Maple Grange Park

For those of us who call New Jersey home, especially in the beautiful Sussex County region, having access to top-notch recreational facilities is a huge benefit. Maple Grange Park, located at 36 Maple Grange Rd in Vernon Township, NJ, stands out as a jewel among our local outdoor spaces. This expansive park is far more than just a patch of green; it's a meticulously maintained, multi-faceted complex designed to cater to athletes, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. From bustling sports fields to tranquil walking paths, Maple Grange Park truly offers something for everyone, making it a cornerstone of community life in Vernon.

Maple Grange Park consistently receives glowing reviews from visitors, highlighting its cleanliness and diverse amenities. As one parent noted after an away game, "It's a beautiful field. Huge playground. Walking trail around the park. They have restrooms and portapotties for when restrooms are closed. This was a nice place to have to travel to get to." This sentiment is echoed by others who appreciate the park's upkeep: "This park is always very clean and well kept! The trail is a little over a mile long, and it's paved so it's ideal for pushing a stroller. The playground is in great condition and there is ample parking so even when it's busy, you're still likely to find a spot." Such feedback underscores the park's commitment to providing a superior experience, whether you're there for a competitive game or a leisurely family outing.

What makes Maple Grange Park particularly suitable for us locals is its comprehensive offering. It's a place where youth leagues thrive on well-maintained synthetic turf fields, where parents can push strollers along a paved, accessible trail, and where children can enjoy an impressive playground. The inclusion of basketball courts and exercise stations along the walking trail further cements its status as a complete recreational destination. It’s a vital asset that supports active lifestyles and fosters community engagement right here in Vernon Township, proving that our local parks are truly among the best.

Maple Grange Park is conveniently situated at 36 Maple Grange Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA. This address places it firmly within Sussex County, a region of New Jersey known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and abundant natural beauty. The park's location makes it easily accessible for residents of Vernon Township and neighboring communities, as well as those visiting the broader Sussex County area.

The park is located off Maple Grange Road, a well-traveled route that connects to major local roads, ensuring straightforward access for those arriving by car. A significant advantage highlighted by visitors is the "ample parking" available, which means that even during busy sports events or peak recreational hours, finding a spot is typically not a challenge. This ease of parking enhances the overall accessibility of the park, making it a stress-free destination for families and sports teams.

For those who prefer walking or cycling, the park's internal layout is designed for user-friendliness. Its paved walking trail, stretching "a little over a mile long," is ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual walks, ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of users. Its integration into the local road network and the emphasis on accommodating vehicle traffic with sufficient parking reinforces its status as a highly accessible and popular recreational hub for the entire community.

Maple Grange Park, as a premier community park in Vernon Township, offers a wide array of services and facilities tailored to support various sports, recreational activities, and community gatherings. These services are meticulously maintained to ensure a high-quality experience for all visitors.

• Multi-Purpose Synthetic Turf Fields: The park boasts three state-of-the-art synthetic turf fields, suitable for a variety of sports including soccer, football, lacrosse, baseball, and softball. These fields ensure consistent playability regardless of weather conditions.

• Grass Field with Ballfield: In addition to the turf fields, there is a large open grass field with a ballfield and backstop, providing another versatile space for sports and activities.

• Baseball and Softball Diamonds: Dedicated areas are available with ball fields for baseball and softball, including dugouts and a grandstand for spectators, supporting local leagues and tournaments.

• Basketball Courts: Hard surface courts are available for basketball, accommodating pick-up games and casual play.

• Large Playground: A "huge playground" in great condition provides a safe, engaging, and fun environment for children of various ages, with ample space for active play.

• Paved Walking/Running Trail: A "little over a mile long" paved walking trail circles the park, ideal for walking, running, pushing strollers, and accessible to a wide range of users.

• Outdoor Exercise Stations: Along the walking trail, there are exercise stations, allowing visitors to incorporate strength and flexibility training into their outdoor routine.

• Restroom Facilities: The park provides access to restrooms, including permanent structures and porta-potties for convenience, especially when main facilities might be closed.

• Covered Pavilion and Community Building: A covered pavilion and a community building are available at the mid-field location, offering shelter from sun and storms, and likely serving as a space for gatherings and events.

• Ample Parking: Generous parking facilities ensure that visitors can easily find a spot, even during busy periods.

These extensive services make Maple Grange Park a comprehensive recreational destination, catering to the diverse needs of the Vernon Township community.

Maple Grange Park in Vernon Township, NJ, distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its standing as a premier recreational facility in Sussex County. These elements are frequently praised by visitors and contribute to its widespread appeal.

• State-of-the-Art Synthetic Turf Fields: A significant highlight is the presence of three multi-purpose synthetic turf fields. These fields are renowned for their durability, consistent playing surface, and ability to be used in various weather conditions, making them ideal for high-demand sports like soccer, football, baseball, and softball.

• Expansive and Well-Maintained Grounds: The park spans over 180 acres of "beautiful, rolling parkland," which is consistently described as "very clean and well kept." This commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant and inviting environment for all activities.

• Large and Modern Playground: The "huge playground" is a major draw for families with children. Its "great condition" indicates a focus on safety and modern play structures, providing endless fun for younger visitors.

• Paved Walking Trail with Exercise Stations: The "little over a mile long" paved walking trail is a standout feature, particularly for its accessibility (ideal for strollers) and the inclusion of "exercise stations along the trail," promoting a holistic approach to fitness.

• Versatile Sports Offerings: Beyond the turf fields, the park also includes basketball courts, a large open grass field with a ballfield, demonstrating its capacity to host a wide range of sports and activities simultaneously.

• Convenient Facilities: The availability of "restrooms and portapotties" (for when main restrooms are closed), a "covered pavilion and community building," and "ample parking" significantly enhance visitor comfort and convenience.

• Community Hub for Events: The park's comprehensive facilities make it an ideal venue for hosting various community events, sports tournaments, and local gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

• Historical Significance (Adjacent): While not directly part of the park's recreational features, the adjacent Black Creek archaeological site at Maple Grange is a historically significant Native American site, adding a layer of cultural depth to the surrounding area.

These highlights collectively solidify Maple Grange Park's reputation as a top-tier recreational facility, offering both functionality for serious athletes and recreational opportunities for families, all within a beautifully maintained setting.

As a publicly owned and operated municipal park by Vernon Township, Maple Grange Park does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its primary value and "offer" to the community are the free and continuous public access to its extensive facilities for recreation and enjoyment.

However, the park does provide "promotional" benefits in the form of accessible community programming and events, often organized by the Vernon Township Recreation Department. These can be considered offers to the local population, providing value without a direct monetary transaction for park access itself.

• Free Access to Facilities: The most significant "offer" is the free public use of the playgrounds, walking trails, exercise stations, and basketball courts.

• Community Events and Activities: The Vernon Township Recreation Department frequently hosts various free or low-cost events at Maple Grange Park throughout the year. Examples include:

  • Vernon Day: An annual community celebration often held at the park, featuring live music, food vendors, games, and activities for all ages.

  • Chalk Art Festival & Art in the Park: Creative community events held at the park, often free to participate or attend.

  • Organized Walks/Hikes: The "Trails Challenge" program from Vernon Township, for example, encourages locals to explore trails like those at Maple Grange, with no charge for participation.

  • Youth Sports Leagues: While league registration might involve fees, the park provides the high-quality fields, serving as a venue for local youth baseball, softball, soccer, and football teams, offering valuable structured recreational opportunities.

• Facility Use for Leagues/Organizations: While direct public access is free, sports organizations or groups looking to reserve fields for consistent use would typically apply for permits through the Vernon Township Recreation Department, which involves associated fees to cover maintenance and scheduling.

To stay informed about specific upcoming free events or low-cost programs at Maple Grange Park, locals are encouraged to regularly check the official Vernon Township website's Recreation Department section and their community events calendar.

For any inquiries regarding Maple Grange Park, including facility usage, event scheduling, general information, or reporting maintenance needs, the most appropriate contact is the Vernon Township Recreation Department, as they manage the park's operations.

Address: 36 Maple Grange Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA (This is the physical location of the park.)

For direct contact with the Vernon Township Recreation Department, you can use the following details:

Main Phone: (973) 764-4055

Direct Line to Recreation Director: (973) 764-4055, ext. 2261

Email for Recreation Director: mdowntain@vernontwp.com

For general information, park rules, field request forms, and a calendar of events, it is highly recommended to visit the official Vernon Township municipal website (www.vernontwp.com) and navigate to their "Recreation" section. This online resource provides comprehensive details and updates regarding all township parks and recreational activities.

For residents of New Jersey, particularly those in Vernon Township and the wider Sussex County area, Maple Grange Park is an exceptionally suitable and indispensable local asset. Its comprehensive design, meticulous upkeep, and diverse offerings make it a truly ideal destination for individuals and families seeking quality outdoor recreation.

Firstly, the park's extensive array of sports facilities makes it a cornerstone for active lifestyles. With multiple synthetic turf fields, a large grass field, baseball/softball diamonds, and basketball courts, it caters to virtually every team sport imaginable. This means that local youth leagues, adult recreational teams, and casual players all have access to high-quality venues right in their community. For parents, this translates to convenient access to organized sports and ample space for their children to play and develop athletic skills.

Secondly, Maple Grange Park excels in providing family-friendly amenities. The "huge playground" is a massive draw for younger children, offering a safe and engaging environment for imaginative play. The "paved walking trail, a little over a mile long," is perfect for strollers, ensuring that even the youngest family members can enjoy the fresh air. The inclusion of exercise stations along the trail provides a valuable opportunity for adults to incorporate fitness into their park visits, creating a holistic recreational experience for all ages.

Finally, the consistent praise for the park's "very clean and well kept" condition, coupled with "ample parking" and accessible restrooms, underscores Vernon Township's commitment to providing a high-quality public space. This attention to detail creates a welcoming and comfortable environment, encouraging frequent visits and fostering a strong sense of community pride. Maple Grange Park is more than just a collection of fields; it’s a vibrant hub where neighbors connect, children thrive, and the health and well-being of the community are actively supported. It truly enhances the quality of life for locals in Vernon Township, making it an essential part of our New Jersey landscape.

Maple Grange Park

36 Maple Grange Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462, USA