805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 842-4000     
Park Brochure & Map

Thompson Park Visitor Center , former homer of Geraldine Thompson (pictured below)

The Park System Headquarters are located in this 667 acre park, which was established in 1968 with a donation of 215 acres from the estate of Geraldine Livingston Thompson.

Mrs Thompson's beloved "Brookdale Farm" was a premier thoroughbred race horse breeding/training facility. Today, the park remembers Mrs.Thompson's belief that "children have to feel the ground beneath them and go out into the woods and see the trees and birds."

Built in 1896 as the Thompson family residence, this grand colonial revival mansion had been used as a Visitor Center and was destroyed by a fire on February 6, 2006. The Visitor Center has been rebuilt in the same style.  The first floor is now open to the public Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm and weekends 10am-4pm.  Public restrooms are open 8am to dusk.

Thompson Park Headquarters Building

The park features several areas with names that remind visitors about its rich history. The Estate Grounds section includes the beginnings of a beautiful Memorial Tree Grove and the site of the former Geraldine and Lewis Thompson mansion. The Old Orchard area provides easy access to the 14 miles of trails within the park and is reminiscent of the former Thompson family apple orchard. The Filly Run area is home to the park's playground and also provides access to the park trails, specifically the 4.9 mile paved trail loop. The Three Barn section is named for the two large horse barns (now Theatre Barn and Activity Barn) and a cow barn (now the Creative Arts Center). The Three Barn area is also where the extremely popular off-leash dog area is located.  

Thompson Park has opportunities for varied recreational interests including 14 miles of multiple-use trails (4.9 miles paved), a playground, tennis courts, a fishing lake for canoes/kayaks and electric-powered boats, a seasonal group picnic facility, Creative Arts Center, and off-leash dog area. The athletic fields are available for rental for soccer and rugby games only. Those interested in renting these or other fields for games, click here to learn more.  

Canoe Rentals
New for the summer of 2010, a limited number of canoes are available for rental on Saturdays June 12, July 10, August 14 and September 11 from 10am -2pm to canoe Marlu Lake. Fee is $15.00 per canoe for two hours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, call (732) 842-4000 ext 4238.

Reservable Group Picnic Area 
Thompson Park features a reservable group picnic area and is a great spot to host a family reunion, an office get-together or a bunch of friends.

Trails
Old farmroads and a former horse exercise track are popular routes for walkers and runners. There is also a 4.9 mile paved trail.

Park Map with Trails (pdf)

 
Click on map to enlarge & print.

Directions

• Garden State Parkway to exit 109. Southbound, turn right onto Rt. 520 West (Newman Springs Rd.); Northbound, turn left onto Rt. 520 West 2.2 miles to Park (past M.T. Thompson park and Brookdale  College entrance ) on left.
• State Hwy. 34 to Rt. 520 east. Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Rt. 520 east to Park entrance.