Toms River Splash Park | Toms River

Toms River Splash Park – In-Depth Overview

Toms River, located in Ocean County, New Jersey, features a growing selection of splash parks and water play areas aimed at families and children. These parks provide safe, accessible, and cost-effective recreational options during the warmer months. Two primary locations define Toms River’s splash park offerings: the established splash area at Pine Lake Park and a new inclusive spray park currently under development at Skyview Park.

Pine Lake Park Splash Area

Located near Lake Drive and Commonwealth Boulevard, Pine Lake Park features a small but engaging splash pad designed for families with young children. The splash area operates seasonally, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with hours running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The splash pad is sensor-activated, meaning water features only turn on when triggered by motion or touch. This helps conserve water and adds an interactive element to the play experience.

The splash pad includes low and mid-height water jets, ground fountains, and misting sprays, making it suitable for toddlers and younger kids. The surface is level and textured for safety, minimizing the chance of slipping. Benches and trees provide shaded seating areas for caregivers. The park also includes a traditional playground with slides and climbing structures, and a scenic lake, although swimming is not allowed.

While the splash area is not fully ADA-compliant, its flat, open design allows limited accessibility for children with mobility challenges. Restroom facilities are available nearby during the operating season. Parking is free and available along perimeter roads. The area is well-maintained and rarely overcrowded, although weekends can be busy with local families.

Skyview Park Inclusive Spray Park (Planned)

The township is currently developing a new, fully inclusive spray park at Skyview Park, located at 811 Vaughn Avenue in the East Dover section of Toms River. The project is being designed by CME Associates and was recently approved for planning with funding allocated to begin construction in the upcoming spring. Once completed, it will serve as a major upgrade to the area’s recreational infrastructure.

Skyview Park’s new spray facility is being designed with universal accessibility in mind. The goal is to create a space where children of all abilities-physical, sensory, or developmental-can participate equally in water play. Design elements include wheelchair-accessible ramps and platforms, ground-level spray nozzles, misting towers of various heights, and soft-surface safety flooring. The park will feature calming zones for children with sensory sensitivities, water features of different intensities, and accessible benches and covered seating for family members.

This will be Toms River’s first purpose-built inclusive water play area and is anticipated to become a central hub for summer family recreation. Amenities being planned include upgraded restrooms, ample parking, and landscaped walking paths connecting to other features in Skyview Park.

Other Options in Toms River

While Silverton Park offers traditional play and walking spaces, it does not include a splash pad. The township also has access to various shoreline and beach areas along the Toms River and Barnegat Bay, which allow wading under supervision but lack interactive water play equipment. For broader water recreation, nearby towns such as Bayville host seasonal, themed splash pads like the pirate-themed spray park at Veterans Park, which many Toms River residents also visit.

Summary

Toms River’s current splash park at Pine Lake Park offers a modest, safe, and popular water play area for local families. It is well-kept, low-cost, and blends easily with the larger recreational space. The upcoming inclusive spray park at Skyview Park represents a significant evolution in the township’s commitment to accessible and inclusive recreational design. Once complete, it will provide a state-of-the-art splash experience that welcomes children of all abilities, setting a new standard for public parks in the region. Both parks reflect the township’s dedication to creating welcoming outdoor spaces that promote play, health, and community engagement.