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Thompson Park

Facebook Logo805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
732-842-4000, ext. 4312 - General Information
732-842-4000, ext. 4298 - Ranger Station     
Park Brochure & Map | Tick Advisory   
Park opens at 7 a.m. daily, year round; 6 a.m. for Marlu Lake fishing access.     
Closing time is 8:30 p.m. through April 28; 9 p.m. April 29-May 26; and 9:30 p.m. May 27-July 21.

Work is underway for the restoration of the historic 40-Stall Horse Barn at Thompson Park. 
 Find out more about this project. (posted 11/27/2023) 
  

Visitor Advisory
Visitors are urged not to leave valuables in their cars and to notify Park Rangers of any suspicious activity in parking lots. To reach a Park Ranger, contact the County emergency communications center at 732-577-8700.  

 Thompson Park Visitor Center
Thompson Park Visitor Center, former home of Geraldine Thompson (pictured below)

The Park System Headquarters are located in this 667 acre park, which was established in 1968 with a donation of 215 acres from the estate of Geraldine Livingston Thompson.

mrs. thompson as a young lady

Mrs Thompson's beloved "Brookdale Farm" was a premier thoroughbred race horse breeding/training facility. Today, the park remembers Mrs.Thompson's belief that "children have to feel the ground beneath them and go out into the woods and see the trees and birds."

historic photo of the thompson park visitor center

Built in 1896 as the Thompson family residence, this grand colonial revival mansion had been used as a Visitor Center and was destroyed by a fire on February 6, 2006. The Visitor Center has been rebuilt in the same style.  The first floor is now open to the public Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Public restrooms are open 8 a.m. to dusk.  The Visitor Center is available to rent for meetings, special events and weddings. Learn more about renting this space for meetings and special events or weddings.
    
The Brookdale Farm Historic District, encompassing 228 acres of Thompson Park, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Read full nomination. (PDF) 

cover
 
Read Discover History in the Parks Series: Brookdale Farm in Thompson Park (pdf)
for more about the history of this site.
   

mcps headquarters building
Thompson Park Headquarters Building

The park features several areas with names that remind visitors about its rich history. The Estate Grounds section includes the beginnings of a beautiful Memorial Tree Grove and the site of the former Geraldine and Lewis Thompson mansion. The Old Orchard area provides easy access to the 14 miles of trails within the park and is reminiscent of the former Thompson family apple orchard. The Filly Run area is home to the park's playground and also provides access to the park trails, specifically the 4.9 mile paved trail loop. A bicycle repair station with a tire pump and tools has recently been added near the playground.

The Three Barn section is named for the two large horse barns (now Theatre Barn and Activity Barn) and a cow barn (now the Creative Arts Center). The Three Barn area is also where the extremely popular off-leash dog area is located. 

The Thompson Park Creative Arts Center features pottery & ceramics studios, as well as classrooms for painting, drawing, and other craft activities - making it the perfect artistic outlet for county residents.  The Creative Arts Center was recently expanded to include The Gallery at Thompson Park, an additional studio, and outdoor patio.  The gallery hosts exhibits featuring local artists throughout the year.  

thompson park tennis courts

Thompson Park has opportunities for varied recreational interests including 14 miles of multiple-use trails (4.9 miles paved), a playground, a fishing lake for canoes/kayaks and electric-powered boats, a seasonal group picnic facility, Creative Arts Center, and off-leash dog area.  The park also features tennis courts,  two of  which are also lined for pickleball.  These courts are open daily on a first-come, first-served basis.  A field is available for rental for rugby games only. Find out more about this and other athletic facility rentals in the Park System. 

thompson park marlu lake
 

Reservable Group Picnic Area 
Thompson Park features a reservable group picnic area and is a great spot to host a family reunion, an office get-together or a bunch of friends.

Trails
Old farm roads and a former horse exercise track are popular routes for walkers and runners. There is also a 4.9 mile paved trail. A bicycle repair station with a tire pump and tools has recently been added near the playground.

Cross-Country Ski Trail Map    

In accordance with New Jersey’s Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are tobacco free. The ban applies to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaporize cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chew.


  

Directions

  • Garden State Parkway to exit 109. Southbound, turn right onto Rt. 520 West (Newman Springs Rd.); Northbound, turn left onto Rt. 520 West 2.2 miles to Park (past M.T. Thompson park and Brookdale  College entrance ) on left.
  • State Hwy. 34 to Rt. 520 east. Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Rt. 520 east to Park entrance.

Directions to the Longbridge Annex 
Thompson Park Training Center, 53 Longbridge Road, Holmdel

  • Garden State Parkway to exit 109.  (Southbound, turn right onto Route 520 W or Newman Springs Road) (Northbound, turn left onto Route 520 W). Travel to Longbridge Rd (pass Brookdale Community College & Thompson Park main entrance).  Turn left on Longbridge and go 1 mile to Longbridge Annex, turn left.  The Training Center is at the end of the road.
  • State Highway 34 to Route 520 E. (Southbound, turn left) (Northbound, turn right)  Follow Route 520 E to Longbridge Road and turn right.  Continue to Thompson Annex. The Training Center is at the end of the road.