County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the official Union County 2026 Soccer Final Watch Party, a free event which will be held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, from 2:00-6:00pm on Sunday, July 19.

“In every corner of Union County, we’ve seen how neighbors have united in celebration of a truly global sport,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Now, it all comes down to this: a historic final match for the ages, hosted right here in New Jersey. I invite every resident to come celebrate and support their favorite team.”

Hosted by the Union County Board of Commissioners and Department of Parks and Recreation, the event will feature a full viewing area, beer garden with beverages available to purchase by attendees ages 21 and over with valid ID, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family—such as kids’ games and inflatables.

The teams competing in the final Cup match are yet to be determined, but a 3:00pm kickoff time has already been scheduled.

Residents are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.

For more information, residents are invited to call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or email parksinfo@ucnj.org. To stay informed about County events, services, and programs, download the free Explore Union County mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to open registration for the 2026 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp at Trailside Nature and Science Center – 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. This inclusive outdoor program will run from August 17 through August 21, 2026, from 9:00am to 2:00pm daily, and is designed for Union County teens ages 12-16 and young adults ages 17-21 with documented disabilities.

“We take great pride in offering programs that bring people together in a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek “This camp not only encourages exploration and learning, but also helps create a sense of belonging for every participant. Designed with sensory-friendly supports in mind, it gives individuals with disabilities a comfortable way to spend time outdoors.”

Throughout the week, campers will explore the natural world through hands-on, sensory-based learning experiences that engage sight, sound, smell, and touch. Campers will discover the plants and animals of the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park, while building an appreciation for nature through guided walks, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, storytelling, and opportunities to meet live animals. Each day is designed to provide a supportive and sensory-friendly environment where participants can connect with the outdoors.

This program is intended for Union County residents who have a documented disability, do not engage in aggressive or threatening behaviors, and are able to independently manage toileting and feeding. Participants who may need occasional prompting or redirection to remain focused and on task are welcome. This camp is not appropriate for individuals with a history of aggressive or threatening behavior or fleeing, those who require physical restraints, or those who are unable to independently manage toileting or feeding.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. The application process includes an initial online submission, followed by interview(s) prior to acceptance. Final placement is determined at the discretion of the Sensory Friendly Summer Camp Administration based on their ability to meet each camper’s level of need. This program does not have the resources to provide 1:1 staffing.

This Sensory Friendly Summer Camp is completely free of charge, though space is limited. Applications can be completed online at www.ucnj.org/opdsn-reg. For more information, call 908-527-4781 or email opdsn@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Thursday, July 2, 2026, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM ((Weather Permitting)). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Hts. – Industrial Av., Grant St., Station St., Garfield St., Mt. Carmel area
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Miller Av., King St. area
• Hillside – Harvard Ave. area, Cornell Ave., John St., Aldine St. area, Westminster area
• Kenilworth – S. Michigan Av., Fairfield Av. area, Dorset Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Blvd, (area by Lenape Pk.)
• Linden – Tremley Pt. area, Lower Rd., (Hawk Rise)
• New Providence – Union Av. area
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., Rock Av. area
• Rahway – Wall St., Henry St. area, Elston St., Randolph Av., Main St., Leesville Av.
• Scotch Plains – Tempe Ct. area. South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Waverly Av., Oakland Av., Green Hills Rd.
• Summit – Summit Recycling Center
• Westfield – Park Dr., Prospect St. area
• Winfield – U.C. Parkway Dr.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

County Parks:

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Elizabeth – Matano
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Snyder
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Rahway – Flanagan
• Springfield – Meisel
• Union – Biertuempful, Rabkin
• Westfield – Tamaques