7 NJ Playgrounds Worth Traveling To

Bored with your local swingset? Here are a few amazing New Jersey playgrounds worth driving to.

BY VICKY VALET

 

Published: 2014.08.03 05:00 AM

If you’ve been to your neighborhood playground so many times that the monkey bars have lost their thrill, it’s time for a change. Next time your kids are in the mood for some swinging and sliding, pile everyone in the car and head to one of these amazing playgrounds—they’re worth the trip!

Esposito Park
Near 659 Madison Hill Rd., Clark
This fenced-in playground has a spongy, less-likely-your-kid-will-get-hurt ground, and is also right next to tennis courts, a huge rock climbing wall and (don’t forget the helmets) a great skating area with lots of ramps. If skating isn’t for your family, take a stroll on the half-mile walking path around the freshwater wetland.

Roxbury Imagination Station
78 Eyland Ave., Succasunna

This spot’s rocketship and sea vessel will definitely be a hit with your astronaut-in-training or pirate-to-be, but it’s the beautiful murals and painted peekholes that really set this fenced-in playground apart from the rest!

Kidstreet
Claude Dr. near Municipal Complex, Bridgewater 
Kids of all ages will have a blast climbing play equipment, digging in sandboxes and dangling from rope swings and zip lines at this one-of-a-kind playground. Watch from the picnic tables as they play “King of the Jungle” on the swings or sail the seven seas on the big wooden ship.

Ross Dock at Fort Lee
Henry Hudson Dr., Palisades Interstate Park System 
While your kids are busy climbing tall towers and scooting down slides, you’ll be amazed by the incredible view! This Palisades Interstate Park playground sits right next to the Hudson River, just a short ride from the George Washington Bridge. (Travel tip: There’s a super scenic spot filled with urban art right under the bridge, so if you drive through on your way to the park, don’t forget the camera!)

Community Playground of Montville
127 Changebridge Rd.,Montville
As if the six football/soccer fields, baseball field, basketball court, picnic areas, amphitheater for concerts and movies, field house for parties and community garden plots weren’t enough, this spot’s also home to a giant, farm-themed playground where your kids can play “farmer” all day long.

Thompson Park
Perrineville Rd., Jamesburg
Thompson park has all the playground staples, but it’s also home to a mini zoo! Stop by the fenced-in wildlife area to visit the deer and feed the ducks. (Note: NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife strongly discourages feeding wild deer.)

Regatta Playground
Cherry Ln., West Orange
Not only is this playground totally new, but it’s got a completely adorable nautical theme, too! Located adjacent to the paddle boat and picnic areas of the South Mountain Recreation Complex, this spot has 24 pieces of play equipment—including a ship mast your little sailors can climb—plus a rubberized safety surface.

Which playgrounds do you love? Let us know of any great ones we might have missed!

[via njfamily.com]

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a grant of $275,000 has been awarded toward the restoration of Briant Park in Summit and Springfield. The grant, from the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, will match a state Green Acres grant received by the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to engage in this unique civic partnership with The Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy, which has worked diligently to help restore a treasured public resource for all Union County residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

The Union County parks system includes 36 parks totaling more than 6,700 acres. Briant Park is 51 acres.

“Briant Park is relatively small, but it occupies a key place in the history of our system as an Olmsted Park and one of the original parts of the system,” said Freeholder Bruce Bergen, Chairman of the Union County Open Space Trust Fund. “These improvements are consistent with its historic nature.”

Union County was among the very first counties in the U.S. to preserve land for public recreation, and Briant Park was designed in the 1930’s by the Olmsted brothers, sons of the renowned landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, Frederick Olmsted.

Like other original Union County parks, Briant Park shares the historic Olmsted legacy of serene natural settings in the midst of a developed urban area.

Briant Park features a paved walking path with fitness stations. The path meanders through large grassy fields and towering trees, and around a generously proportioned pond.

In addition to the walking path, activities in the park include fishing and a tree-shaded picnic area with grills. In past years, when colder winters were the norm, local residents also used the pond for ice skating. Sledding is still a favorite winter activity on the park’s gentle western slope.

The new improvements will include a gazebo to provide a sheltered seating area, and a new nature trail. The new trail will be laid with wood chips to complement the natural feel of the park environment.

Other improvements include new plantings and soil restoration, pruning and removal of dead trees, new benches including wheelchair access to seating areas, period sign posts, restoration of a retaining wall on the west slope, and aesthetic improvements to an existing footbridge.

Earlier this year, the Briant Park Olmsted Conservancy (BPOC), an independent non-profit organization, secured a grant from the State of New Jersey Open Space/Green Acres Program in the amount of $275,000 towards rehabilitation of the park. With the matching Trust Fund grant approved by the Freeholder Board, the total of available funding will be $550,000.

Rich Picerno Builders, LLC of Kenilworth has been awarded a contract for the Briant Park improvements in the amount of $308, 294.00. Additional engineering costs will be determined pending the results of the bidding process for that aspect of the project.

The Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000 with overwhelming support from Union County voters.

Since its inception, the Trust Fund has enabled Union County to restore and improve services at County parks, contribute to local preservation and recreation efforts, and add hundreds of acres of preserved open space to County parklands including brownfields reclaimed for public recreation.

For information on all Union County parks and recreation activities, visit ucnj.org/parks.

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As they hammered away, repairing the gaping hole created when a falling tree ripped through the roof, the three carpenters knew this was not just any other home repair.

On the floors below were murals painted by celebrated Nicaraguan/Mexican artist Robert de la Selva, a student of the Mexican artist Diego Rivera. And the murals, painted by de la Selva during a summer stay in the 1920s, had to be protected before rain did any further damage.

Just as this was not just simply any other house, these were not just any carpenters.  The three– John Deleski Jr. of Metuchen, Todd Bariso of Butler and Salvador E. Ramos of North Plainfield– are all instructors with the New Jersey Carpenters Apprentice Training and Educational Fund who volunteered their time this summer to fix the roof.

They worked on the house for several days, following up on initial repairs made in the spring as part of the program’s training for apprentices in the union’s educational program.

“We appreciate all the time and effort put in by the many volunteers here at the Deserted Village,” said Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Many of our treasured historic buildings would be lost for future generations to enjoy if not for the individuals and organizations who give of their time to help out,” Kowalski said.

“The carpenters really came through for us on this project and their work is deeply appreciated,” said Freeholder Chairman Chris Hudak.

“Stabilizing and rehabilitating The Deserted Village is a major challenge, both in the work that is required and the funding that will be needed for the restoration work,” Hudak said.  “But it is an irreplaceable historic site in our County and we will work to see that the Deserted Village remains a place for future generations to visit and learn about our past.”

While the carpenters addressed some of the needed emergency repairs, the County is looking for funding to restore House No. 7, following the restorations of Masker’s Barn and the Church/General Store.

Last year, Preservation New Jersey cited the home as one of the top 10 most endangered historic sites in the state.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the New Jersey Historic Trust, the Union County Open Space, Recreation & Historic Preservation Trust Fund; and other contributors help the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation maintain the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park and all its history.

The Visitor Center in the Church/Store Building at the Deserted Village is open weekends to the public, featuring exhibits of artifacts, photographs, maps and paintings explaining the history of the Deserted Village of Feltville since the settlement of the area in 1736. The Visitor Center will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and holidays, year-round, from noon until 5:00 pm each day.

The Deserted Village is located within the 2,142 acre Watchung Reservation, the largest of 36 parks in the Union County Park System. The site is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

To learn more about the Deserted Village please visit ucnj.org/dv.  For more on programs in the County parks and facilities, go towww.ucnj.org/fun

Photo 1: John Deleski Jr. (center), Todd Bariso (right), and Salvador E. Ramos (back row) join Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (left) 

Photo 2: Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski (purple shirt) watches work on building 7 by carpenters. 

Photo 3: Portion of the de la Selva murals.

Union County, NJ  – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce completion of the Strategic Recovery Planning Report, part of Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak’s “Union County 2030” planning initiative. The report is provides an overview of the steps needed to prepare for and mitigate the impact of severe storms such as Superstorm Sandy.

“The adage ‘if we fail to plan, we plan to fail’ is especially relevant given that destructive events like Superstorm Sandy are becoming the norm,” said Hudak. “Union County needs a blueprint for the future to compete in the global economy, and part of that involves updating our infrastructure and emergency response capabilities to face the challenges posed by climate change.”

Union County 2030 is a planning initiative that focuses on the long-term creation of jobs, sustainable development, transportation, and economic competitiveness issues.

As part of Union County’s post-Sandy planning efforts, the Strategic Recovery Planning Report was produced through a state Department of Community Affairs grant with monies obtained from federal Sandy recovery funds. The actions outlined in the report will enable Union County to secure additional funding for specific long range planning goals.

The Strategic Recovery Planning Report will serve as a blueprint to reduce Union County’s vulnerability to destructive storms while promoting balanced economic growth.

As provided for by the state Department of Community Affairs, the report focuses on “community livability” principles including affordable housing, economic competitiveness, support for existing communities, and coordination with federal policies and funding.

The report identifies a number of areas that are candidates for additional state funding for planning purposes:

• Evacuating or providing aid to vulnerable neighborhoods and populations.
• Provide recommendations to urban coastal towns about resilient land uses and land use planning practices.
• Analyze the Raritan Valley stream corridor to provide recommendations based on existing best practices.
• Improve the system for documenting work done during an emergency.
• Develop a virtual “emergency operation center” with full communication to all County and municipal personnel.

