ESSEX COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
YOUR GUIDE TO EVENTS,
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES
OF THE ESSEX COUNTY
PARKS SYSTEM
Autumn / Winter 2015
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Executive
and the Board of Chosen Freeholders
Essex County Parks,
Recreation And Cultural Affairs
www.EssexCountyNJ.org
PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST
ESSEX COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
A MESSAGE FROM THE
COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR
CONTENTS
Upcoming Events
4
South Mountain
Recreation Complex
6
Golf11
Environmental Center
14
Cultural Affairs
16
Essex County Gardens
18
Directory of
Park Conservancies
19
Parks Map
20
The activities included in this catalog take place
at facilities of the Essex County Parks System.
The historic Essex County Parks System proudly offers programs and
events throughout the year. Embrace autumn by visiting the Essex County
Environmental Center, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Among
the myriad of programs offered there are canoeing on the Passaic River
on Labor Day and welcoming the arrival of the fall season at the 11th
Annual Fall Family Celebration. Greet the winter and the holiday season
by making a Thanksgiving centerpiece or participating in the 11th Annual
Sustainable Homes and Habitats Gingerbread Contest and Exhibit.
The Strut Your Mutt costume parade in Brookdale and South Mountain
Dog Parks has become a seasonal favorite. New this year at Turtle Back
Zoo is “Night of the Living Zoo,” an event for visitors ages 21 and over
where they can learn about nighttime animal adaptations. The Spooky
Zoo and safe Howl-O-Ween, coupled with the increasingly popular
Gardens Aglow event at the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, continue to
be enjoyable family outings.
After an interior renovation, Kip’s Castle will reopen its doors and be one
of 13 homes participating in the Historic Holiday House Tour. The Holiday
Lights Spectacular at the zoo are a must see. Visitors can stroll under
the sparkling lights of over 50 winter and animal characters illuminated
throughout Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. In the beginning of the year,
look for Essex Ed, our devoted groundhog, who is bound to make an
appearance and start us on our way to the next cycle of Essex County
recreational activities.
We encourage visitors to any of Essex County Parks to assist us in
maintaining a clean environment throughout the year and invite them to
join any one of our volunteer conservancies. The directory of organizations
is at the back of this guide along with information on how you can get
involved.
Daniel Salvante
Director of Parks, Recreation
and Cultural Affairs
Board of Chosen Freeholders
Britnee N. Timberlake
Freeholder President
Brendan W. Gill
Freeholder Vice President
Rolando Bobadilla
Rufus I. Johnson
Lebby C. Jones
Leonard M. Luciano
Wayne L. Richardson
Patricia Sebold
Cynthia D. Toro
Department of Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Affairs
115 Clifton Avenue
Newark, NJ 07104
973-268-3500
PUTTING ESSEX COUNTY FIRST
MEMORIES GROW HERE!
A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
The brisk breezes, changing colors of the leaves and
the morning frost signal the arrival of autumn. For our
Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs,
it means the entire family can enjoy a new lineup of
events and activities to experience the outdoors and
celebrate the season.
Climb a rock wall, pick Jersey Fresh vegetables, paddle on the Passaic
River and interact with a variety of environmentally-conscience vendors at
our Annual Fall Family Celebration at the Essex County Environmental Center. View the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in a whole different kind of light
– by the candlelit gleaming from the artistically carved pumpkins at Gardens
Aglow. And celebrate the Halloween holiday all season long at Turtle Back
Zoo with a variety of special events, including Octo-BEAR-fest, Night of the
Living Zoo and Safe Halloween.
Fall is also a great time to get out into our parks and discover the beautiful
vistas, meadows and trails, as well as admire the changing fall foliage.
When the colder weather and winter arrives, be ready for the Annual
Holiday Lights Spectacular, which will return to Turtle Back Zoo for its
8th year! Enjoy free admission and stroll our Zoo pathways to see animal
and winter figures illuminated by over 100,000 bulbs, with special themed
activities every weekend.
We look forward to seeing you in our parks. Together we will continue
Putting Essex County First.
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Executive
3
ESSEX COUNTY UPCOMING EVENTS
ESSEX REMEMBERS FRIDAY, 9/11 — 8AM
Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation 9/11 Memorial
Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
Free
Join with community members for a solemn ceremony commemorating the 14th Anniversary of the 9/11 Tragedy. The ceremony
begins promptly at 8am.
Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation will forever have special
meaning for the thousands who made their way to this hilltop to
watch the shocking events unfolding at the World Trade Center on
September 11, 2001. On Sunday, October 20, 2002, the hard work
of many volunteers, contractors, union members, corporate leaders
and family members came to fruition when the Essex County
Eagle Rock September 11th Memorial was dedicated during a
moving unveiling ceremony. The memorial was expanded in 2009
to include the Flight Crew Memorial, a tribute to heroic pilots and
flight attendants aboard the four airplanes that crashed that day. In
2011, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks, a 7,400-pound steel and
concrete piece of the World Trade Center foundation was installed
along with a bronze plaque recognizing the bravery of Emergency
Medical Technicians who responded at Ground Zero and across the
Hudson River.
STRUT YOUR MUTT: COSTUME PARADE
SATURDAY, 10/24
Rain date: Sunday, October 25; 973.268.3500
Essex County Brookdale Dog Park
Bloomfield/Montclair
9:15am Registration; 10am Parade
Essex County South Mountain Dog Park,
Maplewood/Millburn
1:15pm Registration; 2pm Parade
The Essex County canine costume parades have grown into a
favorite Halloween celebration for the community to enjoy. Bring
your pet or just come to see the creative costumes on display. Same
day registration. This is a free event. Prizes!
ESSEX COUNTY HISTORIC HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR
Historic homes throughout Essex will open their doors in unison
for one spectacular weekend. Each will be decorated for the holiday
season while offering entertainment, refreshments, or educational
information. Fees and times vary by location.
For a final list of participating houses, check www.essexcountynj.
org after November 15th or call 973.239.2465.
4
SATURDAY, 12/5 AND SUNDAY, 12/6
THE CELEBRATION STARTS HERE!
WHAT’S NEW?
Essex County West Side Park
The Essex County West Side Park Community Center
reopened on May 6th after receiving a complete renovation.
The facility is the focal point in the neighborhood for
recreation and enrichment programs, and the upgrades
will enable the building to continue to meet the needs of
people of all ages in the community.
The comprehensive facelift included upgrades in all areas
of the building. Damaged sections of the gym floor were
replaced and the entire floor was sanded and refinished.
Flooring and drop ceilings in the vestibule, lobby,
administration offices, restrooms and locker rooms were
replaced; the building’s electrical and plumbing systems
were upgraded; the restrooms and locker rooms received
new fixtures; all interior and exterior doors were replaced;
and the interior and exterior of the facility were painted.
Work outside of the building included the installation of
park benches and trash receptacles; improvements to the
parking lot, sidewalks and curbing; and landscaping.
The 16,000-square-foot facility was originally constructed
in 1987 and the last renovation occurred in 2006 when
the gymnasium was upgraded with a new wooden floor,
basketball equipment and painting. The center is heavily
used by people of all ages and another facelift was necessary
because the building’s high usage and water damage to the
gymnasium floor caused by a leak in the roof.
Randi and Marc E. Berson Learning Center at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
dedicated the Randi & Marc E. Berson Learning Center
at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo on Wednesday, June 3rd.
Naming the classroom area on the first floor of the new
Education Center recognizes the long-term commitment
made by the Berson family to support educational
programming at Turtle Back and to help it fulfill its
mission of raising awareness about animals and preparing
future generations of environmental stewards.
August 2014. The modern building provides a safe and more organized entrance
for school groups arriving by bus and a second entrance for the general public
that alleviates overcrowding at the original entrance. This summer, almost 600
children are enrolled in the Zoo’s summer camp program, which is the first full
summer that it is being offered in the new facility.
The Berson family made a generous contribution to Turtle
Back Zoo in 2013 to support public workshops, summer
camps, outreach programs, special events and other
activities at Turtle Back Zoo. For their commitment, Mr.
Berson was one of the honorees at the Turtle Back Zoo
50th Anniversary Gala in 2013.
Support from the Berson family has been instrumental
in helping Zoo staff develop and implement educational
programs and camping opportunities at the new
12,000-square-foot Education Building, which opened in
5
ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN
RECREATION COMPLEX
Essex County Codey Arena
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
www.essexcountyparks.org/south-mountain/codey-arena
Phone: 973.731.3828 Fax: 973.731.5614
The arena is open to the public for ice skating, Learn to Skate group
lessons, Learn to Speedskate lessons, private skating parties, and
figure skating and ice hockey camps. The New Jersey State High
School hockey state games, the Essex County Winter Holiday
Hockey Tournament and many non-ice events also are hosted at the
arena. Some non-ice events the arena has hosted include the Essex
County High School Wrestling Tournament, ESPN Friday Night
Fights, the ATU National Taekwondo Championship, high school
graduations and special corporate events.
Hours of Operation
Open Daily
Call 973.731.3828 or check the daily ice skating schedule on the
website (www.essexcountyparks.org/south-mountain/codey-arena)
for public skating and freestyle skating times.
Public Skating Rates
Adults Children Seniors Skate rentals Freestyle Private Ice Rentals Party Room
6
$8.00
$6.00
$6.00 ($5.00 on Thursday sessions)
$4.00
$14.00 hour session
$400.00 hour
$100 for three hours
Learn to Skate Lessons
The Learn to Skate program introduces skaters to the basic skills of
ice skating. Classes are offered during all seasons for six, seven or
eight weeks. For registration and schedule information, please call
973.731.3828, Ext. 223.
Learn to SpeedSkate Lessons
Learn to Speedskate classes introduce skaters to the basic skills of
speedskating. Classes begin in September and will be offered throughout the year. For information, please call 973.731.3828, Ext. 223.
Clubs and Organizations
The arena hosts a variety of clubs and organizations throughout the
year. The following groups use the facility for programs and events
throughout the season:
Essex Figure Skating Club
Synchroettes National Skating Team
Theatre on Ice / Bravo team
Essex Blades women’s skating team
Garden State Speedskating Club
Special Olympics – Essex Special Skaters
Essex County High School hockey teams
Hockey North America Men’s Hockey League
Devils Youth Ice Hockey Club / Devils Sled Hockey program
Dare Devils Hockey Club
Great Saves Goaltending School
Seton Hall University Ice Hockey Club
THE FUN STARTS HERE!
If you would like to schedule a
birthday party or group outing,
please call 973.731.3828 ext. 0.
ESSEX COUNTY SENIOR WELLNESS DAY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ~ 10AM-2PM
Essex County Codey Arena
560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange
Free Admission
Essex County senior citizens are invited to the 10th Annual
Essex County Senior Wellness Day, where they will be offered
valuable information about programs and services available
for seniors and health screenings during an entertaining day
filled with music, refreshments and socializing. In addition,
seniors receive free admission to Essex County Turtle Back
Zoo. For information, call 973.621.4400. For transportation,
call 973.618.1280.
7
ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN
RECREATION COMPLEX
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Special Events
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ
973.731.5801
www.turtlebackzoo.com
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is committed to providing an
enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in
wildlife education and wildlife conservation, so that present and
future generations are inspired to understand, appreciate and
protect the fragile interdependence of all living things.
Hours of Operation
Through October 31
10am – 4:30pm (Monday – Saturday)
11am – 5:30pm (Sunday)
November 1 – March 30
10am – 3:30pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Rates
Adults $13.00
Children$10.00
Seniors 62+
$10.00
Children 23 months and under
Free
Rental Safari Double Strollers
$7.00
Winter Rates
Beginning on November 1
Adults $11.00
Children$8.00
Seniors 62+
$8.00
Children 23 months and under
Free
Rental Safari Double Strollers
$7.00
8
Join us for a guided tour of some of the zoo exhibits.
Learn about animal senses and adaptations. Tour times
vary by date. Please call 973.731.5800, Ext. 221 to
confirm. Pre-registration and payment in advance are
required. Cost is $7 per person.
Public Session: Friday, September 11
Organized Groups: Friday, September 25
THE FUN STARTS HERE!
National Red Panda Day/Explore Amazing Asia
Saturday, September 19; 11am to 3pm
Included with zoo admission
Bring the family to celebrate the wildlife of Asia through keeper
talks, animal presentations, games, crafts, and stories. Learn to move
and groove at our crane dance demonstration. Donations today will
be accepted for conservation of Asian species.
Night of the Living Zoo
Saturday, October 24; 6pm - 9pm
$10 admission
Celebrate this ghoulish time of year by visiting Turtle Back Zoo
at night. Enjoy music, performance artists and a costume contest.
Learn about nighttime animal adaptations, catch a frightful train
ride, and leave with a new temporary tattoo. A wicked night of fun
that you won’t want to miss. Registration and payment must be
received prior to the event. Space is limited.
Safe Howl-O-Ween
Saturday, October 31; 4pm - 8pm
$4 Zoological Society members; $6 non-members
Come trick-or-treating at the Zoo. With candy stations throughout
the grounds, everyone is sure to have a “sweet” time. Also, swing by
our train for our famous “Not-So-Scary” Train Ride! All sales at the
door. The zoo will be closed from 2:30-4pm in preparation for this
event.
Winter Workshop
Saturday, December 5; 11am - 3pm
Included with zoo admission
Visit the zoo in the winter season for a whole new animal experience.
Create enrichment items for the zoo animals to enjoy throughout the
winter season as well as a craft to take home. Special animal guests
will visit throughout the day in the Berson Learning Center.
Groundhog Day
Monday, February 2; 11am
Included with zoo admission
What will 2016 bring? Come see if Essex Ed, the resident groundhog
at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, sees his shadow in the morning of
February 2nd!
Weekends in October
Regular Zoo Hours
Included with zoo admission
Spend your autumn weekends at the wildest place in
town. Show off your Halloween style by participating
in our costume parade or enjoy our live entertainment.
Seasonal decorations complement your visit. You can’t
help but come back week after week. Check the website for
complete daily schedule of events.
9
ESSEX COUNTY SOUTH MOUNTAIN
RECREATION COMPLEX
THE FUN STARTS HERE!
Holiday Lights Spectacular
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
November 27 – December 13
Every Night: December 14 – January 3, 2016
Closed: December 24 & 25
5pm to 9pm
Free Admission
About 50 animal and holiday-themed figures will
light up the winter night in Turtle Back Zoo and
the surrounding Essex County South Mountain
Recreation Complex. Over 100,000 lights will
illuminate figures of bears, tigers and elephants, along
with holiday lights designed to look like wooden
soldiers, stars and winter scenes. Several animal
exhibits will be open, including the Sea Lion Sound,
Essex Farm, Tam-ring Gibbons Reserve, Tropical
Currents Aquarium and the Reptile Building. In
the spirit of the season, the Zoo is collecting nonperishable food items; new, unwrapped toys; and
new or gently used winter coats to benefit the less
fortunate. Different themed activities featured each
December weekend makes visiting extra exciting!
Sponsored by PSE&G and Covanta Energy.
APPRECIATE A DRAGON DAY
Saturday, January 16; 11am to 3pm
Included with zoo admission
Dragons have significance in cultures around
the world. Explore some of the myths and
legends surrounding dragons. Keeper talks
at the Komodo Dragon exhibit, dragon
stories, games, crafts, and kids’ activities will
be held throughout the day.
10
THE GAME STARTS HERE!
ESSEX COUNTY GOLF
Essex County Golf
Junior Golf
The Essex County Parks Department believes it is important to grow
the game of golf and there is no better place to start than with the
Junior Golfers. We have special Junior golf rates and have developed
a relationship with The First Tee program promoting leadership
initiatives and positive life skills in our community’s youth. Children
between 11 years of age and 16 years of age who play on our courses
are required to have a parent or guardian supervisor over the age of
18 years.
The Department of Parks has long been at the forefront of efforts to
provide exposure to and broaden the understanding and enjoyment
of the sport of golf. We provide unique opportunities for both male
and female golfers of all ages and abilities. Our mission is to make
golf an affordable and accessible sport to anyone who wishes to play.
Our golf schedule enables anyone to enjoy the sport of golf in an
educational, recreational, instructional and competitive environment,
or any combination of these formats. All the participant needs to
bring is an interest in the sport of golf, their own golf clubs and balls.
USGA Handicap System
The Department of Parks, in cooperation with the NJSGA, offers
the USGA GHIN handicap program. Computers are available at all
three golf courses. We encourage interested individuals to subscribe
to the service for a nominal fee and receive handicap updates every
two weeks.
General Golf Information
The County of Essex requires each golfer to enroll with the County
prior to using the automated tee time system. You may enroll in
person at all three golf courses Monday through Friday from 8:30am
to 4:00pm and on Saturday from 8:30am to 12:00pm.
