Memorial Park At Van Neste Square

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is a popular destination located in the heart of Ridgewood, New Jersey.


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Summary

The park is dedicated to the brave soldiers who died in various wars serving their country. It is a peaceful and serene place surrounded by greenery and shady trees, offering a perfect spot for relaxation.

Visitors can explore the park's various monuments, including the World War I Memorial Fountain and the Civil War Monument. The park is also home to a gazebo, picnic areas, and a playground for kids. Additionally, the park offers free concerts and movies during the summer months.

One of the interesting facts about the park is that it was named after a local church, Van Neste, which stood on the site before the park was built. The church was one of the oldest and most significant buildings in Ridgewood, dating back to the 18th century.

The best time to visit Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is during the warmer months of the year when the weather is pleasant. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, have a picnic, or attend one of the many events held in the park.

In conclusion, Memorial Park at Van Neste Square is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ridgewood, New Jersey. It offers a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere, with various attractions and activities for all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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