I would give this park 4 stars in the day time, but only 2 during the evening. So overall, it gets 3!
The park is one of the only parks in the area in south jersey. There's a walking/running loop that runs along the river and around the park. There are benches and porch swings along the river trail where people can sit, relax and enjoy the sight of the river. There is a Frisbee golf field, a paved basketball court and some playground equipment for kids. There are some picnic tables and public grills. Restroom facilities are open during the day. There is a smaller pond populated by geese, muscovi ducks and mallards. The park is open until 10 p.m.
The park is shared by some diverse groups, some of which have conflicting needs. For instance, the paved running/walking trail along the river is sometimes blocked because of people fishing there and having their gear sprawled all over the trail. They are casting lines and flinging hooks right from the walking trail. With such a beautiful spot right along the river, a public fishing dock seems like a logical addition in order to provide direct water access to fishermen and canoeists/kayakers (the park is clearly not the place to be putting in speed boats or jet skis...).
People bike along the trail and the trail is not wide enough to safely accommodate cyclists and runners/walkers. The park wants to be family-friendly, but there are groups of teens who hang out there usually after dusk - hanging out in cars, revving their engines - you know, doing all the stuff teens do. It makes it unpleasant and unsafe during the evening hours. I'm always afraid to leave my car there though when I go to take my walk or run. Certainly, security and/or police presence should be increased after dusk.
The evening view of the river is spectacular though if you can get past the unpleasant stuff in the parking lot! read more