Golf Cards
There are eight (8) types of Essex County Golf Cards:
New registrations
The County will accept only a valid New Jersey Driver’s License with
current address and one current utility bill (Telephone, PSE&G or
Cable only) with the applicant’s name on it. If bills are in a spouse’s
name, the applicant must show a copy of a marriage certificate. We
will also accept Passports with an Essex County address.
Adult Resident
$45.00
Gold $85.00
Senior/Junior
$25.00
Gold $60.00
Senior Seasonal (80 rounds)
Renewals
Golfers must provide proof of residency annually when renewing
their Golf ID card. Proof of residency is a valid New Jersey Driver’s
License and a current utility bill (Telephone, PSE&G or Cable only)
with the applicant’s name on it. If bills are in a spouse’s name, the
applicant must show a copy of a marriage certificate.
Group Golf
The Group Golf program is for all groups interested in an 18-hole
event with 20 golfers or more. Open to all organizations. Limited
dates, courses and times available. Please call the Director of Golf
Operations to schedule your event.
$75.00
Disabled Resident
$25.00
Weequahic Non-Resident
$69.00
Gold $99.00
Hendricks Field &
Weequahic Non-Resident
$109.00
Gold $139.00
Hendricks, Weequahic &
Byrne Non-Resident
$139.00
Gold $169.00
A Gold Card allows golfers to make reservations 10 days in advance,
enrolls the golfer into the New Jersey Golf Association e-benefits
program and enrolls the golfer into the Golf Handicapping
Information System
GOLF COURSE OPENING DATES
Date
Doors Open
Season Time Change
September 12
6:30am All days
September 26
7:00am All days
October 17
7:30am All days
$500.00
Junior Seasonal
First Tee Off Time
Register Close
7:00am All days
7:30am All days
8:00am All days
1½ hour before sunset
1½ hour before sunset
1½ hour before sunset
The Golf ID Unit is open year round at Essex County Hendricks Field Golf Course.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4pm and Saturdays, 8am-12noon.
11
THE GAME STARTS HERE!
ESSEX COUNTY GOLF
greens at Hendricks require both accurate and thoughtful play to
add to golfers’ enjoyment at this hidden gem in Belleville.
Francis Byrne Golf Course
Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ
973.736.2306
www.golfessexcountynj.com
Green Fees Essex County Francis Byrne Golf Course dates back to 1926 when it
was designed as a private country club course by noted golf architect
Charles Banks. Through our renovation project, many of the course
features have been restored to their classic roots, making Byrne one
of the premiere public golf destinations in the state. A number of
holes are based on famous courses from Scotland, including the par
five 1st hole that is modeled after the Road Hole at St. Andrews.
Among other classic holes on the Byrne Golf Course are the long par
three Biarritz 2nd hole that measures well over 200 yards from the
championship tee and the short 14th hole that is similar to the Eden
hole that is also found at St. Andrews, as well as many of the best
private clubs in the United States. The back nine at Byrne includes
several long par four holes, such as the 12th and 15th, the latter of
which champion golfer Bobby Jones considered to be one of the
most difficult holes in America.
This beautiful course in West Orange features deep bunkers, hilly
topography and rolling greens that combine to create a wonderfully
challenging layout that measures nearly 6,800 yards and offers public
golfers the rare opportunity to play a course from golf ’s Golden Age
of Design.
Green Fees
Cardholder Non-cardholder
Adult Weekday
$28.00 $44.00
Adult Weekend/Holiday $34.00
$51.00
Senior, junior,
Disabled Weekday
$19.00
$29.00
Twilight Weekdays $21.00
$26.00
Twilight Weekends/Holidays
$24.00
$30.00
Hendricks Field Golf Course
220 Franklin Avenue
Belleville, NJ
973.751.0178
www.golfessexcountynj.com
Designed by architect Charles Banks, Essex County Hendricks
Field features well-contoured putting surfaces and many interesting
holes. Opened in 1929, renovations at Hendricks have included the
reconstruction of tees and bunkers, as well as extensive upgrades in
drainage that have significantly improved playing conditions.
Hendricks has a number of classically designed holes, such as the
par four 4th hole that has a cluster of Principal’s Nose bunkers in
the center of the fairway that present strategic decisions, and the
exacting par three 6th hole with a green that is almost completely
surrounded by bunkers. Among the best holes on the back nine is the
par five10th where golfers must negotiate a stream that crosses the
fairway to reach the green. The narrow fairways and well-guarded
12
Cardholder Non-cardholder
Adult Weekday
$22.00
$35.00
Adult Weekend/Holiday
(Friday from Mem-Labor Day)
$26.00
$45.00
Senior, junior,
Disabled Weekday
$16.00
$27.00
Twilight Weekdays
$18.00
$22.00
Twilight Weekends/Holidays
$21.00
$26.00
9 Hole Weekday (after 11am)
$16.00
$30.00
9 Hole Weekend (after 11am)
$19.00
$36.00
Winter Rate
(January and February)
$18.00
$26.00
Weequahic Park Golf Course
Elizabeth and Grumman Avenues
Newark, NJ
973-926-2520
www.golfessexcountynj.com
Essex County Weequahic Park Golf Course is set on a beautifully
rolling property. New bunkers have been added to the course
through our renovation process that have greatly enhanced its
strategic and visual appeal. Tucked in the corner of historic Essex
County Weequahic Park, this is the first public course in New Jersey,
having been designed by Baltusrol Golf Club professional George
Low in 1913.
While Weequahic measures slightly less than 6,000 yards, the course
offers an ideal golfing landscape and its small greens make low
scoring difficult. Among the best holes on this lovely course are the
uphill par five 3rd with two large bunkers carved in the hillside, as
well as the long par four 16th that plays to the crest of this same hill
and down to the green that is set in the base of its long slope.
Green Fees Cardholder Non-cardholder
Adult Weekday
$22.00
$35.00
Adult Weekend/Holiday
(Friday from Mem-Labor Day)
$26.00
$45.00
Senior, junior,
Disabled Weekday
$16.00
$27.00
Twilight Weekdays
$18.00
$22.00
Twilight Weekends/Holidays
$21.00
$26.00
9 Hole Weekday (after 11am)
$16.00
$30.00
9 Hole Weekend (after 11am)
$19.00
$36.00
Winter Rate
(January and February)
$18.00
$26.00
ESSEX COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Essex County
Environmental Center
621-B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ
973.228.8776
www.essexcountyparks.org/facilities/
environmental-center
The Essex County Environmental Center is situated in Essex
County West Essex Park, a wooded wetland habitat with access to
the Passaic River which makes for an interesting and affordable
site to book a naturalist-led field trip for school, scout, adult and
community groups. This state-of-the-art facility was constructed as
an environmentally sensitive building using natural and recycled
materials, innovative energy saving technologies, and topped by a
“green roof ” for the purpose of storm-water management, among
other things.
EDUCATION STARTS HERE!
To fulfill our mission, we have established partnerships with the
following environmental organizations:
NJ Audubon
Essex County Beekeepers
Essex County Environmental Commission
NJ Woodturners
Traditional Earth Skills
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Essex County Master Gardeners and 4H Youth Development
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturdays, 10am-2pm
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Fees vary by program
For educational field trip
bookings/inquiries, please contact
the Center at 973.228.8776
13
ESSEX COUNTY
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Please call the Center for a full listing of
ECEC Fall/Winter programming.
Scouting Day
Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6;
10:30am - 2:30pm
Fee: $50 per person per day
Calling all Scouts—Wolfs, Bear Cubs, Juniors and Brownies—this
is your chance to work on belt loops and pins with Environmental
Center staff.*
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Saturday, November 21; 10:30am - 12pm
$10 per child; $12 per adult (fee includes a $2 materials fee)
For adults and children ages 7 and up who are accompanied by an
adult. Make a natural fall table arrangement with beeswax candles to
brighten up the Thanksgiving holiday. Give it as a gift or keep it for
yourself. Minimum number of participants required.*
FROG POND FUN
Monday, October 12; 9:30am - 3:30pm
Fee: $60 per child
For students in grades 1 to 5. Explore the depths of our pond
and wander into our wooded wetland to discover what’s there
beyond first glance. Through outdoor and indoor activities,
campers will uncover the adaptations that allow frogs and
other wetland organisms to survive and thrive while learning
how we can become stewards for these fascinating species.
Minimum number of participants is required.*
Special Events
When advance registration is required;
call 973.228.8776 for more information.
