Stonetown Recreation Center

For residents of Ringwood, New Jersey, the Stonetown Recreation Center is much more than just a park; it's a dynamic hub for community activity, youth sports, and an accessible gateway to the region's stunning natural landscapes. Located on Mary Roth Drive, this versatile facility caters to a wide array of interests, seamlessly blending well-maintained athletic fields with direct access to some of Ringwood's most beloved hiking trails. It truly embodies the spirit of a vibrant, active community that values both organized recreation and outdoor exploration.

The Stonetown Recreation Center is particularly renowned for its excellent athletic facilities. It's a place where local youth soccer and softball teams practice and compete, where basketball enthusiasts can shoot hoops, and where families can enjoy open grassy areas. The emphasis on high-quality fields and courts reflects Ringwood Township's dedication to providing top-tier resources for its residents to engage in physical activity and foster a sense of teamwork and sportsmanship.

What sets Stonetown Recreation Center apart, however, is its unique position as a launching pad for outdoor adventures. With direct access to challenging hiking trails, such as the Stonetown Circular, it appeals equally to avid hikers seeking rugged terrain and beautiful views. This dual functionality makes it an exceptional resource for active individuals and families, allowing them to transition effortlessly from a game on the field to an immersive hike in the woods. For locals, Stonetown Recreation Center is a cornerstone of community life, offering diverse opportunities for health, fun, and connection with nature.

Stonetown Recreation Center is conveniently located at Mary Roth Dr, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA. This address places it within the Stonetown section of Ringwood, a picturesque and naturally abundant township in Passaic County, New Jersey. The center's location is highly accessible for residents of Ringwood and surrounding areas, situated within a peaceful residential backdrop that seamlessly transitions into vast natural spaces.

One of the key advantages highlighted by visitors is the "well maintained parking lot area with plenty of spots." This ample parking is a significant convenience, especially during peak times for sports events or hiking group gatherings, ensuring that visitors can easily find a place to park and access the facilities without hassle. Directions to Stonetown Recreation Center are straightforward, typically involving routes like taking Route 287 to Exit 55, then connecting to Route 511 North (Wanaque), and eventually turning onto Westbrook Road, then Stonetown Road, which leads to Mary Roth Drive. This road network makes it a manageable drive from various parts of Northern New Jersey.

The center's location also provides direct "access to hiking," indicating that trailheads are either immediately adjacent to or very close to the parking and field areas. This integrated design is a major benefit, allowing individuals to easily combine different types of recreational activities in one visit. While public transportation options directly to the center might be limited, its excellent road access and ample parking solidify its status as a highly accessible and user-friendly destination for locals seeking both organized sports and immersive outdoor experiences. Its setting within Ringwood allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Highlands region without feeling isolated or inconvenienced by difficult access.

• Athletic Fields: The complex features "excellent" fields, including two softball fields and a full-sized soccer field, catering to various organized sports and general recreational play.
• Basketball Court: Stonetown Recreation Center is home to a "full sized basketball court," providing a dedicated space for basketball enthusiasts.
• Kids' Playground: The complex includes a playground area for children, offering a safe and fun space for younger visitors.
• Snack Stand: A snack stand is available on-site, providing refreshments and convenience during events and games.
• Restrooms: Restroom facilities are provided for visitors' comfort and convenience.
• Ample Parking: A "well maintained parking lot area with plenty of spots" ensures easy access for all visitors.
• Direct Hiking Access: The center provides "access to hiking" trails, including the challenging "red trail loop" (Stonetown Circular Trail), offering opportunities for strenuous walks and scenic views.
• Grass Field Space: Plenty of open grass field space is available for practices, informal games, and general outdoor activities.
• Community Sports Programs: The fields and courts support various sports programs offered by the Ringwood Recreation Commission, including youth soccer, softball, and adult leagues.

• Versatile Recreational Hub: A primary highlight is the center's ability to serve multiple recreational needs, offering facilities for team sports (soccer, softball, basketball) alongside direct access to challenging hiking trails.
• Excellent Athletic Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the "excellent" quality of the fields and the "full sized basketball court," indicating well-maintained playing surfaces for various sports.
• Ample and Well-Maintained Parking: The "well maintained parking lot area with plenty of spots" is a significant convenience, ensuring easy access even during busy times.
• Direct Access to Strenuous Hiking: A major draw is the direct access to the "red trail loop" (Stonetown Circular Trail), which is noted as "hard" with "quite few ups and downs" and "pretty cool views." This appeals to serious hikers seeking a challenge.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of a kids' playground, snack stand, and restrooms makes it a convenient and enjoyable destination for families with children of various ages.
• Integrated Nature and Sports: The unique combination of organized sports fields and rugged hiking trails within the same complex allows visitors to seamlessly transition between different types of outdoor activities.
• Community-Focused Design: The center is designed to support a wide range of community recreational activities, from youth leagues to individual exercise, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle in Ringwood.
• Dog-Friendly (with caveats): While dogs are "not allowed up in the field area," the acknowledgment that some owners "like to stop in the grassy areas out front on road trips" suggests some flexibility for pet owners in designated areas, emphasizing responsible pet ownership.

As a municipal recreation center and public park facility, Stonetown Recreation Center does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense, such as discounts or sales on services. Its primary value and "offer" lie in providing accessible and well-maintained public recreational resources for the community.

However, the "special offers" of Stonetown Recreation Center for locals are inherent in its consistent provision of invaluable community assets:

• Free Access to Public Facilities: The most significant "promotion" is the free and open access to its excellent sports fields, basketball court, and playground. This provides a cost-effective solution for families and individuals seeking active recreation.
• Access to Organized Sports Programs: By providing top-tier facilities, the center supports various youth and adult sports leagues and programs run by the Ringwood Recreation Commission. While these programs may have registration fees, the availability of high-quality, local venues makes participation convenient and viable for residents.
• Free Hiking Opportunities: The direct access to the Stonetown Circular hiking trail provides a free and challenging outdoor activity, allowing locals to explore Ringwood's natural beauty without any entry cost.
• Community Building: The center serves as a vital gathering place for families, sports teams, and hiking groups, fostering a strong sense of community and social connection, which is an invaluable, intangible "offer."
• Ongoing Maintenance and Improvement: The fact that the fields are "excellent" and the parking lot "well maintained" indicates ongoing investment by the township, ensuring that residents consistently have access to high-quality facilities without additional direct charges for usage.

For details on specific sports programs, registration periods, or any community events held at Stonetown Recreation Center, residents should consult the official Ringwood Parks and Recreation Department website. They regularly update schedules and program offerings, which represent the primary "promotional" activities related to the use of the center's facilities.

For inquiries regarding the Stonetown Recreation Center, including information about field use, schedules, or general recreational programs in Ringwood, the best point of contact is the Ringwood Township Department of Community Services & Recreation.

Address of Stonetown Recreation Center:

Mary Roth Dr,

Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA

While there isn't a direct phone number specifically for the Stonetown Recreation Center facility itself, inquiries are typically handled through the main Ringwood Recreation Department office.

Ringwood Parks and Recreation Department Contact:

Address: 60 Margaret King Ave, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Phone: (973) 475-7129 or (973) 475-7171

You can also find extensive information, program schedules, and online registration options on the official Ringwood Parks and Recreation website:

www.ringwoodnj.net/content/5670/5672/default.aspx

For specific questions related to the Stonetown Circular hiking trail or other trails in the area, resources like njHiking.com or the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (nynjtc.org) can provide detailed maps and information.

It is always recommended to check the official Ringwood Parks and Recreation website for the most current information regarding hours of operation, field availability, program registration, and any important announcements or closures.

The Stonetown Recreation Center is an exceptionally suitable and vital asset for the residents of Ringwood, New Jersey, offering a comprehensive and accessible array of recreational opportunities right in their local community. Its suitability stems from its dual functionality, combining excellent athletic facilities with direct access to challenging natural trails.

For local families, the center is a cornerstone of youth development and active living. With "excellent" fields for soccer and softball, a "full sized basketball court," and a dedicated "kids' playground," it provides ample space for children and teenagers to engage in organized sports, develop skills, and simply enjoy outdoor play. The availability of a snack stand and restrooms further enhances its convenience for parents and makes it a central gathering point for local sports events, fostering a strong sense of community spirit and support.

What truly sets Stonetown Recreation Center apart for Ringwood locals is its unique integration with the natural environment. The "access to hiking" directly from the center's well-maintained parking lot allows residents to transition seamlessly from cheering on a game to embarking on a challenging outdoor adventure. The "red trail loop" (Stonetown Circular Trail), noted for its "pretty cool views" and "ups and downs," offers a robust workout and a refreshing escape into nature for hikers of all levels, right at their doorstep. This blend ensures that the center caters to a wide spectrum of active lifestyles, from team sports enthusiasts to avid nature explorers.

Furthermore, the consistent upkeep of the facilities and the ample parking underscore the township's commitment to providing high-quality, accessible public spaces. This investment directly benefits residents by ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and reliable venue for their recreational needs. Stonetown Recreation Center is more than just a collection of facilities; it's a dynamic hub that enhances the quality of life in Ringwood by promoting physical fitness, fostering community bonds, and providing immediate access to the beautiful natural landscapes that define the region. For locals, it's an indispensable resource that caters to every facet of an active, community-oriented lifestyle.

Stonetown Recreation Center

Mary Roth Dr, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA