Great Escape

Swim, Tennis Lessons Offered This Summer

They are being offered at county locations.

Sometimes there's just not enough days in the week, but every Wednesday we'll give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. And with summer on its way, there is no better time to get some lessons on great summer activities offered through the Somerset County Park Commission. First, the Warrenbrook Pool, on Warrenville Road in Warren, is hosting lessons at the only public outdoor swimming facility the county owns. The pool will open for the season June 28 at 12 p.m., and will remain open seven days a week through Sept. 3. The county is offering a variety of swimming lessons for all abilities, including Toddlers, Beginner I, Beginner II, Advanced Beginner and Intermediate. All …

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Green Knoll Golf Course Designated 'River-Friendly'

It is the third county location to receive that designation.

The Green Knoll Golf Course, on Garretson Road in Bridgewater, has recently been designated a River Friendly Facility by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. The designation, according to a release from the Somerset County Park Commission, is based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA’s program. According to the release, the NJSWA worked with the park commission to develop goals in the areas of water quality management, water conservation techniques, wildlife and habitat enhancement and education and outreach. Through that work, the release said, the golf course has seen improved water quality and enhanced vegetated buffers along streams and ponds. The course has also established mow areas that can help to …

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Park Commission Preparing for Eco-Rally

The effort is to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is organizing its fifth annual Eco-Rally to continue efforts to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint. According to a release from the commission, between April 1 and April 15, those participating in the rally will begin keeping a daily log of everyday tasks they do that reduce energy and promote greener lifestyles. Such actions, the release said, could include turning off lights when leaving a room, walking instead of driving, using reusable bags when shopping, planting a native tree or carrying lunch in a reusable container. Those participating in the rally, the release said, are also being asked to create a display of images that represent their contributions to …

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Christmas Trees to be Recycled at County Parks

North Branch Park is one of the drop-off sites.

The Somerset County Park Commission is accepting natural Christmas trees for recycling through the end of the month at North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater, among other locations. The recycling will be available through Jan. 31. Somerset County residents can bring all natural trees for recycling to Parking Lot F of Colonial Park on Mettlers Road in Franklin Township, or to the northern end of the parking lot near the lighted ball field at North Branch Park. Trees will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. According to a release from the county, each family is limited to only one tree, and it must be free of all ornaments, wires, netting and tinsel. Only natural trees will be taken, and wreaths and garlands will…

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Need a Break? Some County Golf Courses Open

Park Commission says some facilities are open now.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, the majority of Somerset County Park Commission facilities remain closed. Open for use today are Neshanic Valley Golf Course, on South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and North Branch Park on Milltown Road in Bridgewater and Natirar Park in Peapack-Gladstone. Re-opening decisions will be made on a day-to-day basis. Closed until further notice are general use parks Duke Island Park in Bridgewater and Colonial Park in Somerset. Residents are asked to not attempt to visit these parks as fall trees make the parks unsafe. Also closed until further notice is the Torpey Athletic Complex in Bridgewater and Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge. The Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge is expected to re-open on …

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Bayou Fest Sizzles With Music and Authentic Food

Evening includes two bands and a selection of Creole and Cajun foods at Duke Island Park.

A crowd of nearly 2,000 were on hand at Duke Island Park Sunday for the annual Bayou Fest, part of the Somerset County Park Commission's summer concert series.  The park was filled with Zydeco and Creole music from the VooDudes and Opelousas, Louisiana's Jefferey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. In addition to the music, authentic Creole and Bayou dishes were offered from Touch Bayou in Montclair. The menu included schrimp creole, jambalaya and red beans and rice, among other favorites.

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