Author: Web Site Administrator

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 8:00 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:

• Berkeley Hts. – Snyder,
• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Phil Rizzuto
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Kennilworth – Black Brook, Lenape
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Pondarosa
• Springfield – Meisel
• Summit – Briant

Town Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia, Mt Carmel
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Union – Biertuempful
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood, Clark

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 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. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Riverbend Rd., Shadow Ln., Briarwood Dr. W., La Grande Av. Area
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl., King St., Schwinn Dr., Conger Way, Rutgers Rd., Roberts Rd.
• Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd., County Park Dr.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Aldine St. Area,
• Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Union Av., Bloomingdale Av.,
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area
• Mountainside – Tracy Dr., Watchung Res. Loop Area,
• New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy
• Plainfield – Bradford St., Jefferson Av., 1st St., Worth Dr. Area
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area
• Roselle – Pine St. Path along RXR, Audrey Ter. Area, Woodland Av. Area, Wheatsheaf Rd., Columbus Av. Roselle recycling yard
• Roselle Park – Lehigh Av., Hemlock St., E. Colfax Av., Walking Path between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.
• Scotch Plains – Martine Av. extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing, South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
• Springfield – Taft Ln. Area, Cottage Ln., S. Springfield Av., Oakland Av., Waverly Av.
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr., Glenside Av., Water Co. Rd.
• Westfield – Eton Pl., Rogers Av., Avon Rd. Area
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy., Parkway Dr.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that in response to feedback from residents and community members, Union County has revised the plan for the Clark Reservoir Project to better reflect the input and concerns of local residents. The County carefully considered the suggestions voiced during public meetings held in Clark and during Union County Commissioner meetings, leading to a decision to make adjustments to the current project.

“We deeply value the input of our Union County residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By working together and listening to one another, we can create spaces that reflect our vision of preserving open space while also enhancing recreational opportunities.”

The project, managed by CME Associates, an engineering and planning firm, originally proposed a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Clark Reservoir. The initial design included several features, such as a train, carousel and ice skating, which have presently been removed from the revised plans based on community feedback. CME Associates will continue to play a key role in implementing the updated project.

“We are fully committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Clark Reservoir while addressing its critical environmental challenges,” said County Manager Ed Oatman. “In response to our residents, we have refined our approach to focus on essential improvements that balance ecological preservation with thoughtful recreational enhancements. This project ensures that all residents and visitors in our county have access to the reservoir as a serene, sustainable resource to enjoy.”

The updated plan prioritizes essential environmental improvements, such as dredging the reservoir to combat siltation and sedimentation, enhancing flood storage, and improving water quality. At the same time, it will create a space that embraces the natural charm of the area. New additions like unpaved walking paths, duck boats, non-motorized sports options including canoes, kayaks, and a fishing pier will offer residents a serene and enjoyable recreational experience. These thoughtful adjustments will continue to keep the reservoir a cherished green space for the community while providing meaningful environmental and recreational benefits.

“We recently held an open space committee meeting to address adjusting our current plan based on resident’s concerns, all while still maintaining our vision for the County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Board. “Working in collaboration with the County Manager and his team at this meeting, we were dedicated in ensuring our projects reflect the community’s needs and values. By prioritizing the preservation of the reservoir’s natural landscape and addressing longstanding environmental issues, we are creating a project that balances progress with preservation, making the Clark Reservoir a valued natural space for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information and updates about the project, please visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/clark-reservoir-project/.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Tuesday morning, August 27, 2024, 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:

• Berkeley Hts. – Snyder
• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook,
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Pondarosa
• Springfield – Meisel

Town Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, August 22, 2024, 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. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Plainfield Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Princeton Av.
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl., Hawthorne Dr., Orchard Ter., Limoli Ln., Locust Grove Dr.
• Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Morris Pl., Hillside Ave., Rutgers Av., Columbia Av. Locust Av.,
• Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area< Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av., Summit Ter., Dewitt Ter., Livingston Rd., Birchwood Rd.
• New Providence – Passaic St., D.P.W. Yard.
• Plainfield – Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., Watson Av., Everett Pl., Jefferson Av., Sheridan Av., E. 3^rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd., Hillcrest Av., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Worth Dr. Area
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Oak St., Pierpont St., Bryant St. Area, Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Kearny Av. Area, Koenig Pl.
• Roselle – Burt Dr., Shaffere Dr., Audrey Ter., Kennedy Dr., Chandler Av., Jouet St., 8th Av., Oak Av.
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., W Webster Av., Laurel Av.
• Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Lamberts Mill Rd. (RWJ Fitness), Martine Extension, Country Club Ln.,
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr.
• Union – Alden Ter., Bertram Ter., Wilshire Dr., Shetland Dr. Area, Manor DR., Walker Av., Hemlock Rd., Hickory Rd., Locust Dr., Pinewood Rd., Cockley Dr., Indian Run Pkwy.
• Westfield – Ripley Pl., Windsor Av., Livingston St., Woodbrook Cir., Drummond Rd., Linden Av., Baker Av. Area,
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy., Parkway Dr.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are calling on residents who cherish the outdoors to make a difference in their community by becoming Trail Stewards through the revitalized Adopt-A-Trail Program. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, nature, and are looking for a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain and preserve the trails that wind through Union County’s beautiful parks.

