Colonial Park, located in Franklin Township, offers a spectacular variety of features and activities for park visitors. Acquired in 1965, this 685 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.
Colonial Park offers two picnic areas available by reservation to groups of 20 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 100 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. Please call Karen Behr at 908 722-1200 ext.225 for picnic permit information.
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.