Ron Berreman

Piscataway, with funding assistance from the U.S. government in 2016, has really developed this area of Columbus Park (same name as other public areas about the pond) beautifully with rain shelter/gazebos, and well landscaped grounds at the western end of New Market Pond. There is ample parking. This is a good meeting point with nice views of the pond, the fountains, the man-made waterfall/spillway at the western end, and the geese, ducks, and egrets which can be seen regularly practicing take offs, water landings, and ice walking in winter. Photographers also have numerous opportunities under the big sky and over the water. For athletic activities, head over to Columbus Park's 200 11th street courts, fields, playground, and picnic area...now available since 2016. All of Columbus Park is open daily "from dawn to dusk". Enjoy!

Ashbrook IS a SWAMP and also a Reservation, so this trail is great for really DRY or frozen weather. Otherwise, not so much, considering mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy, and mud, which is why I'd give it a "moderate difficulty level" for safe hiking. Beautiful trail with many signs along the way introducing indigenous NJ swamp life. The trail goes in about a mile with higher elevations at the beginning and end points. Since it is a swamp environment, it is best visited during dry spells, when frozen solid, or anytime with mud boots. The trail is fairly well but minimally maintained, keeping its natural appearance, but there is no boardwalk as seen in other such parks. The trailhead is directly behind the John H. Stamler Police Academy and across from the Vocational High School of Union County, so there is ample free parking for the public. I would give the trail 5 stars if it was not for the mud, but an appropriately equipped hiker would find it worthwhile and different. It is a very peaceful and quiet refuge close to both the northern Middlesex and southern Union County suburbs. An international airport was planned for this very ground in the 1960s, but the locals preserved the land instead as Ashbrook Reservation, righteously so.