Mansfield
Ranked in the Top 25 Towns in South Jersey in 2009 by South Jersey magazine, Mansfield is a growing town. For many years, residents of Mansfield Township in Burlington County enjoyed a peaceful existence among scenic farmland. "There were a lot of dairy farms with cows," recalls Barbara Crammer, land use coordinator for the town. Within the last 10 years, the character of the land has changed significantly. "We don't have one cow in our township anymore, but we still have crop farmers that farm soy beans, corn and grains," Crammer says.
New residents and developers are discovering this unexplored gem of New Jersey. The 2000 Census reports that Mansfield's population is approximately 5,090, an increase of 31.4 percent since 1990. Crammer says two new adult communities are planned, which will add about 1,500 new housing units.
Mansfield Township is about 24 square miles and is bordered by Bordentown, Chesterfield, Springfield and Florence townships, as well as the Delaware River. Six small villages dot the landscape: Columbus, Georgetown, Hedding, Kinkora, Mansfield Square and Sharp.
Routes 130, 206 and 68, as well as I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike, run through the township, providing excellent access to neighboring towns and beyond. This is an important benefit, because Mansfield has little retail and commercial development; residents often must travel outside of town to shop, work and play. "We're used to getting in our cars," says Crammer.
Mansfield residents travel about 20 minutes to Trenton, 30 to 40 minutes to Princeton and about 40 minutes to Philadelphia. A drive to New York City takes approximately 90 minutes. NJ Transit trains are available from Hamilton Township, Princeton and Trenton. There's a bus station on Route 541 in Mount Holly, which is about 20 minutes from Mansfield.
The village of Columbus, named after explorer Christopher Columbus, provides a focal point for activity in Mansfield Township. The Columbus Farmers Market on Route 206 is a large flea market. There's a general store, plus several small businesses, including a bank and a florist. Columbus Corner House is a popular watering hole. Olde Columbus Inne restaurant, in a circa 1812 stagecoach stop, offers International fare in a Colonial tavern setting.
Other dining choices are found in nearby Bordentown, including Mediterranean-Continental fare at The Farnsworth House, and Mastoris, well-known for its generous portions and delicious cinnamon and cheese breads.
Historic Bordentown also is a popular destination for food shopping: Crammer cites the Acme located on Route 130.
The closest major shopping mall is about 20 minutes from Columbus on Route 541 in Burlington. The Burlington Mall features JCPenney, Sears and Strawbridge & Clothier. An adjacent strip mall includes Target, Kohl's, Home Depot and more. Crammer says she also shops at the Moorestown Mall, which is about 20 miles south of Mansfield off I-295.
The children of Mansfield Township attend kindergarten through grade 6 at John Hydock Elementary School. Grades 7 and 8 attend North Burlington County Regional Junior High.
North Burlington County Regional High School has a student population of just under 1,000, with an average class size of 23 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.3-to-1. Students taking the SAT in 1999-00 scored an average 1,032, above the state average; 72 percent of graduating seniors planned to continue their education at two- and four-year colleges.
Those who choose to stay close to home can attend Burlington County College in Pemberton, a two-year institution about 15 minutes from Mansfield. Academic programs for 2001 include 31 associate of arts and associate of science degrees designed for transfer to a four-year college or university; 21 associate of applied science degrees.; 10 non degree, career-oriented programs; non credit programs and community-enrichment courses, which include professional and job-related training courses, cultural, recreational and special interest courses, youth programs and the Learning Institute for Elders; plus special college credit courses for high school students.
After school, children can participate in an active recreation program. There are two parks in the township - Mansfield Township Community Park in Columbus, plus a smaller park in the village of Hedding. Crammer says a new recreational area will be opening soon, featuring baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts and more. The Delaware River provides additional opportunities for fun, including canoeing and swimming.
On June 9, Mansfield residents celebrated the town's 63rd Annual Field Day. "We have a parade up and down the streets of Columbus," Crammer says. "After the parade, we have activities at Community Park. The recreation committee has games for the kids. We have food. We try to keep everybody there as long as we can," she adds, laughing.
