Originally envisioned to rival Central Park, Overpeck County Park offers a green escape. It spans across Bergen County, New Jersey. The park incorporates major sections in Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, and Teaneck. These sections surround Overpeck Creek.
Overpeck Creek is a tributary of the Hackensack River. The park’s history is rich. The first inhabitants were the Ashkineshacky Native Americans. They lived around Leonia. About a thousand Native Americans gathered shells for wampum. They also hosted bath festivals in Overpeck Creek.
In 1954, A. Thornton Bishop proposed building the county park. He was the president of the Bergen County Park Commission. In the 1950s, four municipalities donated land. They were Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, and Teaneck. During the 1970s, Teaneck sold a 350-acre parcel to Bergen County. Eleanor Kieliszek was the mayor at the time. It was later added to Overpeck County Park.
Initially, only the Henry Hoebel Area was developed. The other areas became dumping sites. They filled with garbage and car tires. This posed environmental hazards. Ridgefield Park and Teaneck sued Bergen County. They claimed the park land wasn’t properly developed. The project to improve the park started in 2003. The expanded park opened in 2010.
In 2002, the Teaneck Creek Conservancy partnered with the Bergen County Parks Department. Together, they began creating a 46-acre environmental and cultural park. It became part of Overpeck Park.
Overpeck County Park has five major regions. Some might include the Overpeck Bergen County Golf Course as a sixth. The Henry Hoebel Area is in Leonia near Fort Lee Road. It features a playground and a 9/11 memorial. You’ll also find a bicycle and jogging path plus a track and field. There are six tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, and two practice backstops. The bike path forms a figure-8. It divides the area into two sections. A tributary of Overpeck Creek runs between them. A dog park is also available here.
The South Area is also in Leonia. It lies south of the Henry Hoebel Area. The Bergen Equestrian Center is located here. It was formerly known as the Overpeck Riding Center. The center includes a riding arena and paddocks. Various rowing teams use this area. These include teams from Teaneck High School and Columbia University.
The Palisades Park Area is along Roosevelt Street. It has four hard-surface tennis courts. There are also four premier ball fields. One has artificial turf. An artificial turf football stadium with a track is available too. Additionally there is a tot lot. You can enjoy picnicking and horseshoes here.
The Ridgefield Park Area lies along Challenger Road. It is off Emerson Road. This area spans 22 acres. It features two softball fields and two soccer fields. There is an amphitheater with 3,000 lawn seats. You will also find six tennis courts and a playground. Lawns and 700 parking spaces are available. A boat launch and walking trails complete the area. The park’s grand opening was on July 5, 2010.
Finally, the Teaneck Creek Park Area sits between Teaneck Rd, Degraw Avenue, Fycke Lane, and the Glenpointe Facility. This 46-acre eco-art park features passive trails. Art installations dot a forested wetland environment. The Teaneck Creek Conservancy manages the land. They partner with the County of Bergen.
From a Native American gathering place to a park designed to rival Central Park, Overpeck County Park has evolved. It provides diverse recreational opportunities. It offers something for everyone.