If you’ve spent any time in Central Jersey, you know the vibe. It’s a lot of suburban sprawl, malls, and traffic on Route 18. But then there’s Donaldson Park. It’s tucked away at the end of some quiet residential streets in Highland Park, and honestly, it’s basically the lungs of the town.
It’s big. Over 90 acres big.
Most people just think of it as "that park by the Raritan River," but it’s actually a pretty complex piece of land that serves about four different purposes at once. You have the sports crowd, the bird watchers, the "I just need to walk my dog" crowd, and the families throwing massive weekend BBQs that smell like heaven. It's one of those rare spots that manages to feel crowded and secluded at the exact same time.
What You’re Actually Getting at Donaldson Park
Highland Park isn't exactly a massive city, so having a county-run park of this scale—technically it’s part of the Middlesex County Park System—is a huge deal. It’s bordered by the river on one side and South Second Avenue on the other.
The geography matters. Because it sits right on the Raritan, the views are actually kind of stunning, especially during the "golden hour." You see the New Brunswick skyline peaking over the trees across the water. It’s gritty but beautiful.
There’s a boat ramp. People actually use it. You’ll see folks launching kayaks or small motorboats, though you have to be careful with the tide and the currents in the Raritan. It's not the Caribbean, okay? The water is murky, but it’s ours.
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The layout is a bit sprawling. You’ve got:
- Several baseball and softball fields that are almost always occupied by local leagues.
- Tennis courts that have seen better days but still get the job done.
- A massive pond in the middle which is the de facto headquarters for local ducks and geese.
- Soccer fields that turn into a sea of orange and blue jerseys every Saturday morning.
One thing that people get wrong is thinking it’s just a "summer" park. I’ve been there in February when the river is starting to chunk up with ice, and it’s hauntingly quiet. It’s a completely different vibe.
The Sports Scene and the Infamous "Hill"
If you’re coming to Donaldson Park Highland Park for a workout, you’re probably either hitting the paved path or you’re doing hill repeats. There is this one specific incline near the back of the park. It’s not a mountain, but if you run it ten times, your lungs will be screaming.
The perimeter path is roughly 1.5 to 2 miles depending on which loops you take. It’s flat. Mostly. It’s perfect for strollers, which is why you’ll see an army of parents out there every morning.
Let’s talk about the playgrounds. They’ve been updated relatively recently. They have that modern, "won’t give your kid a splinter" feel. There are two main areas. One is geared toward the toddlers who are still figuring out how legs work, and the other is for the bigger kids who want to test the laws of physics on the climbing structures.
The basketball courts? High energy. You can usually find a pickup game here, and the level of play is surprisingly decent. Just don't show up expecting a quiet shoot-around on a Saturday afternoon. It’s not happening.
Birding and the Quiet Corners
Nature nerds love this place. Because of the river and the pond, you get a weird mix of birds. I’ve seen Great Blue Herons just chilling by the water like they own the place. Bald eagles have been spotted along this stretch of the Raritan too.
If you want to escape the noise of the soccer games, head toward the river trail. It’s a bit more "wild." The grass is taller, the trees are denser, and the sound of the wind through the reeds actually drowns out the distant hum of traffic from the Albany Street Bridge.
It’s a flood zone. Let’s be real. If New Jersey gets hit by a major storm or a hurricane, Donaldson Park is basically an extension of the river. You’ll see the water creeping up over the banks and swallowing the lower parking lots. It’s why there aren't many permanent structures in the lower sections. The county knows the river takes what it wants eventually.
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The Logistics: Parking, Picnics, and Rules
Parking is usually fine, but "fine" is a relative term. On a holiday weekend like the Fourth of July or Labor Day? Forget about it. You’ll be circling for twenty minutes or parking blocks away in the residential neighborhood and walking in.
The picnic groves are the heart of the park’s social life. You have to reserve the big pavilions through the Middlesex County Parks Department. It’s a whole process. But the individual tables? Those are first-come, first-served.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Dogs are allowed, but keep them on a leash. The park rangers do actually check, and nobody wants their dog chasing a stray goose into the river.
- Bring your own trash bags. The park has bins, but they overflow fast on weekends. Be a decent human and pack out what you pack in.
- The restrooms are... okay. They are park restrooms. Manage your expectations accordingly.
Why People Keep Coming Back
Highland Park is a dense town. Lots of apartments, lots of houses built close together. Donaldson Park is the "backyard" for everyone who doesn't have one.
It’s where kids learn to ride bikes without training wheels. It’s where first dates happen on the benches overlooking the water. It’s where the high school cross-country teams build their base miles.
There’s a sense of history here, even if it’s just personal history for the people who live in the 08904. You see the same families year after year. The trees get bigger, the playground equipment changes, but the core energy stays the same.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don't just wing it. Here is how to actually enjoy the day without the stress.
- Check the Tide: If you’re planning to fish or use the boat ramp, check the Raritan River tide tables. At low tide, the mud flats are pretty intense and not exactly fun to navigate.
- Go Early or Late: The "sweet spot" for avoid the crowds is before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. The lighting over the New Brunswick skyline at sunset is worth the trip alone.
- Download the Map: The county website has a PDF map. It’s worth having on your phone because the park is deceptively large and the trail connections aren't always super obvious.
- Check for Events: Highland Park often holds community events, 5K races, or "Movies in the Park" here. Check the borough's official calendar so you don't accidentally drive into a massive festival when you just wanted a quiet walk.
- Bring Bug Spray: It’s next to a river and a pond. In July, the mosquitoes are basically the size of small birds. Don’t say you weren't warned.
The real beauty of this place isn't that it's a "destination." It's not a national park. It's a local anchor. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why community spaces matter so much in the first place. Whether you’re there for a high-stakes softball game or just to sit on a bench and stare at the water, Donaldson Park Highland Park delivers exactly what you need.