This park is huge with plenty to do but I only came for the rose garden. It is small, some labels…read moreare missing, and several beds need maintenance. It feels more like a city park than a quiet garden. I personally would not return, though I see why neighbors enjoy having green space nearby. When I visited, a large group had formed a circle that occupied an entire section of the small rose garden. There were no signs indicating the area was reserved, and their gathering unintentionally made the space feel closed off to other visitors. In shared public spaces like this, especially in smaller gardens, it is important for any group, whether local or new to the community, to be mindful of the park's norms and not treat the small public garden like it's only for them. Many people visiting or living here may not be aware of how these spaces are typically used, so a little consideration goes a long way in keeping the park welcoming for everyone.

I grew up with Brookdale Park. I would bike over with Daddy - or in the beginning, trike over - and…read morewe would ride the paths together. Down the little dirt trail by the stream near Watchung Ave., see if I could make it down the ditch under the bridge, then back up near the duck pond to look at the birds. Over to the playground, down the tall metal slide (burning in the hot sun), on and under the wooden playground (splinters and the occasional scary bee), and riding the swings, both pony-themed and regular. Slow forward to 2025. Brookdale still has the same paved paths. The old dirt trail gradually became a bunch of bumps for dirt bikes instead of my regular bike. The duck pond was filled in years ago but is now a wetlands area. The playground has been modernized a couple of times and is now modern, safe plastic. Still pony-themed swings. The old gravel track is now modern plastic for running or similar sports - though there was something special about sliding my bike around the turns on that gravel track. You just can't ride on a running track. There's an annual softball tournament there we still play, and the fields really haven't changed, though I've heard it's been getting tougher to get things reserved properly. So it's still a wonderful park, but without the ducks and with the complications to holding in park events, the fifth star has gone away with my childhood. That's OK. It will always be 5 stars in my heart.

One of the best parks in the northern NJ area for a family friendly walk. No through traffic while…read morein the park. The park has a basketball court, baseball field, bathrooms, and picnic tables. One of the best features is that there's a stream that runs through the park with a small waterfall at the end. Plenty of restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the park

We passed by this park by accident when we were grabbing desserts. It was so pretty with the fall…read moreleaves I had to stop real quick to take a photo. It is a big park we drove around it to get to a different location we were going to. I saw teenagers playing around the park and people walking their dogs. A great place for a chill, relaxing day to walk around or spend time in.

While visiting Stonehill apartments today, I discovered the new West Orange Dog Park. It's huge! I…read morelearned the grand opening was a few months ago. There are two separate, gated play areas - one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Easy to use gate latches for getting in and out with your dog smoothly and safely. Watering stations with cute bowls are available. It's a lot of run room for dogs. The whole dog park with the car lot is 2 acres. Some benches there also outside of the play areas if you'd like to sit. You'll need a permit to go here ($10 for WO residents/$20 for non-WO residents), but it's a lot of space for dogs and ample, free parking. Heads up - one thing to consider before visiting is the current lack of trees, so there are not many shaded areas on sunny days (so I knocked a star off for that). I imagine this park will be popping in fall. Just maybe too hot right now.

Brand new spacious dog park with a side for large dogs and small dogs. Plenty of parking and…read morebenches to sit. (NO one is checking for passes) . A fountain for water is there as well as poop bags. Trees are planted for shade and close to Stonehill Luxury Apartments, which feel like a luxury chic mountain resort. Great addition to West Orange!

The use of leaf blowers every day at 9 am is absolutely ridiculous. The only area of the park where…read morepeople come every day is unbearable. The noise and fumes makes the hour I spend with my dogs hell. What a waste of money! EVERY DAY!! I'm sure the county can spend the money more wisely--like putting down more gravel to cover the dust. Maybe even bring water into the small dog side of the area.

