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Trail Guides
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James G. Atkinson Memorial Park
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11
 
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Route 47/Delsea Drive & Park Place Boulevard, Hurffville, NJ
Phone: (856) 589-0047
www.co.gloucester.nj.us/depts/p/parks/parkgolf/atkinson/default.asp
Gloucester County
Exit Alcyon Lake Park and turn Left on West Holly Avenue. Make the first Right onto Route 635/ Lambs Road. Continue for 2.2 miles, and after crossing the dam at Bethel Lake, bear Right onto Mill Road. Turn Right into the entrance for James G. Atkinson Memorial Park. DIRECTIONS FROM NEAREST HIGHWAY: From the intersection of Route 47 and Route 322 in Glassboro, proceed North on Route 47, Delsea Drive. After 2.9 miles, turn Left at the traffic light onto Park Place Boulevard. Turn Right into the entrance for James G. Atkinson Memorial Park. Map
New Jersey Transit Bus Lines No. 457 Millville/Philadelphia stops at Route 47 & Sewell Road. Walk a short distance on Hurffville-crosskeys Road. Walking distance is less than 1 mile.
Behind the amphitheater is a rain garden planted with native species blooming throughout the seasons. Also, the Millenium garden is good Eastern Bluebird habitat.
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| Red-bellied-Turtle | Tony Geiger |
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Historically the location of a grist mill and saw mill, Atkinson Memorial park was originally known as Bethel Mill Park. This easily accessible, 66-acre neighborhood green is family-friendly and great for elderly or handicapped visitors and beginning wildlife watchers. Amenities include lighted softball/soccer fields; lighted tennis and basketball courts; a paved exercise trail for walking, jogging, and bicycling; two playgrounds and picnic areas. In addition, there is a pavilion for group rental, exercise course, amphitheater for concerts and an educational rain garden and the Millennium Plaza, which features a walking path, benches and sundials representing the past and present. Bethel Lake and surrounding woods offer a natural setting and easy wildlife viewing.
Take the walking path to Bethel Lake for easy viewing of ducks, geese, wading birds, turtles and eels.
Track mammals and Wild Turkey in the snow. Canada Geese and Mallard chatter on the lake. Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Carolina Wrens buzz in the woods.
Wildflowers emerge in the woods. Visit the woods near the lake in early morning to find Common Yellowthroat, Red-eyed Vireo, Eastern Phoebe, Wood Duck and many more migrant and nesting birds.
Nesting birds include House Finch, American Robin, Blue Jay and Cardinal. Painted and red-bellied turtles poke their heads from the lake. Bluegill, largemouth bass, and carp can be caught. There is a free summer concert series every Sunday during June, July and August. Look skyward at dusk to watch for bats.
Water birds settle in, sometimes in large flocks. Keep an eye out for Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck and Great Blue Heron. Changing leaves provide interesting color. Squirrels and Chipmunks fatten up for winter.
Benches made from recycled soda-bottles provide for relaxed viewing along the stream.
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