The New Overpeck County Park

Can 154 acres of swamps and landfills really be re-created into Bergen County’s version of Central Park? If you’ve visited the new Overpeck County Park then you know that the answer is a resounding yes.

For almost a year now, more and more families in town have been discovering the new Overpeck Park making it their weekend destination for walking, running, bike riding, soccer, baseball, walking the dog and more. It’s so close to home and has so much to offer.

The centerpiece of the park is Overpeck Creek along which is a winding pedestrian path lined with retro street lamps and benches. And the view is spectacular. If you look across the creek and slightly to the north you can see the steeple of Madonna Church, once the tallest structure in Bergen County. If you look across the Creek and slightly to the south there’s a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline.

Because it was such a gorgeous spring day, the winding path was filled with runners and people walking their dogs; the bike path was filled with bike riders. In fact, if you’re looking for a place to get a solid outdoor workout with little interruption from traffic, there are five miles of pedestrian and bike paths in the park.

No expense was spared on the playground area. There is equipment for every age and ability, including children with disabilities for which the County should be congratulated. Also, there’s a trampoline. Yes, a trampoline. Not only were the kids having a blast jumping, but a few of the parents joined in on the fun.  

The 154 acres also includes one softball field, one baseball field, two soccer fields with artificial turf, and six tennis courts. All the ball fields are lush and professional and even at mid-afternoon there was an informal baseball game, a pick-up soccer game, and even a few people throwing a football.

Around the Creek there are two boat launches where quite a few area high school crew teams, such as Leonia, practice. People can use the launch for their kayaks and canoes. Just like Central Park, there’s an amphitheater in the middle of the great lawn for outdoor performances. For those times when the family needs a little fuel, there are two snack shacks. Even though there is ample parking, the weekends get very crowded, especially as the weather gets nicer and more people discover it.    

The easiest way to get to the new Overpeck Park is to go to the Ridgefield Park movie theater. From the theater you’ll see signs for “Overpeck County Park.” The park is north of the movie theater at the most northern end of Challenger Road.