Spending time outdoors, whether you’re tossing a Frisbee to your dog, hiking a wooded trail or playing a round of golf, has important benefits for your physical and mental health. People who spent two hours or more outdoors every week reported fewer health problems and an enhanced sense of well-being in a British study. Fortunately, finding places to enjoy the great outdoors isn’t a problem for Scotch Plains residents. The area offers a variety of parks and outdoor spaces, including these popular spots.

Scotch Plains Community Parks

Thirteen community parks scattered throughout Scotch Plains provide space to spread out and enjoy a picnic or a game of softball. If you have young children, scouting out local playgrounds may be one of the first things you’ll want to do after moving into the area. Eleven out of the 13 parks offer playgrounds with play structures, slides, swings and other equipment.

Brookside, Farley, Jerseyland, Kramer Manor, Memorial, Route 22 and UC Vo-Tech Parks provide softball/baseball fields, and Kramer Manor, Brookside, Farley and Jerseyland also offer basketball courts. If tennis is your favorite sport, you’ll want to visit Green Forest or Kramer Manor Parks.

During the summer, Ponderosa Park is a popular place, thanks to its Sprayground. Your kids will love dashing in and out of the sprinklers or enjoying a cool breeze on the swings on a hot day.

Local Golf Courses

With two public courses in Scotch Plains, Scotch Hills Country Club and Ash Brook Golf Course, you won’t have to drive far to get in a few rounds. Scotch Hills Country Club is a favorite of serious golfers and families alike, thanks to its 9-hole course and 18-hole miniature golf course. Recently renovated Ash Brook features picturesque, fairways lined with mature trees and spacious greens.

If you’ve been thinking of joining a private country club, you’ll want to consider Shackamaxon Country Club. The club offers an 18-hole championship course designed by Albert Tillinghast, indoor and outdoor dining, a pool complex, a health and fitness center, youth activities and year-round social events.

Wachtung Reservation

You don’t have to travel hours to enjoy a little fishing or hiking when you live in Scotch Plains. Wachtung Reservation is just a few minutes’ drive north of Scotch Plains, yet when you visit, you’ll feel as if you’re far from civilization. The reservation encompasses 1,945-acres and is a popular place to boat, kayak fish, hike, bike, ride a horse or try bouldering. Thirteen miles of trails wind through the Reservation, including the Sensory Trail that offers information about the flora and fauna along the trail.

Another popular trail takes hikers through the Deserted Village. The old mill town of Feltsville was abandoned in 1860, but many of the buildings are still standing.  The Trailside Nature and Science Center features exhibits and hands-on activities exploring the Wachtung Reservation’s history and natural resources. Other areas of interest include Seeley’s Pond and the Loop playground and picnic area.

Passaic River County Park

Passaic River County Park, just a short drive from Scotch Plains, provides scenic views of the river from hiking trails and picnic areas. The 825-acre park attracts many fishermen, but fishing isn’t the only activity the park offers. During the warmer months of the year, you’ll find area residents playing softball, bird watching or simply soaking in the scenery. When winter weather arrives, Passaic River County Park is the ideal place to snowshoe or try cross-country skiing. Pets on leashes are welcome at the park.

Memorial Park

Located in nearby Westfield, Memorial Park on Scotch Plains Avenue offers soccer and softball fields, a playground, and basketball, handball and tennis courts. The Westfield Memorial Pool and Aquatic Complex inside the park features a large main pool, kids’ pool, splash pads, diving tank, playground, swim lessons and a swim team. Memberships are available for non-Westfield residents at a slightly higher cost.

Country Classics is proud to have built and sold seven beautiful single family homes in the heart of Scotch Plains, NJ. This outstanding community may be sold out, but we have several other new home opportunities in the Central New Jersey area. Contact us today to learn more!