McEllen Park

For residents of Paramus, New Jersey, and those of us familiar with the charming corners of Bergen County, McEllen Park is a delightful discovery. Tucked away at 1 W Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA, this park truly lives up to its description as a "Great little hidden park." It’s the kind of local gem that makes our community feel even more special, offering a dedicated space for children to play, families to gather, and neighbors to connect, all within the comforting embrace of our own town.

McEllen Park is a testament to thoughtful urban planning, maximizing its space to provide diverse recreational opportunities. It’s not about sprawling acreage like some larger county parks; instead, it’s about providing quality, age-appropriate facilities right where they are needed most. As local reviews highlight, the park features "two playgrounds - one for 2-5, one for 5+," ensuring that toddlers and older children each have a safe and engaging environment tailored to their developmental needs. This dual playground setup is a fantastic feature for families with children of varying ages, allowing everyone to enjoy their time at the park.

Beyond the excellent playgrounds, McEllen Park also caters to older kids and adults with its "paved basketball court," providing a perfect spot for pick-up games and active recreation. The park’s tucked-away nature, described as "located in a side street," contributes to its quiet, neighborhood feel, making it a comfortable and secure place for families. While it may be a "hidden" spot, its clear dedication to community well-being and active play ensures that once you find it, McEllen Park quickly becomes a cherished part of your local routine.

Location and Accessibility

McEllen Park is conveniently nestled at 1 W Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA. This address places it within a quiet, residential section of Paramus, embodying its description as a "hidden park" or "small park located in a side street." This off-the-main-road location contributes to a more serene and neighborhood-friendly atmosphere, away from the constant bustle of major Paramus thoroughfares.

Despite its somewhat tucked-away nature, McEllen Park boasts good accessibility for local residents. For those arriving by car, direct on-street parking is a significant advantage. As one reviewer noted, "There is no parking lot here but there is usually plenty of street parking," specifically mentioning "plenty of parking in the culdesacs on either side of the park." This makes it easy for families to pull up close to the playgrounds and amenities, especially when traveling with young children or equipment.

While Paramus is largely a car-centric area, residents residing in the immediate surrounding neighborhoods can comfortably walk or bike to the park, enhancing its appeal as a true local amenity. For those utilizing public transportation, NJ Transit bus routes operate along nearby major avenues in Paramus (such as Midland Avenue or Forest Avenue), making the park accessible with a short walk from a bus stop. The park's design and location prioritize local convenience, making it a readily available resource for the immediate community it serves. The clarity of its dedication via "A sign dedicates the park as well" helps visitors confirm their arrival at the correct location.

Services Offered

McEllen Park, while a neighborhood gem, provides a focused set of services and amenities primarily geared towards active play and family enjoyment:

• Dual Playgrounds: A key service is the provision of two distinct playground areas, thoughtfully separated by age group: one designed "for 2-5" year olds (smaller children) and another "for 5+" year olds (bigger kids). This ensures age-appropriate and safe play experiences.
• Paved Basketball Court: The park features a "paved basketball court," offering a dedicated space for casual games and pick-up basketball.
• Open Space: While not explicitly detailed, the park provides general open areas for children to run, play informally, or for adults to relax.
• Benches and Seating: Benches are typically available within such parks, allowing parents and guardians to supervise children comfortably.
• Maintenance: As a municipal park in Paramus, it benefits from regular upkeep, contributing to it being "kept clean for the most part," as noted by a local resident.
• Dedicated Signage: The presence of "A sign dedicates the park as well" serves as a service, providing clear identification and often information about the park or its namesake.

Features / Highlights

McEllen Park, though a "hidden" gem, boasts several key features and highlights that make it highly valuable to the Paramus community:

• Age-Separated Playgrounds: This is arguably the most significant highlight. The park's thoughtful design with "two playgrounds - one for 2-5, one for 5+" is highly praised by parents. It ensures safety and tailored play experiences for different developmental stages, allowing children to enjoy equipment best suited for them.
• Paved Basketball Court: The inclusion of a "paved basketball court" provides a versatile space for sports enthusiasts, from casual players to those looking for a pick-up game, catering to a wider age range beyond just young children.
• Neighborhood Feel: Described as a "Great little hidden park" and "located in a side street," its tucked-away nature contributes to a quiet, safe, and intimate neighborhood atmosphere, making it feel less crowded and more secure than larger, more visible parks.
• Ample Street Parking: The availability of "plenty of parking in the culdesacs on either side of the park" is a practical highlight, making it very convenient for parents driving with children and their gear, eliminating parking stress.
• Cleanliness: The park is noted as being "kept clean for the most part," indicating good maintenance and a respectful user base, which enhances the overall positive experience.
• Community Dedication: The presence of "A sign dedicates the park as well" signifies its importance to the local community and often provides historical context about the park's namesake or purpose.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a public park operated by the Borough of Paramus, McEllen Park does not engage in commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense, as access to its facilities is generally free for residents and visitors. Its primary value lies in the accessible recreational and community benefits it provides.

However, the Borough of Paramus Recreation Department, which oversees parks like McEllen Park, frequently organizes various programs, events, and activities that could be considered "special offerings" to the community. While McEllen Park might not be the primary venue for large-scale events like Petruska Park, it can still serve as a local site for smaller, neighborhood-focused initiatives.

Examples of such "offers" or community enrichment activities could include:

• Free Play: The constant availability of well-maintained playgrounds and a basketball court for free, unstructured play is a continuous "offer" for families, promoting outdoor activity and healthy lifestyles.
• Potential Local Recreation Programs: While not explicitly stated, smaller, neighborhood-specific recreational programs or informal gatherings organized by the borough or local community groups might occasionally utilize McEllen Park.
• Community "Pop-Up" Events: Sometimes, local municipalities or community groups might host temporary "pop-up" events like storytelling sessions, fitness classes, or small gatherings in neighborhood parks like McEllen Park.

To stay informed about any such activities or programs that might utilize McEllen Park, locals are encouraged to check the official Paramus Borough website, specifically the Recreation Department's calendar or announcements sections, or look for information disseminated through local school systems or community boards. These resources are the best way to discover ways to take advantage of the park’s amenities and any organized activities.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding McEllen Park in Paramus, NJ, or the broader Paramus Recreation Department services, you can use the following contact details, primarily through the Borough of Paramus municipal offices:

• Park Address: 1 W Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
• Phone (General Inquiries / Recreation Department): (201) 265-2100
• Mobile Phone (Also a primary contact): +1 201-265-2100 (These numbers typically connect to the Paramus Borough Hall, which can direct you to the appropriate department).
• Paramus Recreation Department Specific Phone: (201) 265-9321 (This is often the direct line for the Recreation office for program registrations and specific inquiries, as indicated on the borough's website.)
• Email (Recreation Department): recdepartment@paramusborough.org (As listed on the Paramus Borough Staff Directory).
• Official Website: The Borough of Paramus official website (www.paramusborough.org) is the best resource for detailed information on park facilities, event calendars, department hours, and contact specifics for the Recreation Department. Look under "Departments" then "Recreation."

When contacting, clearly state that your inquiry pertains to McEllen Park to ensure you are directed to the most appropriate person or department who can assist you.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

McEllen Park is perfectly suitable for locals in Paramus, NJ, because it precisely meets the needs of a residential neighborhood for accessible, safe, and engaging outdoor recreation. It’s a quintessential example of a community park that directly serves its immediate surroundings, fostering active lifestyles and social connections right at our doorstep.

Its primary suitability stems from its thoughtful design for children. The presence of "two playgrounds - one for 2-5, one for 5+" is a significant advantage for local families, ensuring that children of various ages have dedicated, appropriate, and safe play structures. This eliminates the need for parents to travel further afield to larger, potentially more crowded parks, making spontaneous outings easy and convenient. The "paved basketball court" further broadens its appeal, offering a space for older children and adults to engage in active play.

Furthermore, McEllen Park’s status as a "hidden" or "small park located in a side street" contributes to its charm and safety. It feels less like a general public space and more like a cherished extension of the neighborhood, providing a quieter, more secure environment for children to play. The ample street parking in the cul-de-sacs adds to its practicality, making visits hassle-free for those driving. The observation that it’s "kept clean for the most part" also indicates good maintenance, which is always a priority for local residents.

In essence, McEllen Park is ideally suited for locals because it provides a highly functional, well-maintained, and family-friendly recreational space within easy reach, fostering a strong sense of community and enhancing the quality of life right in the heart of our Paramus neighborhoods. It's a valuable resource for daily outdoor fun and connection.

McEllen Park

1 W Jockish Square, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA