Shark River Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shark River Park |
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|---|---|
| Type | Suburban park |
| Location | Monmouth County, New Jersey |
| Area | 946 acres (383 ha) |
| Created | 1961 |
| Operated by | Monmouth County Park System |
| Status | Open all year |
| Parking | Three parking areas |
| Website | http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com |
Shark River Park is a cool place to visit in New Jersey. It's found in the towns of Neptune, Wall, and Tinton Falls. This park is part of the Monmouth County Park System, which manages many parks in the area.
The park started in 1961. It was the very first park owned by Monmouth County. The land was bought after being used for building the Garden State Parkway. It covers about 946 acres, which is like 700 football fields!
The park gets its name from the Shark River, which flows right through it. This river is famous for something special. Kids from local schools often visit to look for fossils. They search in the river gravel for ancient shark's teeth! It's like a real-life treasure hunt for history.
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Fun Things to Do at Shark River Park
Shark River Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. Whether you love being outdoors or just want to relax, there's something for everyone.
Outdoor Activities and Facilities
You can enjoy different activities at the park. If you like fishing, you can do that here with a permit. There are also nice spots for picnics, perfect for lunch with family or friends. Kids will love the playgrounds, and there's even a shelter building if you need a break from the sun or rain.
Exploring the Trails
The park has many trails for hiking. There are about 8.3 miles of trails in total. These paths let you explore the park's natural beauty. You can walk, run, or just enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Park Entrances and Parking
It's easy to get to Shark River Park. There are three different places where you can enter and park your car. These are the Main/Schoolhouse Road entrance, the Gully Road entrance, and the Hillside parking area.
Discover the Park's Trails
Shark River Park has seven different trails. They vary in length and difficulty, so you can pick the one that's best for you.
- Bridge Loop: This trail is 0.4 miles long.
- Cedar Loop: A bit longer at 1.2 miles.
- Fitness Trail: Perfect for a quick workout.
- Hidden Creek: This trail is 2 miles long.
- Pine Hills: Enjoy a 1.4-mile walk here.
- Shark River Run: The longest trail at 2.4 miles.
- Rivers Edge: A nice 1-mile path along the river.
