Recreation Facilities
MATTHEW G. KANTOR MEMORIAL PARK (formerly Riverside Park)
Once known as the Carrington property, in late 1998, Long Hill acquired the 24 acre site in Gillette for recreation purposes. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 26, 2001. Riverside Park was officially dedicated and opened on September 14, 2002. The facility is on the south side of Valley Road, to the east of the Town Hall and the Library, and extends south to the Passaic River. To the east is the Gillette School and the Senior Citizen's Center. On Veteran's Day 2013 (11/11/13), the park was officially dedicated and renamed Matthew G. Kantor Memorial Park to honor Matthew, a resident of Long Hill and Navy Seal who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan in November 2012.
The park is open from sunrise to sundown. Hours are extended on the turf field, tennis courts, and basketball court until 10pm only when the field/court lights are on.
Features:
- 3 Tennis courts - Lighted
- Basketball court - Lighted
- Bocci (2) and Horseshoe (1) courts
- Children's Playground - is designed for children ages 2-5, swings for ages 2-12
- Lighted, Artificial Turf Field marked for Soccer (Full-Sided and Small-Sided), Lacrosse (both boys’ and girls’), and Field Hockey (Field #1)
- Grass Soccer/Lacrosse Field (Field #2)
- Walking paths
- Contiguous paved pathway in a “Figure 8” measuring 2,475’ (.47 mile) for walking/jogging. Click HERE for walking trail diagram.
- Canoe launch and picnic grove at the Passaic River, plus nature trail along river.
- 150 foot wide environmental buffer required to protect endangered species along the river.
- A forested buffer along Valley Road to maintain the rustic appearance of the site.
- Outdoor restroom and storage building (seasonal availability—closed during colder months).
- Benches and picnic tables throughout the park; covered pavilion
- All parking is in the 200 car lot at the adjacent Town Hall and Library.
STIRLING LAKE PARK
Stirling Lake Park is operated by the Parks & Recreation Department. Parking is located off of High Street. The park is open sunrise to sundown. The park may be open longer some days to accommodate department events at the facility. Residents are welcome to visit the park and enjoy the playground (designed for children ages 2-12), and picnic at the pavilion year-round. Fishing is permitted in the fishing pond only (not the swimming lake). NOTE: All NJ Fish & Wildlife regulations and licensing requirements must be followed.
The Long Hill Township Parks & Recreation Department offers swim memberships to Stirling Lake in the summer. Swim Season opens Memorial Day Weekend and continues through labor Day Weekend. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
Members can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, “Wibit Races”, water slide, crafts, water games, picnicking/grilling, beach volleyball, and sandcastle building. Swim Lessons are available for ages 3+. (Kayaks and paddleboards are provided for member use.)
In the winter, ice skating is open only when the “Skating” sign is up on the flagpole. Stirling Lake Park Chestnut Street & High Street, Stirling
No Dogs are allowed at the park.
For more information, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 908-647-8000, ex. 219, 267. During our swim season, the Guard House can be reached when staffed at 908-647-0467.
All summer long, members enjoy racing each other on the Wibit, Stirling Lake’s inflatable obstacle course!
Stirling Lake Park also provides the back-drop for many Parks & Recreation Community Events such as middle school lake dances, concerts, and movies on the beach.
DID YOU KNOW that the west pond is filled by rainwater runoff from the side of Long Hill, but the main lake is filled with water from our own well. Using well water helps protect swimmers from the risks of surface pollutants. There is no water flow between the pond and the lake.
MEYERSVILLE BALLFIELD FACILITIES & PLAYGROUND
Located on New Vernon Road, north of Meyersville Circle.
Meyersville Ballfield
Meyersville Tennis Court
Meyersville Basketball Court
TURTLE ROCK PARK
Turtle Rock Park is a small park located next to the Stirling Train Station (1.26 acres). This park is an area designated for passive recreation with several park benches, a picnic table, and planted gardens. This is also the spot where the Cooper Family Cenotaphs are located.
HICKS' TRACT
Entrance to the Hicks' Tract at the end of Knollandale Road, Millington. Hicks' Tract consists of open space and trails that run from Millington behind the Millington School to Stirling. During the fall of 2014, as part of an Eagle Scout project, members of Pack 56 worked on existing trails and established new trails within Hicks' Tract. For a copy of the trails map in Hicks Tract, please click here:
A beautiful open space along the river in Long Hill and Chatham Townships offers hiking, picnic areas, fishing, a softball field, canoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.