• History and Establishment
    Mercer County Park Northwest is located in Hopewell and Lawrence Township, central to the western side of the County. The total area is over 1600 acres and consists of five separate open space acquisitions. With the exception of Rosedale Park, all of these parcels have been acquired within the last decade as a result of an extremely successful and aggressive open space preservation program. The largest parcel contains 812 acres of undeveloped land known as the AT&T tract It contains open fields, early succession forest, and wetlands. North of this tract is Rosedale Park. West is the Old Mill Road Greenway, which is adjacent to 92 acres of preserved farmland to the north. Further west of the Greenway is additional is additional preserved open space, purchased to continue the greenway along the Stony Brook, which fronts along Pennington-Rocky Hill Road. Across East Delaware Avenue is Curlis Lake Woods which fronts along Curlis Lake.

    Known as the historic “Pole Farm” there is major historical significance of the AT&T tract as it relates to it use for inter-seas communications during World War II. In the 1920's AT&T purchased the land to erect a short wave radio transmission station and become the location for the first trans-Atlantic radio communication. By 1965 it was the largest radiotelephone station in the world. By 1975 it was shut down and disassembled leaving one lone pole which still stands today.

    A comprehensive plan has been designed by an award winning engineering and landscape architectural firm has been awarded a bid by the Mercer County Park Commission to design a comprehensive plan for this park, keeping true to the passive recreation opportunities and natural elements of the area. Many public sessions were held and the development of this parkland will preserve the outward and rural appearance of the park, establish environmentally sensitive areas, while providing the less-obtrusive minimal amenities to accommodate all visitors. Early concept plans show that the NW Park will be connected via trails to the Equestrian Center, Rosedale Park, Curlis Lake and the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail.

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  • Facilities
    • Since the MCPNW is a “work in progress” most of the facilities and opportunities are extremely passive and involve natural trails, viewing areas, and limited amenities.

    • Areas include: walking, bike and horse trails, natural and scenic photography areas, cross country skiing trail, environmental education areas, current farm land, fishing in designated areas, and acreas and acres of wildlife observation.
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  • Programs and Activities
    Many groups and organizations use MCPNW for educational field trips and tours. Residents are welcome to contact them if interested:

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  • Hours and General Information
    Hours of Operation: Dawn to Dusk
    Time of Year Open-365 days a year
    Cost: Free to public
    Reservations: For special events and group use, please call (609) 448-1947.
    Telephone: MCPC (609) 989-6559, Events and Recreation (609)448-1947.
    Location/Address:  The two main access roads into the park are located 1.  corner of Keefe Road and Cold Soil Road and 2.  Federal City Road
    Special rules and regulations:  All general park relations are strictly enforced and are posted.
    Handicapped Accessibility:  Fully accessible, weather and conditions permitted.
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