New 4-Mile Regional Trail Envisioned In Burlington County

WILLINGBORO, NJ — County officials are seeking state funding to build a regional trail linking two popular Burlington County parks.

Commissioners voted to approve an application for a grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program earlier this month, the county said. This grant would fund the design and engineering for a four-mile trail in Willingboro, connecting the county's Willingboro Lakes Park and the township's Mill Creek Park.

Both of these recreation areas are off Beverly-Rancocas Road, less than a mile by car. Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said it "makes sense" to link the two popular spots.

Eventually, the county envisions connecting the proposed Willingboro trail to neighboring Westampton, commissioners said in a news release.

Burlington County has already received a $50,000 grant from the Department of Community Affairs "to study the feasibility and potential routes for the proposed larger pathway," officials said.

“The County opened Willingboro Lakes a few years ago and the park quickly became a favorite of Willingboro residents and others from across the county. And Mill Creek Park is one of the oldest and most iconic destinations for recreation and family fun in the region,” said Hopson. “Both parks offer accessible outdoor spaces and amenities that residents of all ages and interests can enjoy and linking them with a trail makes sense. It will make them both even more attractive to county residents and visitors.”

The proposed path would be 100 percent wheelchair accessible and be safe for pedestrians and bicycles to travel. Commissioner Allison Eckel said linking the parks will make them even more accessible and a better resource for the county's outdoor enthusiasts.

“Mobility is a basic right, and we want our residents to have additional safe options to move around our county and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces and community parks that exist here,” said Eckel, who is the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks.

Willingboro Lakes Park (formerly Olympia Lakes) includes two lakes with fishing piers, a playground, a small group pavilion, and about three miles of biking and hiking trails over 105 acres.

The older Mill Creek Park covers 180 acres and is the home to events including the Willingboro Jazz Festival and Pumpkin Fest. It has a fishing pond, walking paths and trails, a baseball diamond, pavilions, exercise stations, playgrounds, and tennis courts.

The county has created more than 50 miles of regional and park trails, including the first phase of the Rancocas Greenway Trail through Delran, Riverside and Delanco; and the new Arney’s Mount Trail in Springfield.