Burlington County Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien recently announced that the she will once again be holding “Sneaker Sunday” walks this summer throughout the county parks system. The first walk is set to take place on Sunday, June 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Willingboro Lakes Park.
Formerly known as Olympia Lakes, Willingboro Lakes Park offers features common to many of the parks throughout the county. Though Freeholder O’Brien’s event will introduce residents to the park’s hiking trails, Willingboro Lakes Park also offers a variety of fishing attractions.
As for the event, O’Brien expressed her excitement by saying, “Sneaker Sundays are a fantastic way for people of all ages to enjoy the expansive scenery and wildlife of our various parks while practicing healthy habits.”
Each month a different park will be featured for a walk led by Freeholder O’Brien and a park ranger who, over the course of an hour or so, will point out the various habitats, wildlife and bird species that can be found throughout the parks. Walks will begin promptly at 4 p.m. at each park’s information kiosk. No pre-registration is required.
“We want to get as much of the community engaging in and taking advantage of the wonderful parks that we have here in Burlington County and we hope that Sneaker Sundays will do just that,” O’Brien said.
Residents can look forward to discovering the expansive scenery and wildlife of the County parks on foot as all are welcome to participate in Sneaker Sundays, a summer-long program aimed at drawing residents to the park trails for a casual Sunday stroll.
Upcoming walks include:
June 19 — Willingboro Lakes Park
4154 North Route 130, Beverly — Formerly Olympia Lakes, this 105-acre park is open for walking, fishing, and bird watching.
July 17 — Long Bridge Park
County Route 541, Hainesport — Long Bridge Park is a forested sanctuary along the Rancocas Creek that includes spacious picnic areas and plenty of wildlife observation opportunities.
Aug. 14 — Crystal Lake Park
Axe Factory Road, Mansfield — Crystal Lake is a very expansive park with a rugged feeling that provides the perfect wilderness experience.
Sept. 11 — Historic Smithville Park, Arts in the Park
803 Smithville Rd., Eastampton — Smithville features beautiful river vistas and plenty of wildlife observation opportunities.
Additional information on these parks and all of the County’s parks can be found on the parks section of the County website: www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/parks
