Lake Topanemus is a suburban park located in
Freehold Township, New Jersey, but owned and operated by
. The park's pond was originally the site of Forman's Mill in the 1800s. The pond's attractions, include
freshwater fish
Freshwater fish are those that spend some or all of their lives in fresh water, such as rivers and lakes, with a salinity of less than 1.05%. These environments differ from marine conditions in many ways, especially the difference in levels of s ...
ing, paddle boating, and canoeing. The park is also known for its picturesque nature trails, playgrounds, outdoor calisthenics, and open fields. The lake is located on the course of
McGellairds Brook, which drains to
Matchaponix Brook.
Nomenclature
The name "Topanemus" can be found in other nomenclature in the general region. As immigrants from
Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...
were emigrating to western Monmouth County during the 1600s, they encountered the indigenous
Lenape
The Lenape (, , or Lenape , del, Lënapeyok) also called the Leni Lenape, Lenni Lenape and Delaware people, are an indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, who live in the United States and Canada. Their historical territory includ ...
people that had already lived there. The Lenape referred to the region where they dwelled, in modern-day western Monmouth County, as ''Topanemus''. By the 1690s, Scottish
Presbyterians
Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism that broke from the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland by John Knox, who was a priest at St. Giles Cathedral (Church of Scotland). Presbyterian churches derive their nam ...
and
Quakers
Quakers are people who belong to a historically Protestant Christian set of denominations known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Members of these movements ("theFriends") are generally united by a belief in each human's abil ...
had begun to establish themselves in the Topanemus region. Located in neighboring
Marlboro Township, New Jersey
Marlboro Township is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. The township is located within the Raritan Valley region and is a part of the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a ...
, the
Topanemus Cemetery was the site of a Quaker Meeting House and cemetery (before European colonization, was the former Indian village and burial ground), it dates back to 1692.
Old Tennent Church
Old Tennent Church is a Presbyterian church located at 450 Tennent Road in the Tennent neighborhood of Manalapan, New Jersey. The congregation was founded in 1692 and played a prominent role in the founding of Presbyterianism in America. The curr ...
in neighboring
Manalapan Township, New Jersey
Manalapan Township (, ) is a township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. The township is centrally located within the Raritan Valley region and is a part of the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the t ...
was emblematic of the immense Scottish influence during the early Colonial period. The Topanemus namesake continues to live on, through street signs, historical place-markers, and park names. In neighboring
Millstone Township, New Jersey is where YMCA's Cam
Topanemusis located, often mistaken for Lake Topanemus and/or for having a connection.
Park information
The park features nature trails, benches, picnic tables, a
playground
A playground, playpark, or play area is a place designed to provide an environment for children that facilitates play, typically outdoors. While a playground is usually designed for children, some are designed for other age groups, or people ...
, open fields, and a beautiful array of native plants, trees, and shrubs. During the appropriate season,
canoe
A canoe is a lightweight narrow water vessel, typically pointed at both ends and open on top, propelled by one or more seated or kneeling paddlers facing the direction of travel and using a single-bladed paddle.
In British English, the term ...
s,
paddleboats,
kayak
A kayak is a small, narrow watercraft which is typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic word ''qajaq'' ().
The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each se ...
s, and
rowboats can be seen used by residents on the lake. During the winter season, some residents opt for
ice-skating
Ice skating is the self-propulsion and gliding of a person across an ice surface, using metal-bladed ice skates. People skate for various reasons, including recreation (fun), exercise, competitive sports, and commuting. Ice skating may be perfo ...
. Every year,
hosts ''Olde Freehold Day'' in the park. It is the borough's annual seasonal celebration, with a wide assortment of family friendly activities, such as: paddle boats, food trucks, vendors, kids attractions, and live music venues, along with some reenactments of life in the general area during the colonial period.
Gallery
Image:Kirk_Tibbet_Stage_at_Lake_Topanemus.jpg, Kirk Tibbet Stage, constructed at Millhurst Mills
Image:Nature_trails_at_Lake_Topanemus.jpg, Park visitors
Image:Home_on_Lake_Topanemus.jpg, Residence located on the lake
Image:Cherry_Blossoms_at_Lake_Topanemus.jpg, Cherry blossoms
References
{{Reflist
External links
Lake Topanemus Park Commission
Lakes of New Jersey
Parks in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Landforms of Monmouth County, New Jersey
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Freehold Borough, New Jersey