hiking trails" allows residents to easily access the natural beauty of the wooded areas within and adjacent to the preserve. While the desire for better maps highlights a minor area for improvement, the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature for a quiet stroll or a more extended hike is invaluable. The fact that it's dog-friendly further enhances its appeal, allowing pet owners to enjoy outdoor time with their beloved companions.

The positive reviews consistently praise the "amazing" improvements made by the county, reflecting a commitment to enhancing public spaces. This ongoing investment assures locals that Highlands Preserve will remain a cherished and functional park for years to come. In essence, Highlands Preserve is more than just a park; it's a testament to community well-being, offering diverse, high-quality, and accessible recreational opportunities that cater to the varied needs of New Jersey residents.

Highlands Preserve

Arlington Ave, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA