Message from Councilwoman Ellen Zimmerman: Parks and Recreation Month Highlights in Scotch Plains

As July closes out Parks and Recreation Month in Scotch Plains, Councilwoman Ellen Zimmerman highlighted the Township's recent parks improvements and plans for future development.

The Township Council redesigned the rink in front of Brookside Park, adding a full-size basketball court and four pickleball courts. Greenside Park and Green Forest Park received major upgrades, celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

At Kramer Manor Park, the Township renovated two basketball courts and six tennis courts, and converted another tennis court into four pickleball courts. At county-owned Ponderosa Farm Park, Scotch Plains partnered with Union County to add 58 new parking spaces.

Phase One of Haven Park's revitalization is complete, and the Township has begun renovating bathrooms across several facilities. The Township also secured improvements to athletic fields at the Vo-Tech campus on Raritan Road.

In a significant acquisition, Scotch Plains purchased the former Highland Swim Club property on Martine Avenue, adding five acres of new park space deed-restricted for recreational use. The Recreation Department will begin planning for this property in the coming year with opportunities for resident input.

Councilwoman Zimmerman emphasized that parks serve as community gathering spaces where residents engage in team sports, casual walks, and senior programs. The Township Council remains committed to expanding programming in STEM and theatrical arts, enhancing ballfields, and developing the newly acquired parkland.

The Township invites residents to enjoy local parks throughout the summer and year.

Find more Scotch Plains parks and recreation information on Union County Life.
FAQ

Q: What improvements were made to Brookside Park?
A: The Township redesigned the rink in front of Brookside Park, adding a full-size basketball court and four pickleball courts.

Q: Which parks received major upgrades?
A: Greenside Park and Green Forest Park received major upgrades, celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Q: What renovations were completed at Kramer Manor Park?
A: The Township renovated two basketball courts and six tennis courts, and converted another tennis court into four pickleball courts.

Q: Did Scotch Plains add parking anywhere?
A: Yes. At county-owned Ponderosa Farm Park, Scotch Plains partnered with Union County to add 58 new parking spaces.

Q: What is the status of Haven Park?
A: Phase One of Haven Park's revitalization is complete. The Township has also begun renovating bathrooms across several facilities.

Q: Did Scotch Plains acquire any new parkland?
A: Yes. The Township purchased the former Highland Swim Club property on Martine Avenue, adding five acres of new park space deed-restricted for recreational use.

Q: What will happen with the Highland Swim Club property?
A: The Recreation Department will begin planning for the property in the coming year with opportunities for resident input on how the space will be developed.

Q: What are the Township's future plans for parks and recreation?
A: The Township Council remains committed to expanding programming in STEM and theatrical arts, enhancing ballfields, and developing the newly acquired Highland Swim Club parkland.

Q: Where can I find more information about Scotch Plains parks?
A: Union County Life covers Scotch Plains parks and recreation news. Visit unioncountylife.com for more information on local facilities and programs.