Councilman Matt Adams | May 18, 2023

This is a tremendously busy time for the Scotch Plains Recreation Department, as all of the upcoming summertime activities require enormous planning and coordination.

Just imagine: There are many programs and events being planned through May, June and July, jockeying for space with sports leagues and other users of our popular parks. At the same time, the recreation department is putting the final touches on our summer camp, hiring all of those counselors and scheduling a summer full of daily fun. And then there is the big picture: Working with the Township Council on our ongoing park upgrade program and long-term plans to provide our residents with even more amenities.  You have probably seen that the reimagined Greenside Park Playground is now under construction, and Green Forest Park is not far behind it.

Newcomers to our community may not yet have a full understanding of the vital role our recreation department plays to enhance the quality of life in Scotch Plains. Throughout the year – and especially now – Recreation Director Julie Buonaguro and our all-volunteer Recreation Commission identify new ways in which to engage residents and respond to their needs.

And the focus is not just kids. There are recreational programs and leagues for people of all ages, as well as trips, art programs, meals and other special events for our seniors.

Here are just some ways in which Scotch Plains accomplishes that goal:

• Health and Wellness

Scotch Plains is honored annually for its involvement in the Mayors Wellness Program, through the New Jersey Healthcare Quality Institute. This could not be accomplished without the work of our Recreation Department which offers sports leagues, fitness programs and all the outdoor recreational program. It’s not just about promoting an active lifestyle. It’s about also ways to improve physical fitness, avoid chronic disease and put an end to sedentary behavior.

• Social Engagement

When I run in the annual Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer 5K, happening this year on Wednesday, June 14, it is the highlight of the year. I end up connecting with friends I may not have seen over the winter. And, as an elected official in town, I appreciate the opportunity to meet other residents, fostering important social connections. The run is the perfect example of community cohesion, as we run the neighborhood streets, to the cheers of people sitting in lawn chairs or ringing bells. Click here to join me this year.

• Youth Development

I continually hear from parents who are so appreciative of the fun (and affordable) ways we engage children through the summer.  We run a day camp for kids in grades K-6 at Brookside Park, as well as a “small fry” camp for children ages 3-5, at Green Forest Park. Our kids love it, and our teens also develop job skills, and make some money, as counselors

These camps are a terrific way in which we encourage positive youth development, teach important life skills such as teamwork and leadership, and offer alternatives to negative behaviors by engaging young people in constructive activities.

• Educational Opportunities

Who says you can’t have fun and learn at the same time? (OK, I am sounding like my dad here.) But our Recreation Department offers so many educational programs and workshops that promote learning and personal growth. There are great classes on arts and crafts, music, dance, cooking, and environmental education. Such activities broaden individuals' horizons, enhance their creativity, and contribute to lifelong learning. And if you want to learn golf, there is no better (or more forgiving) course than the historic Shady Rest Country Club on Jerusalem Road.

It is important to note that quality recreational programs and facilities help Scotch Plains in many other important ways. They generate revenue for municipal coffers, they enhance residential property value, they attract visitors and they help give a boost to our merchants, such as restaurants and retail.

As we kick off summer, mark your calendars for our upcoming Memorial Day events on May 29, our “Pride in the Park” event on June 1 at the Alan Augustine Village Green and the 5K on June 14.

It is my hope that you take full advantage of the recreational opportunities we offer in Scotch Plains, as part of our vibrant and engaged community. And please support the work of our Recreation Department and Recreation Commission at every turn.