The report was prepared for Union County by T&M Associates of Middletown, NJ. To view the report or download a free copy, https://ucnj.org/government/public-notice/

CLARK, NJ –The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 54^th season of music on Wednesday evening, August 20, featuring The Bernard Purdie All-Stars.  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Ridge Park, located in Clark, New Jersey.

Recognized as the most recorded drummer on Earth, Bernard Purdie has worked with some of the most famous names in the recording business, including Aretha Franklin, James Brown and B.B. King. He worked with Franklin as musical director for five years and played on Broadway in 2009 in the revival of Hair.

“As the summer quickly winds down residents have two more opportunities to enjoy music under the stars at Oak Ridge Park,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Bring your blanket or lawn chair and arrive early to get the best view of our outstanding musical entertainment.”

In addition to the great music, residents are invited to come out early and participate in

Union County’s Summer of Fitness, part of Chairman Hudak’s Union County Get Fit initiative. Free community yoga classes will be held prior to the musical entertainment, beginning at 6:30. This week’s class will be conducted by Heads & Tails Yoga of Clark.

The Summer Arts Festival will conclude on Wednesday evening, August 27th at Oak Ridge Park in Clark with The Nerds.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website:  www.ucnj.org/summer. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Autumn will be here before we know it, and Union County’s Watchung Stable is busy preparing for the start of riding lessons.

“Horseback riding in the Watchung Reservation is a real treat,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Our lesson program at the Watchung Stable is a great way to learn how to ride. It has been in existence since 1935, and I am proud to say that more than 40,000 boys and girls have participated in this wonderful program.”

All applicants must be nine years of age or older. Class and troop assignments are based upon riding ability as determined by the Stable management. Applicants with previous experience may be asked to demonstrate their riding ability in order to be placed in the appropriate class.

Classes are held Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fall Troop will last for ten weeks beginning September 2, and will culminate with the Fall Troop Horse Show.  The cost to participate begins at $255 for ten classes, and varies with Union County residency status and troop assignment.  Uniforms and helmets are required and must be provided at the rider’s expense

Watchung Stable also features adult lessons beginning the week of Sept. 2 for people 18 years of age and older. Classes for adults are available on Sundays at 12:45 p.m. and Tuesdays at 10 a.m.  Adult lessons are an 8 week program on Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Beginner through advanced lessons are available on both days.

Registration forms and fees must be submitted in-person, at the Watchung Stable, located at 1160 Summit Lane in Mountainside. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Watchung Stable is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. For further information about horseback riding lessons, and to obtain registration materials, call 908-789-3665 or e-mail stablequestions@ucnj.org.

CLARK, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce dates available for licensed New Jersey bow hunters to sight-in crossbows at the Oak Ridge Archery Range, located at Clark, New Jersey. Crossbow sighting systems are important because they give the hunter a point of aim on any target, thus increasing the accuracy of the crossbow.

For three consecutive Thursday evenings, August 21 and 28, and September 4, the Oak Ridge Archery Range will be open to crossbow sight-in participants from 6:00 pm until closing time.  The Union County Archery Range staff will supervise the participating archers, who must all abide by safety restrictions and limitations.

“With the start of hunting season in New Jersey approaching, these sessions will help make it a successful and more importantly safer hunting season for all involved,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.  “Working with our trained Archery Range staff, hunters will have a safe environment in which to insure their equipment is at its best for the hunting season.”

In order to participate archers must adhere to the following safety restrictions:

• Must produce a valid New Jersey bow hunting license.
• Must provide a suitable crossbow target.
• Only field points permitted; no broad heads allowed.
• Sighting-in of crossbows will be permitted only in designated archery lanes, and under the supervision of archery range staff.
• All archery range safety procedures and guidelines must be followed.
• No more than three (3) crossbow archers sighting-in a one time.
• The Oak Ridge Archery Range will only be open to crossbow sight in use on the above dates and times. Crossbow use is specifically forbidden at the Oak Ridge Archery Range any other time. NO EXCEPTIONS!

For more information about the Oak Ridge Archery Range you can visit the Union County Parks and Recreation website at ucnj.org/parks.

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Union County, NJ –The new schedule of activities for adult volunteers and youth 4-H clubs is now available in the latest edition of County Visions, the newsletter of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The Extension offers many unique learning and volunteer opportunities for children and adults, from tree conservation and horticulture to archery, living history, and Lego robotics.

“The Extension provides a unique opportunity to dig into subjects that you love, and to share your knowledge with your peers, friends, and neighbors in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “If you are looking for a new activity this year, I encourage you to take a look at the latest County Visions newsletter.”

