The Burlington County Commissioners marked the 50th anniversary of Historic Smithville Park’s preservation during the annual May Faire festival. Officials announced plans for further restoration and a new trail connection.
“Burlington County is a destination where residents want to live and raise families. A big part of Burlington County’s appeal is because of places like Smithville Park and the entire Burlington County Park System,” stated Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, who serves as the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Smithville’s transformation over the past five decades is one of our County’s biggest success stories, and we continue to make investments to protect and enhance this special place.”
Smithville, originally known as Shreveville, was purchased by industrialist Hezekiah B. Smith in 1865. He transformed it into an industrial center producing woodworking machines and American Star bicycles. The town also had the nation’s first bicycle railroad. Along with his wife Agnes Gilkerson Smith, they expanded local amenities aiming to create America’s ideal industrial town.
The decline of Smith’s manufacturing company in the early 1900s led to economic downturns for the village, resulting in abandoned buildings and ceased train services. By 1975, when Burlington County acquired it for over $595,000, it was nearly a ghost town.
Over five decades, more than $17.5 million has been invested by the county into preserving historic structures like Smithville Mansion and enhancing park facilities such as playgrounds and trails across Smithville Lake.
Plans are underway for additional restoration work on some remaining structures including Pike Farmhouse—the oldest property in Smithville—and repairs at former warehouses and surrounding walls. The county aims to secure funding from grants such as those offered by New Jersey Historic Trust.
Furthermore, there are plans for a new 1.25-mile walking and biking trail connecting Smithville Park with nearby roads which would be handicapped accessible providing links between various community locations including Rancocas Valley Regional High School athletics complex.
A separate four-mile trail is also being designed between Smithville Park extending towards Pemberton Township integrating into existing trails ultimately becoming part of Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail envisioned along Rancocas Creek’s full length.
“Smithville was not only our first County park but continues being our park system’s crown jewel,” added Commissioner Eckel emphasizing its role as both historical preservation symbol alongside environmental commitment through ongoing projects ensuring accessibility enhancements while safeguarding heritage sites within this iconic locale.
