Colonial Park
General Information
Colonial Park, located in Franklin Township, offers a spectacular variety of features and activities for park visitors. Acquired in 1965, this 568 acre facility includes scenic frontage on both the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Millstone River. Recreation facilities, prize winning horticultural displays, and pristine natural areas are spaced amid the broad lawns and ponds of this diverse Somerset County park. Located within Colonial Park is Spooky Brook Golf Course; an 18 hole championship course which offers a wide open layout with spacious fairways and greens.
Picnic Areas
Colonial Park offers two picnic areas available by reservation to groups of 50 people or more. The Knob Hill picnic area can accommodate up to 150 people, and is located just off the main park drive near a newly installed playground and other family recreation facilities. The Pine Grove picnic area can accommodate up to 250 people, and is adjacent to a softball field. Additional picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park for use on a casual basis. The Morgan Pellowski playground features innovative, barrier free equipment.
Athletics and Lifetime Sport Opportunities
A 1.4 mile fitness parcourse is laid out along a paved path used by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. Three ponds, stocked each year by the NJ State Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife, offer anglers of all ages prime fishing locations. A softball field is available by reservation to leagues, tournaments, and those wishing a pickup game. The Lois Howe Nature Trail is a remnant of the oak, hickory, and beech forests which characterized this area in the past. A main trail and several smaller branch trails lead visitors into areas rich in varied plant and animal life. In winter, supervised ice skating and cross-country skiing are offered when weather permits.
Putting Course and Paddle Boats
at Colonial Park
General Information
Colonial Park is the home of an 18-hole putting course unlike the traditional resort type miniature golf courses. The one-and-a-half-acre course has no amusements, and instead offers players mini-gardens and natural landscaping features. Instead of traditional "boxed" holes, the fairway greens range from twenty-five to seventy-five feet long! Each hole has been designed to provide a fun and challenging experience for both the experienced golfer and first-time player. In order to accommodate players with physical disabilities, all 18 holes are fully accessible; only the second course in the country to achieve that feat. The Putting Course is open April through October. Course fees are $5.00 for adults, $4.50 for children and seniors, and a group rate of $4.00 is available for 10 or more players. Ten-visit passes are also available at a discounted rate. The Putting Course phone number is 732 873-8585. Individuals with hearing impairments may use the relay service at 711.
On nearby Powder Mill Pond, paddleboats are available for rent. For persons with limited mobility, there is a boat with hand operated pedals. Prices for a half hour rental are $5 for a 2-seater boat and $7 for a 4-seater boat.
Putting Course 2003 Operating Hours:
April 19 - May 23 Saturday and Sunday 12noon-8pm
May 24 - Sept 1 Daily 10am - 9pm
Sept 2 - Oct 19 Saturday and Sunday 12noon-8pm
Paddleboats 2003 Operating Hours:
April 19 - May 23 Saturday and Sunday 12noon-5pm
May 24 - Sept 1 Daily 10am - 7:30pm
Sept 6 - Oct 19 Saturday and Sunday 12noon-5pm
Directions to Colonial Park
Mettlers Road, East Millstone, Franklin Township, NJ 08873
( Includes: Arboretum, Rudolph W. van der goot Rose Garden,
The Fragrance and Sensory Garden, & The Perennial Garden )
From Route 287
Follow Route 287 to Exit 10 (Easton Avenue/New Brunswick). Take Easton Avenue for two quick lights, and at the second light, make a right onto Cedar Grove Lane. Follow Cedar Grove Lane for approximately two miles, and make a right onto Weston Road. Follow Weston Road to the first intersection, and make a left onto Elizabeth Avenue. Travel a 1/4 mile and the entrance to Colonial Park will be on the right side.
From Route 206
Southbound:
Take Route 206 to Dukes Parkway. Go through the U-turn and cross back over Route 206. Follow Dukes Parkway to the end, and turn right onto Main Street. Go through the center of Manville. Make a left at the light onto the Manville Causeway(Wilhousky Street). Go over a small bridge and turn right onto Weston Road. Follow Weston Road for 1.5 miles and make the first right onto Mettlers Road. Entrances to Colonial Park will be on the left and right.
Northbound:
Take 206 to Amwell Road. Make a right at the light onto Amwell Road. After three and a half miles you will see a sign for Colonial Park on the right side. Turn left here onto Mettlers Road. Entrances for Colonial Park will be on the left and right.
From New Brunswick area (Hamilton Street - Amwell Road)
Follow Hamilton Street from New Brunswick - the name changes to Amwell Road in Somerset. Amwell Road comes to a fork; turn left. You are still on Amwell Road. Follow to the second light and make a right onto Elizabeth Avenue. Follow Elizabeth to the Colonial Park entrance on the left.