paddle boating and picnic pavilion

This is one of those well done improvements to a lovely park in Essex County. It is a paved walking area that surrounds the reservoir. There is beautiful landscaping and wonderful views. we have walked around here in all seasons with all ages. It is adjacent to Turtleback Zoo and the Ice Skating Arena. There are boats to paddle in the warmer seasons. Parking is across the street. If you are looking for more of a hike, there are nearby paths thru the reservation. Taxpayer money well spent!

The reservoir abuts the zoo, Codey skating arena and McLoone's restaurant. The loop to walk is 1.7 miles. There are shaded areas and places to sit and picnic. There are no bikes permitted on the path. There is ample parking across the street where the paddleboats are located or alternatively parking at the zoo, or restaurant. We have been on the weekends and it is busier but still a nice walk. They just put in a new playground and it is nice for younger children. It is a great place to picnic after going to the zoo or skating.

This whole complex in West Orange/Essex County is impressive. It includes a really nice, paved path around the reservoir (well lit, including benches and other seating areas), access to the Turtle Back Zoo, paddle boats, a new playground and more. All nicely designed and well landscaped. A great addition to the area and very popular, based on the attendance seen on a regular basis.

Great 2 mlle walk around the reservoir, especially since they redid it and put all the new landscaping and patchwork in. My wife and I come here often to do a lap after work on weeknights.It is a zoo on the weekends though, lots of kids everywhere, noisy, and the parking lot is jammed.

The Paddle Boating and Picnic Pavilion on the Orange Reservoir is a great place to have a good time . . . for young or old. There is a paved walking path around the reservoir that is just under 2 miles around. The Picnic Pavillion is large and covered; paddle boats are large and new. They are building a children's playground to the left of the entrance and there is an entrance to Turtle Back Zoo on the walkway. . . . http://turtlebackzoo.com/Free Parking is located just across from the entrance on Cherry Lane. A traffic light provides safe crossing of Cherry Lane into the park. No entrance fee for the Picnic Pavilion or the walking trail. A reasonable fee is charged for the paddle boats with life jackets required and furnished. Check http://www.essex-countynj.org/paddle-boating-flier.pdf for more details.