Jakes Branch County Park

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Jakes branch County Park offers an array of opportunities for active and passive recreation. Admisison to the park and the Jakes Branch Nature Center is FREE. The 400-acre park includes a picnic area, soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, hiking trails, walking paths and mountain biking trails. The centerpiece of the park is the Jakes Branch Nature Center with exhibits highlighting the Pine Barrens including live amphibians and reptiles. The view from atop the 5-story observation deck is unrivaled! The grounds surrounding the center showcase exhibits on the Pine Barrens including a Bog Garden, Lenape Garden, and Native Plant Demonstration Gardens.

The Jakes Branch Nature Center provides free and fee-based programming through the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Newsletter published quarterly. The picnic area is open to groups under 25 people, or you may reserve the picnic area for groups over 25 people for a nominal fee. You may register for programs and make picnic reservations by mail or in-person at the front desk from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Free environmental programs are offered to Ocean County civic organizations including schools, scouts, clubs, churches, and civic organizations.

Contact the Jakes Branch Nature Center for more information.