Our Parks
Explore Mantua Township’s beautiful parks and natural preserves, perfect for recreation, relaxation, and connecting with nature. Whether you’re looking to walk scenic trails, enjoy athletic facilities, or host a special event, we have something for everyone.
For questions or concerns related to Mantua Township’s parks, please contact our Municipal Office at 856-468-1500.
Quick Links
Contact Information
- Park Office
- (856) 468-1500
- Pavilion Rentals and General Park Information:
- Pam Levine, Deputy Clerk
- (856) 468-1500 ext. 113
- plevine@mantuatownship.com
- Park Foreman:
- Joe Anderson
- (856) 468-1500 ext. 124
- janderson@mantuatownship.com
This 109-acre park offers athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, a volleyball court, a playground, picnic areas, and a pavilion. Both the fields and pavilion are available for reservation.
Two wooded areas with scenic trails and wetlands provide habitats for diverse wildlife, including grassland and woodland birds. A paved loop around the fields is popular with walkers and cyclists.
Off the main path, you’ll find a Butterfly Garden, best viewed on sunny summer days, and the 9/11 Memorial Place of Reflection, a quiet grove with benches.
Trail Maps: View the trail maps at Chestnut Branch Park
What are Chestnut Branch Park’s hours?
Chestnut Branch Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The park is closed outside of these hours.
Are the trails at Chestnut Branch Park lit?
Yes. Trail lighting operates in accordance with park hours:
- 5:00 AM: Trail lighting activates
- 10:00 PM: Trail lighting deactivates
For your safety, please do not access the trails before lighting is activated or after it is turned off.
During daylight hours, trail lighting is turned off to conserve energy.
How do I rent a pavilion at Chestnut Branch Park?
To reserve the pavilion, you must submit a completed Chestnut Branch Park Pavilion Reservation Application, available here:
Chestnut Branch Park Pavilion Reservation Application
Reservations are first come, first served and are confirmed only upon receipt of:
- A completed application
- Full payment of the pavilion rental fee
Pavilion Rental Fees:
- Mantua Township Residents: $20 per hour (3-hour minimum)
- Non-Residents: $40 per hour (3-hour minimum)
For questions regarding pavilion rentals, please contact:
Pam LeVine, Deputy Clerk
(856) 468-1500 ext. 113
plevine@mantuatownship.com
Am I allowed to grill or BBQ at Chestnut Branch Park?
No. Grilling and open flames of any kind are strictly prohibited at Chestnut Branch Park.
It’s a snow day! Can I go sledding at Chestnut Branch Park?
Yes! Chestnut Branch Park is a popular sledding destination during snow events. However, for everyone’s safety, please observe the following guidelines:
- Storm Closures: The park will remain closed during active snowstorms. The parking lot will not reopen until it has been fully cleared and deemed safe for vehicular traffic.
- No Street Parking: Parking along Main Street near the park is strictly prohibited. Temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted and actively enforced by the police department. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed due to significant public safety concerns during high-traffic sledding days.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping everyone safe.
Are dogs allowed at Chestnut Branch Park?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome at Chestnut Branch Park. Owners are responsible for maintaining control of their pets and cleaning up after them.
Spanning 52 acres, Ceres Park features a rich natural landscape teeming with wildlife—mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and a wide variety of birds. Despite its size, the park’s extensive trail system through upland and wetland forests gives it a much larger feel.
From the parking area, a mile-long main path winds through the woods, intersected by smaller trails that lead to scenic views of Emerald and Cedar Lakes. These lakes were once marl pits from 19th- and early 20th-century mining operations. Marl, a nutrient-rich marine deposit used historically as fertilizer, gives towns like Marlton and Marlboro their names.
The trails also connect to the Chestnut Branch of Mantua Creek and nearby county-owned lands, offering extended routes for walking, jogging, or biking.
Trail Maps: View the trail maps at Ceres Park
Formerly known as Sewell Playground, this neighborhood park on Mantua Boulevard was renamed in 2016 in honor of Trooper Eli McCarson, a hometown hero who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while serving the State of New Jersey.
The park features a small playground, picnic tables, and a basketball court. It offers a peaceful, welcoming space for families and quiet reflection.
Covering over 110 acres, Tall Pines is Gloucester County’s first state preserve, offering a peaceful, forested escape for nature lovers, walkers, birdwatchers, and families. Once home to a golf course, the land has been carefully restored into a thriving natural habitat. The preserve features paved and unpaved multi-use trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. ADA-accessible paths make the area welcoming for all visitors. Birdwatching is especially popular here, with numerous native and migratory species spotted throughout the year.
Tall Pines is managed in partnership with the Friends of Tall Pines Preserve, a local volunteer group dedicated to its care and preservation.
