The Alternative Press

The Borough of Florham Park is recognizing July as National Park and Recreation Month by encouraging residents to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor public resources in the community. The Borough Council recently passed municipal resolution #12-77 making the official designation, following in the footsteps of the United States House of Representatives, which passed a similar declaration.

Throughout the month of July, residents are invited to become reacquainted with the borough’s parks, fields, and environmental resources. After receiving a facelift in 2008, Beechcrest Park now features a New York Jets-themed playground area and basketball court, as well as new drinking fountains. Children’s playgrounds are also available at Stobaeus Park and at the Dale Anderson Jaycees Tot Lot in Emmett Park. Prudden Park’s freshly painted benches and newly installed lighting serve as a relaxing place to sit across from the Little Red Schoolhouse. Spring Garden Lake, off East Madison Avenue, is home to a woodchip trail maintained by the Environmental Commission. The Municipal Pool, which includes a vortex tube slide and a sand volleyball court, is open seven days per week in July. Residents and non-residents may register for membership at the pool office. Theme nights will be announced throughout the month.

Also in July, baseball and softball games will be played at various borough fields, and the public is invited to be spectators. Along with the East Hanover Recreation Department, the Florham Park Recreation Department is co-sponsoring several youth sports clinics at Hanover Park High School. Information on these programs is available at the Florham Park Recreation Department in Borough Hall. Additional July offerings include evening aerobics classes, Millburn Golf Course memberships, youth tennis clinics, and golf camp. Call the Florham Park Recreation Department at (973) 410-5390, or visit www.florhamparkboro.net/recreation for details.

“The ½ mile Emmett Park walking trail now includes distance markers and fitness stations. The equipment was generously donated by the New York Jets and United Way,” said Recreation Director Adam Lieb. “Our tennis and basketball courts and lacrosse wall continue to be very popular. Our playgrounds and fields are also in great shape. The public is invited to spend time outside this July, exercise, and stay healthy.”

Each July since 1985, the United States has celebrated National Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme is “Get Wild!” The theme encourages individuals, families, friends, and park-lovers everywhere to venture to their local parks and recreation areas to experience the many benefits they offer, such as programs to inspire healthy and active lifestyles, and activities to appreciate nature and the environment. 

National Park and Recreation Month is an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). For more information, go to www.nrpa.org/july. Park and recreation agencies and citizens are encouraged to remind the community of the exciting and vital role that parks and recreation play in the lives of Americans. NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of over 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

“According to recent studies, about one-third of Americans struggle with inactivity, obesity and associated health challenges,” said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. “Now is time for change. Through Park and Recreation Month, we’re encouraging Americans to get out, get active, and get healthy. Citizens can become a real part of the movement toward wellness.”