FOREWORD A strong economy has been the catalyst for We need to do more. Environmentally sensitive lands unprecedented growth in Burlington County over the past must be protected. Also, the Freeholders must address few decades. The rural landscape has changed the recreation needs of the growing population. The dramatically in many regions of the County, from farm residents of the County agree and have shown their fields, barns and wooded lots, to one dominated by office support through the overwhelming approval of two buildings, tract housing and retail space. referenda creating a dedicated fund for the preservation of farmland and open space and the development of a To date, growth has occurred in a largely uncontrolled County parks system. manner, and the resultant sprawl has brought traffic snarls, noise, and over-crowded schools. The environment has So, here we are. We have an opportunity to create also suffered from poorly planned development. The something very special. Our open space inventory quality of our waterways has been compromised, consists of 1,500 preserved acres and our parks system is significant wildlife habitat has been lost, and air quality has largely comprised of our historic sites – Smithville Mansion been degraded. But most importantly, we are in jeopardy and the Historic Prison Museum. The Freeholders are of losing our sense of place. Development pressure has committed to creating a first-rate parks system. We have not lessened. We must act quickly to ensure that the rural actively engaged the public in the planning process so that character of our County is more than just a memory. the vision for the parks is one that is shared by all. The master plan outlined in the subsequent pages will The Freeholders recognize that in order to preserve the provide a parks and open space system designed to quality of life that attracts people to Burlington County, a preserve and protect our critical environmental, cultural, balance between growth and preservation must be sought. historic, and scenic resources while expanding passive This is reflected in the planning initiatives undertaken by recreational opportunities for all residents. the County, from its highly successful farmland preservation program, to the smart growth planning See you in the parks! studies in the Route 130 and Route 206 corridors. William S. Haines, Jr. Freeholder Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 1 SECTION I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Burlington County Board of meetings conducted during the conservation agencies, to preserve Chosen Freeholders has directed compilation of this plan and land areas. Unfortunately, the that this Parks and Open Space interviews with community leaders, resources of the County and its Master Plan be prepared to set forth non-profits, and other government conservation partners are not a short- and long-term strategy for officials. The strategic plan in the without limit. Suitable resources the acquisition of open space and subsequent text is a product of this must be used efficiently so that lands the development of a parks system effort to actively engage the public in are preserved and the parks system that will meet the region’s the creation of a vision for Burlington is developed in a meaningful recreational needs. County. manner. To be effective, this “blueprint” must In Section III, the plan sets forth four With this in mind, the goals listed create a vision for the communities key goals that resulted from the above have been used in this of Burlington County and dialogue with the public: planning process to identify project recommend policies, actions, and areas that will be the near-term strategies to be implemented by not Create a County parks system focus of the County’s preservation only the County, but also by local, that expands public access to and parks development efforts. state and federal governmental diverse, passive recreational These areas are: agencies, as well as the private and facilities, non-profit sectors. This vision and Aggressively protect the County’s • Rancocas Creek Greenway — the recommendations must reflect significant natural resources, A 20-mile long interconnected, input from all of those entities, the Preserve and enhance the predominantly off-road trail communities at large, and the culture and heritage of Burlington system is envisioned along the general public. County, and Rancocas Creek. The trail will Coordinate park system run from the Delaware River to To that end, the Freeholders initiated development and open space Smithville Regional Park and a planning process that began by preservation with compatible beyond. At several locations, obtaining resident feedback through growth, preservation and “hub” sites will be developed with a public opinion survey. This survey recreation initiatives. various passive recreational assessed residents’ desires for the amenities. development of a County parks In order for the County to implement system. This information has been these goals, it must partner with augmented by public outreach other public and private land Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 2 • Delaware River Greenway — In development (i.e. abandoned scenic views from roads and trails cooperation with the National railroad rights-of-way and that should be preserved. Park Service, riverfront roadway improvements for municipalities, and non-profit bicycle compatibility). Potential Burlington County’s park system will organizations, Burlington County hub site development includes be developed with predominantly will help develop the Delaware the Arney’s Mount region of passive recreational amenities at River Heritage Trail - a 50-mile Springfield Township. regional hub sites, with a focus on loop trail in New Jersey and public access to waterways and Pennsylvania. Burlington County • Mason’s Creek/Rancocas connective “spoke” linkages from will also seek to acquire Creek, Southwest Branch site to site. Interpretive signs and properties for hub park Project Area — The focus in this programs will incorporate the development and improve public region is linkages to existing and County’s rich history and natural access to the Delaware River. proposed public/private open resources to “tell the story” of space projects, supplemented by Burlington County. To accomplish • Barker’s Brook Project Area — strategic hub site acquisition and this, park users can expect the This project area is development as necessary. following amenities to be developed predominantly in Springfield Burlington County envisions the within the County: Township, the core of the conversion of existing railroad County’s “Farm Belt,” and rights-of-way to multi-use trails to • Trails for hiking, biking and encompasses Arney’s Mount, the connect the populace to all horseback riding highest point the Burlington regions of the County. • Nature and wildlife viewing County. Activities will focus on opportunities the promotion of the County’s • Pinelands Project Area — The • Picnic areas agricultural heritage and may state and several conservation • Water recreation opportunities include acquisition of land that organizations will continue to • Open air amphitheaters would serve as a permanent focus their resources here. The • Horticultural garden facilities home for the County Farm Fair, County will assume a supporting • Play areas and a “working farm” to promote role with the intent of linking • Low impact camping facilities greater appreciation of the existing recreational facilities in County’s agricultural industry. the Pinelands. Unique recreational opportunities will Corollary to its Farmland be provided to the public at each Preservation efforts, the County Within these project areas, the hub park site. For example, in the will provide recreational access County will examine and identify to the Farm Belt through trail Burlington County Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2002 3 an open-air amphitheater in This trail system will connect with Westampton will provide exciting internal park paths to expand possibilities for arts and cultural recreational options for park goers. programming. The construction of parks facilities is Park system connectivity will also be just the beginning of the County’s a key factor in facility development. commitment to a rewarding outdoor Interconnecting trails for a variety of experience for visitors. Proper recreational uses - and for maintenance of park properties and transportation alternatives - are a trail linkages will be critical to the proposed amphitheater, Westampton high priority. To link park properties, success of the park system. Thus, Burlington County proposes the the County will rely on its regional Rancocas Creek Greenway Project development of a trail network, planning experience and Area, Burlington County proposes to including: partnerships with municipalities, non- develop a system of interconnected profit organizations, and other trails around Smithville Lake, • Multi-use off-road trails, suitable entities to maximize resources and including a floating walkway at for hiking and biking more effectively and efficiently Smithville Regional Park in • Bicycle compatible roadways provide recreational opportunities to Eastampton Township. A non- • Water trails its residents. motorized boat launch will be the central feature of the new regional park in Hainesport Township, creating a half-day boat trip opportunity on the Rancocas Creek between Smithville and this site. Bird and wildlife observation opportunities will