Columbia Ave Park
Rate this placeNearby: Col. Johnson Park Latona Griffin Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Columbia Ave Park is a popular recreational area located in the city of Franklin Township, New Jersey.
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Summary
This spacious park offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.
One of the main reasons to visit Columbia Ave Park is to enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings. The park features lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and a peaceful lake perfect for fishing. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, playing sports such as baseball and soccer, and using the park's playground equipment.
The park is home to several points of interest that are worth exploring, including the historic Van Liew-Suydam House, which dates back to the 18th century. Additionally, the park is located near several other local attractions, such as the Rutgers Gardens and Duke Farms.
A few interesting facts about the park include that it was originally owned by the Van Liew family, who were among the early settlers of the area. The park was officially established in the 1960s and has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts ever since.
The best time of year to visit Columbia Ave Park is during the spring and summer months, as the weather is pleasant and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is also open year-round, so visitors can enjoy its attractions and activities during any season.
Overall, Columbia Ave Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in New Jersey. With its beautiful scenery, fun activities, and rich history, it's no wonder why this park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Col. Johnson Park
Latona Griffin Park
Hird Park
Belmont Gardens
Schevchenko Park