Lace up your sneakers. Or your ice skates. Or your cleats. Or your hiking shoes. Or your tennis shoes. You’ll need them at Mercer County Park. In fact, you’ll need a whole wardrobe of footwear to do everything there is to do in the 2,500 acre park.

Actually, to do everything there is to do at Mercer County Park, you would have to clean out an entire sporting goods store. For one thing, there are seventeen playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, football, Frisbee and other activities. That’s in addition to the 10 award-winning softball fields. Try for a three-pointer on one of seven basketball courts or burn off a few calories on the three sand volleyball courts. And if you like to play sports with an international flair, step up to the bocce courts and cricket pitches.

Trails wind throughout the park, some for two wheels – bikes or in-line skates -- and others for two feet. And for serious workouts, there is a cross-country track

Wrapped around Lake Mercer, the park is equipped with a boathouse and marina. The crew course is a popular spot for regattas and races and even if you’ve never dipped an oar into water, it is fun to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic while you are watching all the action from the sidelines.

Of course, there are dozens of picnic tables and if you have a big group who want to spend the day outdoors, pavilions.

At the tennis center, you’ll find 24 courts and should you get the urge to practice your serve after the sun goes down, no problem. You can play on one of six covered, lighted courts.

Even during cold weather, the park is a hot spot for play. The ice skating rink is the perfect spot to work on that double salchow.