Labor Day Paddle
Monday, September 7; 10:30am OR 2pm
Fee: $30 per canoe
For adults and children ages 10 and older. Take a leisurely paddle on
the Passaic River. Paddlers will enjoy scenery and peacefulness as
they paddle up the river and float down stream. Geared for beginners
and children 10 and up accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meet
in the Garibaldi Hall parking lot.*
11TH Annual Fall Family Celebration
Saturday, September 26; 11am - 4pm
Free Admission
Come celebrate autumn at the Essex County Environmental Center.
There will be fun-filled activities for the entire family to enjoy—
hands-on nature games and crafts, canoeing, Native American life,
pumpkin patch, petting zoo, food, and more.
14
*Advance registration is required;
call 973.228.8776 for more information.
EDUCATION STARTS HERE!
2015 ESSEX COUNTY PARKS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 16, so grab
a camera and visit an Essex County Park. Anyone with a
camera is invited and encouraged to submit photos that capture
a part of your visit to the County Parks System. For rules and
regulations, please contact the Essex County Environmental
Center at 973-228-8776.
11TH Annual Sustainable Homes & Habitats
Gingerbread Contest & Exhibit
All entries must be registered by Saturday, December 5;
submitted on Saturday, December 5 or Monday, December 7
Create a unique gingerbread house with natural accents and green
building design features. Sustainable Gingerbread Homes will be on
display from Wednesday, December 9th through Friday, December
18th. Prizes will be awarded in various categories on Saturday,
December 19th.*
Gingerbread House Making Workshop
Saturday, December 5, 11am to 1pm
Free admission
On-site registration and creation of your gingerbread home or
habitat. Have you been too busy to pre-register for our contest?
Maybe you don’t know where to begin. Stop by the Essex County
Environmental Center and our resourceful staff will get you started
on your own unique creation. All gingerbread projects must be
completed by 1pm to be considered for the contest. Some materials
will be provided, however, you are encouraged to bring your own
items for decorations. This is the last day to register for the contest.
Winter Wildlife Explorers Camp
Monday, December 28; Tuesday, December 29 & Wednesday,
December 30; 9:30am – 3:30pm
Fee: $165 per child for all three days or $60 per child per day
For children in kindergarten to 3rd grade. Campers enjoy stories, crafts,
campfires and forest adventures while exploring our wooded wetland
forests in winter time. Minimum number of participants required.*
15
ESSEX COUNTY CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Wildflower Sculpture
Park & Preserve
Essex County South Mountain Reservation
Crest Drive, Maplewood/Millburn
The Wildflower Sculpture Park was designed to attract visitors to
the nearby Wildflower Preserve and has blossomed into a much
anticipated annual exhibit of local and regional artists. Works by
four unique artists were unveiled in June 2015 and will remain on
view until early Spring 2016.
Sculptors for the park are chosen annually for the exhibition
located in front of the very active Essex County South Mountain
Dog Park. The deadline for applicants in November 1, 2015, and
application packets are available on www.essexcountynj.org or by
contacting Tricia Zimic, curator of the Wildflower Sculpture Park, at
[email protected].
Sculpture on View
Willie Cole
“Just Add Water”
Willie Cole created “Just Add Water,” which consists of several large
spheres made of plastic water bottles. The installation is an example of art
imitating nature and serves as a commentary on the rapid development
and abundance of disposable waste in the environment. Over the past
30 years, Cole has had major exhibitions in museums and cultural
institutions around the world including the Montclair Art Museum, The
Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Metropolitan Museum
of Art in New York, where several of his sculptures were featured in
“Reconfiguring an African Icon: Odes to the Mask by Modern and
Contemporary Artists from Three Continents.”
16
Donna Conklin King
“Restore”
Donna Conklin King made the installation titled “Restore.”
Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi (golden repair), the
artwork is a symbol of the restoration of the Wildflower Preserve.
A golden fissure connects trees on each side of the fence
before returning underground to signify the cycle of life and
mankind’s responsibility to care for the land. Environmentally
conscious, Conklin’s work often repurposes household objects,
such as porcelain Tchotchkes, broken China, food containers
and dryer lint. Her drawing and printmaking work is in many
public and private book collections including the Museum of
Modern Art, Newark Public Library and the National Portrait
Gallery Artist’s Book Collections. Conklin also created the
larger-than-life tiled snake in front of the new Essex County
Turtle Back Zoo Education Building.
