County of Union, New Jersey

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Open Space Grant programs: the Kids Recreation Grant and the Greening Grant. These grant opportunities are available to all 21 municipalities and are designed to support outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and community enhancement initiatives throughout Union County.

“Programs like these help create the kinds of spaces that bring people together and improve everyday life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether it is upgrading a playground, adding trees to a neighborhood, or improving shared public spaces, these grants help municipalities continue building stronger and healthier communities across Union County.”

The 2026 programs include:

• Kids Recreation Grant – Supports the development and improvement of local recreational facilities and programs that directly benefit children.

• Greening Grant – Provides funding for municipalities to plant trees and enhance green spaces, contributing to cleaner air and healthier communities.

“Local officials know what their communities need most, and these grants help turn those ideas into real projects,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “Over the years, we’ve seen municipalities use this funding to create welcoming recreational areas, expand tree coverage, and improve public spaces in ways that residents can immediately see and enjoy.”

Applications for the Kids Recreation Grant and Greening Grant are now open and must be submitted by August 3, 2026. To learn more and access the application portal, visit https://ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.

Funding for these programs is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. For more information, please contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, at acedeno@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2279.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors, their families, and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events this June to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on all dates to provide support in Spanish.

“Our county believes in empowering seniors to live independent and dignified lives, which is why this initiative has been so popular for the past decade,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I strongly encourage seniors and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to a live professional and get the support you need today.” 

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in June:

Thursday, June 18th
Rahway Public Library
2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, June 24th
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue. Cranford
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“This program wouldn’t be as remarkably successful without the outstanding staff at our Division on Aging. Their dedication to Union County seniors and caregivers is unmatched,” said Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

In recognition of Pride Month this June, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will host their annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 1 at 12:30pm on the steps outside the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“This flag raising is an opportunity to come together with pride and unity as we honor the many contributions of LGBTQ+ residents throughout our county,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, individuality, and community, and we’re proud to come together each year to raise the Pride flag.”

Commissioner Bodek will be joined by Master of Ceremonies, Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, and the Executive Director of Hudson Pride Center, Elizabeth Schedl, all of whom will offer remarks during the event. The National Anthem will be performed by the Choral Art Society of New Jersey.

In addition to the Pride Flag Raising, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to the third annual Union County LGBTQ+ Pride 5K and Color Run on Saturday, June 6th at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Registration will begin at 8:00am, and the 5K and Color Run kick off at 9:00am.

For more information about these events, and to stay updated on additional Pride Month events in Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the return of free swimming lessons for county youth ages 3 through 12, in collaboration with The Gateway Family YMCA. The valuable program will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located at 3 Park Drive in Clark. The program runs from July 7 through August 27, 2026.

“Knowing our children are equipped with swimming skills and can safely participate in water activities over the summer can bring us parents and grandparents great peace of mind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity once again to families all over the county free of charge, making this valuable life skill more accessible for our most vulnerable residents. I encourage parents to check their eligibility for this program and apply.”

Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth classes are capped at 6 participants per session. Class Schedule & Details are as follows:

Youth Beginner Classes (ages 3-5 and 6-12)
Tuesdays, July 7 – August 25
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM: Ages 3–5

Thursdays, July 9 – August 27
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Ages 3–5
9:45 AM – 10:25 PM: Ages 6-12

Youth Basic Classes (ages 3–5 and 6–12)
Tuesdays, July 7 – August 25
6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12

Thursdays, July 9 – August 27
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Ages 6-12
9:45 AM – 10:25 PM: Ages 3-5
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM: Ages 6-12

To qualify, children must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility at the time of enrollment. Acceptable qualifying criteria include participation in programs such as TANF, SNAP, the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start or Early Head Start, WIC, Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, or Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.

The 2026 Free Youth Swimming Lessons Program has been funded by the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Our Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation was built for the development and backing of programs like this – where inclusivity leads the way, opening doors for residents, and where our children can learn essential life skills while also having a fun and rewarding experience,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee.

To view updated registration details and fill out your application, visit ucnj.org/swim. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.