By Amy Filippone, Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Moorestown’s Swede Run Fields Dog Park opened in 2016, and attendance is up. This beautiful dog park located on Westfield Road is now equipped with an on-demand stop light for safe crossing. Burlington County put in the crosswalk, lights and signs along Westfield Road. The speed limit has been reduced from 50 to 45 mph for increased safety.
Formerly Benner Farm, Swede Run Fields is a 130-acre designated open space that was acquired by the township in 2002. The dog park is on a 40-acre parcel of Swede Run Fields its amazing features include the original maple tree in the driveway and 150 year old shed, which is maintained by the Moorestown Historical Society. The parks is also home to 2.5 miles of walking paths looping the beautiful landscaped area. The property is bordered by brush wetlands and flood plains, which provide diverse opportunities for wildlife habitat.
The dog park has two fenced sections:one for dogs under 35 pounds and one for larger dogs more than 35 pounds. Dogs and owners access the park through double gates ensuring security for their beloved animals. The Department of Parks and Recreation do provide bags for waste removal and water. They only ask that whatever you bring in — tennis balls, Frisbees, water bowls — you take when leaving. If your dog is a digger, please fill in the hole when he is done. Park hours are from sunrise to sunset. Visiting after dark is forbidden and disruptive for people that live in the surrounding area.
One resident, Liz Hepp and her dog Chloe have been coming to the park since it opened.Â
“It’s become very popular, especially when it’s a nice day,” Hepp said. “It’s a great way to meet other dog lovers and the dogs get to socialize with each other. It’s super fun and there are places to sit, covered and uncovered, while the dogs are running around.”
The Moorestown Lunch Rotary Club has adopted the dog park and beginning this fall will be holding “clean ups” which includes general trash pickup and beautifying the park. Helping to give our furry friends a safe, beautiful and fun place to run around.
So come out and enjoy this beautiful park with or without your canine friends and take in the beauty of one of the Moorestown’s historic farming sites.
