Rockaway Township is fortunate to have thousands of acres of public open space and parkland located in the community.  Listed below are some of the areas with a brief description of park amenities.  For a complete listing of parks locations within the Township, click on the link below to access a detailed map depicting all recreation and other public facilities as well as street locations.

                                                   
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Frog Falls Aquatic Park – Located at Picatinny Arsenal, this modern family oriented aquatic facility is an exclusive membership park open to residents of Rockaway Township and partner communities; Jefferson Twp., Wharton Boro, Rockaway Boro, Dover, Denville, Roxbury, Sparta, Mine Hill and West Milford.  The park features a large zero entry leisure pool that connects to a lap pool; two water slides, kiddie pool with snail slide and water features, “lazy river”, splash pad, Primo’s Food and Beverage service and locker/rest room facilities. 

The season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day 7 days a week.  (May and June while schools are open, hours are from 3pm to 7pm – otherwise the park is open from 11am to 7pm with several weeks open till 8pm.  Contact the Rockaway Township Recreation Dept. for current fee structures and additional membership information or see Web Link page.  Visit the site at:

 http://www.pica.army.mil/mwr/MWR/AquaticPark/FrogFallsSite/home.htm

Mount Hope Pond – Summer swim season begins Memorial Day weekend and is open weekends only until school is out, then 7 days per week until Labor Day.  Hours are from 10am till 6pm Tuesdays & Thursdays in mid summer until 7pm.  The facility is open to residents only for a fee, children under 5 are free. 

Shoreline fishing is permitted except in beach area.  NJDEP stocks the pond in the spring and fall with trout.  Boats are not permitted.

Lake Ames – Features large playground facility, picnic and walking trail around lake.  Shoreline fishing is permitted.  No swimming or boating.

Parks Lake – Lombardo Park and the Rotary Memorial Gazebo is a multi-use outdoor park featuring a .7 mile paved walking path.  Bicycles and rollerblades are permitted. Dogs are also permitted providing they are leashed and the owners clean up after them. 

The site is jointly owned and maintained by Rockaway Township and Rockaway Boro.  Beach area is maintained by Rockaway Boro and access during the summer months is for members only.  Rockaway Twp. Residents may purchase memberships through Rockaway Boro Recreation.

The Gazebo is the site for free summer concerts and other various programs throughout the year. 

Shoreline fishing is permitted with the exception of the beach area.  Ice fishing is not permitted at this site. Boats are not permitted on the Rockaway Township side.  During the Winter months, Parks Lake is monitored for public ice skating when conditions permit.  Check signage posted at the park to ensure conditions are acceptable.  For more information on this park and available activities, contact the Rockaway Twp. Recreation Dept.

Peterson Field – Features four multi purpose athletic fields utilized by permit only for various sports programs.  Three outdoor basketball courts, two tennis courts and small playground structure are open to the public.

Egberts Lake Park – 72 acre park with small lake was recently purchased in early 2006.    The natural park features a gravel walking path around the lake, benches and picnic facility.  Shoreline fishing is permitted.  Boating and swimming is not permitted.

Wildcat Ridge WMA – Owned by the State of New Jersey, this natural area features thousands of acres of open space available to the general public for hiking, hunting & fishing.  Visit the “Hawkwatch” scenic overlook and experience the beauty of the NJ Highlands.   Several marked trails provide for various levels of hiking abilities.  Visit the NJDEP website for more detailed information and maps. -   see Link

Splitrock Reservoir – The reservoir and surrounding land is owned by the City of Jersey City and the public may access the water body for fishing and kayaking only from the public access parking area located near the dam.  Only Car top watercraft is permitted providing it is launched from the access located at the parking area.  Gas powered motors are not permitted.  Shoreline fishing is not permitted.  Hiking is allowed only on the specific marked trails – other access will be considered trespass and violators will be subject to fine.

Farney State Park – Located in the northern part of the town, this natural area is open to the public.  See NJDEP link

Farney Highlands Trail – This 19.4 mile trail offers a wide range of scenic nature opportunity for the beginner to the very experienced hiker.  The trail runs from Hibernia to Newfoundland through the Copperas Mountain.  Additional information is available through the Morris Land Conservancy website – see Link  http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/wmaland.htm