Passive Recreation
The Township of Wyckoff offers many opportunities for passive recreation, with enough variety to tempt most everyone into enjoying these beautiful spaces. There are serene paths to stroll, vibrant gardens to enjoy, and historic landmarks to photograph. Below is a list of all of the locations within the Township.
James A. McFaul Environmental Center:
Located on Crescent Avenue in Wyckoff, this nature education facility is a part of the Bergen County Park System. The 81-acre park offers native woodlands, horticultural gardens, a waterfowl pond and an exhibit building. The center also offers a great variety of nature programs for school, scout and special interest groups. The programs generally relate to New Jersey wildlife. Public programs on nature and travel themes are also offered year-round. For information call (201) 891-5571 or visit the James A. McFaul Environmental Center website.
Russell Farms Community Park:
This 5-acre park located at 594 Russell Avenue offers a recreational trail that weaves through the park, a gazebo, and an educational arboretum. The Girl Scouts from Troop 76 in Wyckocreated a Tree Guide, which identifies the trees and shrubs in the park, and is available for visitors to use. At Russell Farms you can visit the Monarch Butterfly garden with a new Monarch Meadow Restoration and Waystation sign and brochures donated by Girl Scout Troop 94686. In addition, there are benches which have been donated by residents in memory of loved ones placed throughout the park where one can sit, take in the beautiful surroundings or read a book.
The Gardens of Wyckoff:
This 12.8-acre sanctuary was planned as a passive recreation area for Wyckoff residents and deeded to the Township in 1993 by long-time resident Warner W. Brackett. The nature sanctuary, located on Crescent Avenue near the intersection with Wyckoff Avenue, includes walkway-laced gardens, woodchip-strewn paths that wind past a serene pond and a babbling brook, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Markers throughout the property identify the diverse vegetation. The Gardens are open from dawn to dusk in the spring and summer.
Zabriskie Pond Park:
Zabriskie Pond Park is located in the center of Wyckoff on Franklin and Clinton Avenues between Wyckoff and Maple Avenues. It is a six-acre parcel donated to the Township that includes woods, a pond and grassy knolls. It is located across from the Zabriskie House, an example of Dutch heritage in Early Colonial America. Recently, the wooden covered bridge was replaced at the Franklin Avenue side. The pond is a favorite location for young Wyckoff anglers and the location for the Wyckoff Environmental Commission’s annual fishing derby.