Thompson Park

Named after the social welfare reformer Geraldine Thompson (who was an influential woman in NJ politics and history way back in the day when Republicans actually believed that the government should be proactive in ameliorating social ills), this park features a beautiful restored estate home, beautifully maintained landscaping, and numerous activities for the public. This park is simply elegant and an oasis away from the world.
Thompson had a long career of political activism and public service on behalf of prison reform, public health and juvenile justice in New Jersey, and was a generous benefactor of psychiatric services and college scholarships for the needy. Geraldine Thompson was active for many years in the state’s Republican Party, and, in 1923, became the first female New Jersey delegate to a Republican National Convention. She shared a great many social welfare interests with her lifelong friend, Eleanor Roosevelt. During her later life she played an influential role in preserving Island Beach as a state park, and promoted the conservation of wildlife habitat. This park is a truly fitting monument to this woman’s memory, and it is thankfully a treasure which the public can utilize for recreation and the elevation of everyday life.