Lakeside Park

For those of us in New Jersey, finding a tranquil spot to unwind, connect with nature, or enjoy a day out with the family is always a priority. Nestled in the charming borough of Pompton Lakes, Lakeside Park offers just that – a picturesque and serene waterfront oasis that truly lives up to its name. Overlooking the beautiful Pompton Lake, this park is a beloved local destination, providing a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Lakeside Park is not just a patch of green space; it's a vibrant community hub that caters to a variety of interests. Whether you're an avid kayaker, a fishing enthusiast, a parent looking for a safe and fun playground for your children, or simply someone who appreciates a stunning lakeside view, this park has something for everyone. It's a place where the gentle lapping of the water, the sight of houses beautifully arrayed across the water, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area combine to create a truly idyllic setting for relaxation and recreation. While some local birds might get a bit territorial on the dock, that's just part of the charm of this active natural environment, reminding us of the vibrant ecosystem we share.

Lakeside Park is conveniently located at 580 Lakeside Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA. This address places it directly on the shores of Pompton Lake in the heart of Pompton Lakes Borough, Passaic County.

Accessibility to Lakeside Park is quite straightforward for residents across New Jersey. It is easily reachable by car from various parts of the state. Pompton Lakes is situated within close proximity to major roadways such as Route 287, Route 23, and Route 208, making the drive to the park relatively simple.

Upon arrival, visitors will find parking available. While specific details on the size or type of parking lot aren't extensively detailed in public reviews, the location as a local park suggests ample street parking or a dedicated lot. It's always a good idea to arrive earlier during peak hours or on weekends to secure a convenient spot.

For those utilizing public transportation, NJ Transit bus routes serve the Pompton Lakes area, providing connections from surrounding towns and cities. From a bus stop, a short walk or a ride-share service would likely be needed to reach the park itself. The town of Pompton Lakes is known for its accessibility, including being about 4 miles south of the Lincoln Park train station, which offers rail lines to Hoboken and New York-Penn Station, making it feasible for visitors from further afield to reach the vicinity and then connect to the park. The ease of access, combined with its beautiful setting, ensures that Lakeside Park is a convenient and inviting destination for New Jersey locals seeking outdoor enjoyment.

Lakeside Park in Pompton Lakes offers a variety of amenities and facilities designed to enhance the visitor's experience, catering to different recreational interests.

Services Offered:

• Kayak Launch: A dedicated kayak launch is available, providing easy access to Pompton Lake for paddlers. This is a significant convenience for those who own or rent kayaks and wish to explore the lake from the water.
• Two Docks: The park features two docks, offering ample space for fishing, enjoying the lake views, or launching small watercraft.
• Playground: A designated playground area provides a safe and fun space for children to play, making the park suitable for families with young ones.
• Gazebo: A gazebo offers a sheltered spot for relaxation, picnics, or simply enjoying the scenic surroundings, especially on sunny or lightly rainy days.
• Little Library: The presence of a "little library" promotes reading and community engagement, allowing visitors to borrow or exchange books.
• Porta Potty: A porta potty is available on-site, providing basic restroom facilities for visitors. (Noted in a review as "pretty okay," indicating functional but basic facilities).
• Fishing Access: The docks and shoreline provide opportunities for fishing in Pompton Lake. General New Jersey fishing regulations apply, including the requirement for a NJ State fishing license for those over 16 years of age.
• Soccer Field: The park also features a soccer field, allowing for organized sports or casual play.
• Shoreline Access for Canoeing and Kayaking: Pompton Lakes has public access points along its shoreline for launching canoes and kayaks, extending the paddling opportunities beyond the specific launch.
• Boat Rentals (Seasonal): During summer months, visitors can rent paddleboats, canoes, or kayaks by the hour on Pompton Lake, which is a service often provided through the borough's recreation department.

Lakeside Park is rich with features and highlights that draw visitors to its tranquil shores and engaging facilities.

Features / Highlights:

