Hackensack Water Works & Van Buskirk Island Park

 

Hackensack Water Works is located on Elm Street, Van Buskirk Island in Oradell, NJ. Opened in 1882, Hackensack Water Works was a facility that supplied clean drinking water to Bergen County. The property included a water filtration and pumping station, and a tall filtration tower. The older buildings are listed on New Jersey’s register of historic places.

Paddling Center

Spend an enjoyable time paddling the calm forest-lined waters of the Hackensack River from Bergen County’s newest park. This clear, freshwater stretch of river is located just downstream of the Oradell Dam and above the head of tide.

Like Overpeck, Van Buskirk Island Park is perfect for novice paddlers, families and the out-of-practice. The safety notes and rules are the same as those at Overpeck.

Call 201-968-0808 for the current schedule or check our Facebook page.

*The Paddling Center’s season typically runs from early May until October. The center will be OPEN (weather permitting) on the standard dates/time of operation, and will also be OPEN on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

Available Rentals

  • Kayaks – single and tandem

  • Canoes

  • Paddle boards

Kayak and Canoe Donation Rates (2 Hour Sessions)

$2 per paddler for 2 hours

$10 per paddler for each additional hour

$10 per third paddler in canoe (ages 8 and up)

$10 surcharge per boat (for fishing)

  • 1—Paddlers MUST wear their Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’S) AT ALL TIMES while on the water – NO EXCEPTIONS!

    2—Alcoholic beverages, cannabis and illegal drugs are NOT PERMITTED in our boats or in the park.

    3—Dogs are not allowed in boats.

    4—Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a charged cellphone.

    5—Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks and a waterproof bag.

    6—Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. Boats are always subject to availability.

    7—Aqua shoes recommended for SUPs

    8—Must be able to swim

  • Children 5 to 7 can ride FREE as a passenger in a canoe with TWO adult paddlers.

    Children 8-12 can paddle in a tandem kayak with one adult in the rear.

    Children 12 & up can paddle a single kayak, or the front of a canoe.

    Anyone 16+ can paddle a Stand-Up Paddle-board (SUP) while accompanied on the water by an adult parent/guardian on a 2nd SUP.

    All rentals must include one legal – and preferably experienced – adult, per under aged paddler.

    Only adults 18+ can arrange rentals.