“As someone who values our natural spaces, I am excited to see the community come together to preserve and enhance the trails that make Union County’s parks so special,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Becoming a Trail Steward is a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the beauty of our environment.”

To further this initiative, a Trail Stewards Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the historic Masker’s Barn, nestled within the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation. This session will provide prospective Trail Stewards with an overview of the program, indoor training, and a presentation by Union County Park Environmental Services Staff. Attendees will also learn about the specific responsibilities and benefits of becoming a Trail Steward.

Participants in the program are asked to commit to a two-year stewardship, during which they will actively monitor their adopted trails and submit quarterly reports on trail conditions and necessary maintenance. This hands-on involvement will help ensure the continued health and safety of the trail system, benefiting all who visit Union County’s parks.

If you have a passion for nature and want to play an active role in protecting Union County’s natural resources, now is the perfect time to get involved. Sign up for the orientation and take the first step towards becoming a Trail Steward today.

The Union County Adopt-A-Trail Program is designed to engage the community in the stewardship of local parks by providing volunteers with the training and tools they need to monitor and maintain the trails. Trail Stewards play a vital role in keeping these outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

For more information or to sign up, visit https://ucnj.org/trail-stewards-orientation/ or contact Union County Park Environmental Services at park.env.services@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for Adult mosquitoes Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 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. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Plainfield Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Princeton Av.
• Clark – Miller Av., Riverside Dr., King St., Emerald Pl., Conger Way Area
• Cranford – Carol Ct., Roselle Av., Orchard St., Harold Johnson Pl.
• Fanwood – Farley Av., Hunter Av., La Grande Av.
• Hillside – Aldine St., King St., Harvard Av. Area,
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area
• New Providence – Gales Dr. Area, Union Av., Magnolia Dr.
• Plainfield – Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., Watson Av., Everett Pl., Ironbound Av., Woodmere Pl.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Linden Av., Walking Path between Whittier St. and Elizabeth Av., Egolf Dr., Kline Pl., Desisto Dr. Area
• Roselle – Drake Av., Harrison Av., Chandler Av., Jouet St., Spruce St., Oak Av.
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., W Webster Av., Laurel Av.
• Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Lamberts Mill Rd. (RWJ Fitness), Martine Extension, Country Club Ln.,
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center)
• Union – White Wood Rd. Area, Vauxhall Rd.
• Westfield – Ripley Pl., Cacciola Pl., Stirling Pl., Livingston St., Laurel Pl.
• Winfield – Wavecrest Av., Union County Pkwy.
• County Park – Rutgers

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs are pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Local Arts Program (LAP) Grant application period. The LAP Grant provides vital funding for local arts organizations and non-arts organizations that offer arts activities to Union County residents.

“Investing in the arts is an investment in the heart of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This grant program reflects our dedication to supporting arts programs and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all. I am proud to see Union County continue to support creative initiatives that bring us together and inspire future generations.”

The Grant is divided into two categories: General Operating Support (GOS) and Special Project (SP). GOS grants, which offer a maximum of $15,000, support overall operations of arts organizations. Special Project grants, at a maximum of $5,000, are available to both arts and non-arts organizations for a specific arts project. Matching funds are required.

Applicants must be Union County-based, IRS tax-exempt, and incorporated in New Jersey for at least two years. LAP is also open to libraries, schools and units of government producing an arts project. The application process is conducted online. Grant applications must be submitted by the deadline, September 24, 2024, at 11:59 PM.

The LAP Grant program aims to promote public recognition of the arts, strengthen local arts organizations, increase accessibility and participation in the arts, and foster collaborations within the community. Applicants are encouraged to address special areas of interest, including showcasing New Jersey artists, incorporating diverse programming, reaching underserved communities, and promoting high-quality arts education.

“The Local Arts Grant Program is a testament to our commitment to developing a vibrant cultural landscape in Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “By supporting local arts organizations and innovative projects, we are not only enriching our community but also celebrating the diverse voices and talents that make our county unique.”

Applications must include organizational background, detailed management plans for arts programs or projects, financial plans and budgets, publicity and marketing strategies, and information on accessibility and ADA compliance.

The Union County Local Arts Program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information or assistance with the application process, contact Martha Sturm, LAP Coordinator, at msturm@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550. Additional inquiries can be directed to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, 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:

• Berkeley Hts. – Snyder
• Clark – Oak Ridge, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Park
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy

Town Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Scotch Plains – Brookside
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin
• Union – Biertuempful

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and City Parks Tuesday morning, August 6, 2024, 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, Esposito
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano, Rizzuto
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, DiFilippo, Rutgers
• Kenilworth – Black Brook
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa
• Springfield – Meisel

Town Parks

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin, Brightwood
• Rahway – Madison Av., Maddsen Field
• Union – Biertuempfel, Zimmerman