• Serene Lakeside Views: The park offers "very beautiful serene and peaceful" views of Pompton Lake, with "houses across the water very beautiful too." This picturesque setting is perfect for relaxation and photography.
• Direct Lake Access: With two docks and a dedicated kayak launch, the park provides excellent direct access to Pompton Lake for various water-based activities.
• Kayak-Friendly: The presence of a specific kayak launch is a significant highlight for paddlers, making it easy to get on the water.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The playground is a major draw for families with children, offering a space for kids to play and expend energy. The gazebo provides a nice shaded spot for families to gather.
• Community-Oriented Features: The "little library" is a charming and unique feature that fosters a sense of community and promotes reading within the park environment.
• Casual Recreational Opportunities: The park is ideal for various casual activities like having a picnic or "a bite to eat with this beautiful view," enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply relaxing by the water.
• Fishing Opportunities: The lake is stocked with fish, making it a good spot for anglers. While specific fish species in Pompton Lake aren't listed for this park directly, Pompton Lake itself is known for fishing.
• Managed Green Space: The park is likely well-maintained, offering a pleasant and clean environment for visitors to enjoy.
• Proximity to Terhune Park: A humorous review mentions "Terhune Park's smugness…staring at us over there," indicating that another notable park, Terhune Park, is visible across the lake, possibly adding to the scenic backdrop or offering additional recreational opportunities nearby. (Terhune Park is known to have the burial site of Lassie, the famous dog, which adds a touch of local lore.)

As a municipal park operated by the Borough of Pompton Lakes, Lakeside Park generally provides free public access and its amenities are available to all visitors. Therefore, there are typically no direct "promotions or special offers" in a commercial sense tied specifically to the park itself. However, residents can benefit from broader borough-wide programs and seasonal recreational activities.

For instance, the Pompton Lakes Recreation Commission offers a wide variety of programs for all ages during the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. While not specific to Lakeside Park, some of these activities might utilize the park's facilities, such as organized sports on the soccer field, or potentially kayaking/canoeing classes. During summer months, the borough offers rental services for paddleboats, canoes, or kayaks by the hour on Pompton Lake, which is a direct benefit for visitors to Lakeside Park who might not own their own watercraft.

Additionally, any special community events, such as seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, or recreational challenges, might take place at or around Lakeside Park. These events are often free or have minimal fees and would be promoted by the Pompton Lakes Borough website or local community calendars. For fishing enthusiasts, while a NJ State fishing license is required, the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife sometimes offers "free fishing days" statewide, which would apply to Pompton Lake. It is always recommended to check the official Pompton Lakes Borough website's "Parks and Recreation" section for the most current information on programs, rental fees, and special events.

For inquiries and detailed information regarding Lakeside Park and other recreational opportunities in Pompton Lakes, the primary point of contact is the Borough of Pompton Lakes, particularly its Department of Parks and Recreation.

Address: Lakeside Park, 580 Lakeside Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA

This is the direct physical address for the park.

For general inquiries about parks and recreation, including specific rules, rental information for boats (if applicable directly at the park), or community programs that might utilize Lakeside Park, you would typically contact the Pompton Lakes Borough Hall or the Recreation Commission.

General Contact Information for Pompton Lakes Borough (often found on their official website):

Borough Hall Phone: (973) 835-0143

For specific Parks and Recreation related questions, it's best to navigate to the Parks and Recreation section of the official Pompton Lakes, NJ government website (pomptonlakes-nj.gov). Here you can often find contact details for the Recreation Commission or relevant department staff. The Parks and Recreation section confirms that Pompton Lakes has two recreational lakes and three rivers with public access for shoreline fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

For information on boat rentals that might be available seasonally on Pompton Lake, it would also be advisable to check the Borough's Recreation Department listings.

It is highly recommended to check the official Pompton Lakes, NJ website before your visit for the most up-to-date information on park hours (generally one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset), specific rules (e.g., dog policy, no alcoholic beverages, no swimming/wading), and any current events or program schedules.

Lakeside Park in Pompton Lakes is an undeniable asset for New Jersey locals, offering a delightful blend of peaceful natural beauty and practical recreational amenities. Its accessible location in Passaic County, easily reachable by car from many parts of the state, makes it a convenient choice for a spontaneous outing or a planned family day trip. For those seeking respite from the everyday, the park delivers with its truly "serene and peaceful" views of Pompton Lake, providing an ideal backdrop for relaxation, reflection, or enjoying a meal outdoors.

What truly elevates Lakeside Park for locals is its versatility. Kayakers can easily launch their boats from the dedicated ramp, while anglers can cast a line from one of the two docks. Families with children will appreciate the well-equipped playground, ensuring hours of fun for younger visitors. The presence of a "little library" adds a charming community touch, encouraging literacy and sharing in a natural setting. Even the basic, yet functional, porta potty ensures a more comfortable visit. The unique character, including the playful "smugness" attributed to Terhune Park across the water, simply adds to the local charm. For New Jersey residents looking for a tranquil yet engaging outdoor experience that caters to multiple interests without demanding extensive travel, Lakeside Park is a prime example of our state's accessible natural beauty and community-focused recreational spaces. It's truly a place where you can find both active enjoyment and quiet contemplation right in our own backyard.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park, 580 Lakeside Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442, USA