I would skip this dog park, after coming here the past few days and bringing my pup I realized it's…read morejust not the safest. When there's a bbq (which is right next to the dog park) there tends to be a lot of children and they come in to play with the dogs. That's fine but most of the time they leave the doors open and my dog is the first one to want out then I'm chasing after him. Overall it's really just a fenced in little spot, the doors could honestly be a lot safer and larger. The people who visit with their dogs are friendly enough. The area is also pretty close to the street so it's just something to be aware of. I think there's a lot of safer parks out there to bring your pups even if it's a drive away. Unless your dog is incredibly well trained, unlike mine!

THE GOOD -----------------…read more+ Large, scenic park with LOTS and lots and lots of cherry blossoms (more than in Washington D.C.!) for viewing during Cherry Blossom season. + On specific days, during the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, there are special events - such as Family Day, Bloomfest - which include the presence of food trucks and activities (bounce castles, music) for kids. + Trails are easily walkable by people of all ages. + There is a clean, large playground, basketball courts towards the southeast end of the park. + A majority of the park encompasses a lake and a pond, which makes the walking very serene. + Parking is allowed inside of the park along the roads, so feel free to drive into it instead of parking outside of the park. THE NOT SO GOOD ----------------------------- - On those verrrrry popular days to visit (e.g., weekends during the Cherry Blossom Festival), parking can be chaotic inside of the park, so come early in the morning and bring your patience. MIXED THOUGHTS ---------------------------- = Nada. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS -------------------------------------- = Nada.

Did you know, Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey, has the largest single collection in the…read moreUnited States, with about 5,300 trees in 18 varieties. April is the time to go as they are in their peak bloom season. You will be rewarded with beautiful and scenic walking trails and picnic lunches under cherry blossoms. The park runs its annual Cherry Blossom Festival as well as multiple events such as the Cherry Blossom Bike Race Challenge, and the Cherry Blossom 10K run that happened last Sunday, April 12th. The weather was excellent, and there was plenty of community pride as everyone showed up. You can also be a spectator, should you choose to, if you don't want to partake in the run. Family Day will be taking place on April 18th. For those who wish to take in the scenery only, the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center renovation has been completed since last Fall of 2023. Inside, there are comfortable bathrooms, an artificial but exceptional-looking year-round cherry blossom tree in full bloom, and a souvenir center where you can purchase sweatshirts, t-shirts, etc. Proceeds benefit Branch Brook Park Alliance in care of the park, according to the Branch Brook Park's website. The entire Welcome Center has a modern and open feel throughout the building as it has plenty of natural lighting and high vaulted ceilings. As you enter, to your immediate right, you will find the gallery space with historical displays and a mural depicting the vast collection of cherry blossoms and their history. If you are ever in the area, this is absolutely worth a visit and yes, it is completely free.

Great hidden gem . this park is great has a lake and a large dog park that usually provides dog…read morewaste bags too. Has a pond and plenty of room the fly kites and also a black topped walk way around the whole perimeter. There are tennis courts and basketball courts too.

Very spacious park and nice walking path after visiting the dog park. The park is a little outdated…read moreand can use some landscaping. Not sure why the town hasn't done anything about it. They have doggy bags most of the time. No water fountain. The bathrooms are open during the day nearby in the park. It is located near playground for kids within distance so you can watch them while you're at the dog park.

Now open. Town is still working on parking and an additional area for larger dogs. Check it out.read more

Great dog park. Well maintained with lots of space for dogs to roam and play. There is a separate…read morepark for big and small dogs.

Good dog runs in woodsy park…read more Things it has going for it: - Separate large and small dog runs - Dedicated dog drinking fountain in each dog run - Poop bags provided - Port-a-potty in parking lot - Dedicated parking - Plenty of shade - Great fencing - Plenty of lawn furniture for seating Things it has going against it: - Might be too much shade - Gets buggy - Gets muddy - Dirt and wood chip ground cover Take some trees down and upgrade ground cover, along with some TLC and this is a 4 star dog run. Dog runs/parks I have been to so far: http://www.yelp.com/list/nyc-metro-area-dog-parks-runs-queens