BERGEN COUNTY, NJ – Darlington County Park — a park in Mahwah whose swimming area and Splash Zone are open to all New Jersey residents for a fee — has fully reopened after being closed for algae, Bergen County officials announced Friday afternoon.
The swimming areas closed temporarily on Aug. 8 due to the presence of harmful algae blooms in the water. All water and non-water recreational activities were unavailable. Guests who had bought Splash Zone tickets were to receive a refund.
Last Friday, one of the swimming areas reopened, and as of this weekend, the park has fully reopened.
"After careful and diligent assessment by our staff and state partners, we are thrilled to reopen the park to all swimming and summer recreational activities for visitors," said the county executive's office Friday. "Regular park entry rules, fees, and hours, are now back in effect."
Park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Splash Zone hours are the same, with the last session starting at 5 p.m.
Advance online booking for Splash Zone sessions will be reserved for weekday sessions only, and can be purchased on an Eventbrite page, officials said.
The full price schedule for park entry and the Wibit Splash Zone can be found on the Parks Department website.
"The Bergen County Executive, Board of Commissioners, and the Parks Department offers our thanks to all those who worked around the clock to restore the beloved Lakes at Darlington for residents and visitors to enjoy. We also especially thank the public for their patience and understanding. See you at the Lake!"
Darlington County Park is comprised of 178 acres at the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains in Mahwah. The park features three lakes, white sand beaches, a wooded picnic area, open lawns, basketball courts, and a bird and wildlife observation.
It's part of the Bergen County Parks System, which spans nearly 10,000 acres, including a nationally accredited zoo, six golf courses, 21 parks, two horseback riding areas, an environmental center, and nine historic sites.