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is part of a national network of county-based community learning programs organized under the US Department of Agriculture. In Union County, the Extension is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. It offers three main volunteer activities for adults:

• The Master Tree Stewards engage in a variety of community projects. Each spring they visit fourth-grade classrooms throughout Union County to help hundreds of students learn about tree conservation in their neighborhoods.
• The Master Gardeners maintain an extensive demonstration garden at the Watchung Reservation. Their community service projects include horticulture therapy, raising and donating fresh produce for food banks, neighborhood beautification, and scholarship funding.
• 4-H Club Leaders work with small groups of students in grades 1-12. They help the club members explore their interests while developing life skills including teamwork, organization, and communication.

All adult volunteers are trained and supported by Extension professionals. No previous experience or training is needed.

The training program for the Master Tree Stewards includes a series of walks in local nature preserves along with guidance on presenting a lesson about trees to fourth-grade students (teachers remain in the classroom to support the lesson).

4-H Club leaders also receive guidance on leading their clubs. Parent volunteers are present to help with meetings and activities.

“Our 4-H program would love to add new clubs such as theater, engineering, and even bugs, so if you like working with young people, please consider volunteering to lead a club,” said Hudak.

The latest edition of County Visions provides a tentative list of clubs for the 2014-2015 school year such as Archery and Lego Robotics as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Anime and Manga, Cooking, Fashion Design and Sewing, Living History, and the “Variety” clubs, in which students explore subjects of their own choice.

The 4-H clubs are open to students in grades 1-12. The 4-H program also includes Teen Council community service and youth development program for high school students.

County Visions 2014 is available online at the County website, ucnj.org/rce. To obtain a print copy or for more information, call the Extension offices in Westfield, 908-654-9854.

To volunteer to lead a 4-H Club, or to suggest a topic for a club, contact 4-H Agent Jim Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 (press “3”) or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

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PLAINFIELD, NJ — The Union County Summer Arts Festival concert series continues its 54^th season of music on Wednesday evening, August 13, featuring The Sensational Soul Cruisers.  The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to attend this free concert that begins at 7:30 p.m. in Cedar Brook Park, located in Plainfield, New Jersey.

The Sensational Soul Cruisers are an 11 man horn group fronted by four soulful vocalists who pay homage and tribute to classic performers from Otis Redding and the Drifters to Barry White and the Commodores. With a lifetime of study and hard work, this group captures and emulates the distinctive style, skill and choreography of a classic show band.

“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy a great night of music at Cedar Brook Park,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Pack a picnic basket, bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on, and enjoy the sounds of summer under the stars.”

In addition to the great music all summer long, residents are invited to come out early and participate in

Union County’s Summer of Fitness, part of Chairman Hudak’s Union County Get Fit initiative. Free community yoga classes will be held prior to the musical entertainment AT 6:30 pm. This week’s class will be conducted by Yoga & Healing Center of Scotch Plains.

The Summer Arts Festival continues in August on Wednesday evenings at Oak Ridge Park in Clark beginning at 7:30p.m. The Oak Ridge Park dates are the 20^th and 27^th.

The remaining free concerts in the Union County Summer Arts Festival series include:

August 20 – Bernard Purdie All-Stars featuring America’s most recorded drummer; at Oak Ridge Park.

August 27 – The Nerds, New Jersey’s hardest working, hardest rocking party band; at Oak Ridge Park.

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website:  www.ucnj.org/summer. For program and rain information call 908-558-4079 after 3:00 p.m. on the day of the show.

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ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announced today that the National Passport Center (NPC) has issued Certificates of Excellence of the Passport Services offered by her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield.

“After site visits to our offices in Elizabeth and Westfield, an analyst for the National Passport Center, a division of the U.S. State Department, made an evaluation of both facilities,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “The analyst assessed our passport agents and reported that they had the highest level of proficiency and experience.”

“During our annual interview with the analyst from NPC, our policies and procedures were reviewed and our customer service techniques were observed,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “The analyst specifically reviewed our accuracy and knowledge of passport processing procedures to ensure federally mandated rules and regulations are adhered to at all times. Our staff was interviewed on the policies to guarantee each of our certified agents is qualified to act as an acceptance agent on behalf of the NPC.”

The County Clerk operates two passport offices to serve the residents of Union County: the main office in the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, 908-527-4966; and the annex located in the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East, in Westfield, 908-654-9859.

“We invite anyone who needs a passport to visit either one of our locations; visit our website at www.ucnj.org/Passports or call us for further information,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Our highly qualified staff is ready to assist you with the application process, passport photographs, and information about expedited delivery from the State Department.”

The Westfield Annex is the only County Clerk’s office in the state that is open during evening hours. The Westfield Annex is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Elizabeth office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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