Roosevelt Park is the oldest park in the Middlesex County Park System, dating back to 1917. Set in the midst of a highly developed area, Roosevelt Park is our answer to New York City’s Central Park. Here park visitors can enjoy 196 acres of majestic trees complimented by a picturesque eight acre lake just perfect for fishing. Roosevelt Park offers a multitude of special facilities to make it a perfect destination for day trippers.

The eight-acre Roosevelt Park Lake has always been the natural focal point of the park. The lake is stocked for fishing by the State of New Jersey and on any warm day you will find lots of anxious anglers trying their luck. If fishing isn't for you, you can also enjoy the lake's beauty by walking, jogging, or riding your bike around the paved pathway around the lake.

Roosevelt Park is home to the Veterans Memorial, winner of the 39th Annual New Jersey Concrete Awards. This unique monument, created to honor County Veterans of all wars, and to serve as a testament to their courage, spirit, sacrifice, and commitment to the causes of peace and freedom, is a fitting tribute to our selfless Veterans. It stands in majestic tranquility - a tribute - a place of contemplation - an enduring memorial to those who deserve never to be forgotten.

Another great treasure to call its home Roosevelt Park is the fountain sculpture entitled "Light Dispelling Darkness." This ceramic masterpiece was constructed by sculptor Waylande "Kid" Gregory in 1936. Mr. Gregory employed twenty artists under the sponsorship of the federal art project. The federal art project was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, to stimulate the economy by creating jobs. Mr. Gregory took inspiration for his creation from the site's proximity to Menlo Park, where Thomas Edison first experimented with electric lights. Gregory chose for his theme "Light Dispelling Darkness" - man's desire to combat evil through knowledge and science. The fountain has a central shaft 15 feet tall, which stands in the center of a circular pool 40 feet in diameter. The shaft, which is 10 feet thick, is surmounted by a large ceramic globe of the world glazed in blue and earth tones. Around the shaft, connected to it by arcs of concrete, are six ceramic sculptures, which represent The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - War, Pestilence, Famine, and Death - to which the sculptor added Greed and Materialism. The fountain had fallen into disrepair over the years and was completely restored and rededicated on November 15, 2004.

Grove 1A and 2B picnic areas that have a covering or gazebo included in their picnic permit.

Kiddie Keep Well Camp

Key Features: Eight Acre Lake and Home of Plays-in-the-Park

Map of Roosevelt Park

Driving Directions and GPS Coordinates

Driving Directions, Crossroads, and GPS Coordinates

• Edison Township
• Intersection of:
  
  • Parsonage Road and Oakwood Drive (entrance by the Lake and Skating Rink)
  • Grandview Ave and Pine Drive (entrance by Plays-in-the-Park and Basketball Courts)
• GPS Coordinates:
  
  • Plays-in-the-Park - N 40° 32' 32.7222", W 74° 20' 25.6914"
  • Skating Rink - N 40° 33' 5.0076", W 74° 20' 20.5152"

From Route 287

• Follow 287 to Exit for Route 1 North
• Follow directions for Route 1 North

From Route 1 North:

• Take jug-handle for Grandview Avenue West
• Cross over Route 1
• Make first right into park

From Route 1 South:

• Take exit for Grandview Avenue (after Menlo Park Mall)
• Bear right at the end of ramp
• Make first right into park

From NJ Turnpike

• Take Exit 10 (287 North)
• 287 North to Route 1 North
• Follow directions for Route 1 North

From Garden State Parkway - South

• Take Exit for Route 1 South
• Follow directions for Route 1 South

From Garden State Parkway - North

• Take Exit for 287 North (after Raritan toll plaza)
• Take Exit for Route 1 North
• Follow directions for Route 1 North