TALENT GROWS HERE!
Ben Pranger
“South Mountain Bird Tower”
Ben Pranger developed “South Mountain Bird Tower.” The
sculpture is a large structure made from concrete and steel that
could potentially function as a bird habitat. Pranger has shown
his work throughout the United States, including having solo
exhibitions at Perimeter Gallery in Illinois, Kohler Art Center
in Wisconsin, Second Street Gallery in Virginia and Gallery
Aferro in Newark. He has participated in artist residencies at
Kohler Art/Industry, Fine Arts Work Center of Provincetown,
the Marie Walsh Sharpe Program, and the Virginia Center for
the Creative Arts, and has received sculpture grants from the
Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Museum of
Fine Arts, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the New Jersey
Council for Art. He has taught at Bloomsburg University of
Pennsylvania, Hollins University in Virginia and the School of
the Art Institute of Chicago.
Lester James Johnson
“Balls in Cage”
Lester James Johnson carved “Balls in a Cage” and “Totems One and
Two” from found trees. His intent is to create art that symbolizes
the transformation and metamorphosis of nature. The carving
took a substantial amount of meditative time to “unleash” the ball
inside. Johnson was born in Johnsonville, S.C., and has participated
in many group and individual art shows in the tri-state area since
1972. He participated in two videos, one produced by Al Clarke for
City Without Walls, and a second, “The Healing Art,” produced by
the Artists for Mental Health. Johnson’s art style is self-described as
“living outside the box.”
The idea behind the Wildflower Sculpture Park was to build on the
concept of the Wildflower Project, which is a fenced-in area about 14
acres in size. Organized by the South Mountain Conservancy, native
plants installed in the enclosed area are protected from deer browsing
for food and act as a seed bank for the rest of the reservation. This was
done in 2009 in conjunction with Essex County’s forest regeneration
program for South Mountain Reservation in which 43 enclosures
were constructed throughout the reservation to aggressively re-grow
native vegetation.
17
ESSEX COUNTY GARDENS
Essex County Presby
Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Avenue
Upper Montclair, NJ
973.783.5974
www.presbyirisgardens.org
The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens was established in
1927 to honor Frank H. Presby of Montclair, a leading horticulturalist
and a founder of The American Iris Society. This living museum,
listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Sites, offers a
spectacular display of thousands of iris varieties to visitors from all
over the world. In 2009, a partnership between the County of Essex,
Township of Montclair and NJ Green Acres program preserved the
site as a public garden and added it to the historic Essex County
Parks System.
Hours of Operation
The Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are open from
dawn to dusk 365 days a year. The peak bloom season is from midMay to early June.
Bloom Room Hours
The Bloom Room will be open for holiday shopping. Please check
the website for opening dates and hours.
Special Events
Gardens Aglow
Friday, October 23, 6pm to 9pm
Rain date: Saturday, October 24
Free admission
View the gardens at dusk as they come to life with artfully carved jacko-lanterns supplied by local high school art departments. Activities,
entertainment, and refreshments will be on-going throughout the event.
If your high school would like to
participate please contact
Aimee DeVito at 973-239-2495.
18
BEAUTY GROWS HERE!
Essex County Riker Hill Art Park
284 Beaufort Avenue
Livingston, NJ
www.essexcountyparks.org/parks/riker-hill-complex
Essex County Riker Hill Art Park is a former United States Army
Nike Missile Tracking Base. The 42-acre complex was purchased
from the federal government for one dollar in 1974. The buildings,
which once housed army facilities, have been transformed into 38
artist studios. Artists-in-residence work in various disciplines such
as painting, fine metal jewelry, ceramics, pottery, glass-blowing, fine
prints, photography, and sculpture.
Hours of Operation
The grounds at Riker Hill Art Park are open from dawn to dusk
seven days a week. There are winding trails, outstanding views of
West Essex and outdoor sculptures for the public’s enjoyment.
Artists’ studios are open twice a year, on the first weekends in June
and November, for an Open House and Art Sale. During this semiannual event, visitors can watch artists at work and purchase art
work in the gallery.
Studio Rentals
Rates are set annually by county ordinance. To receive an application,
please contact the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic
Affairs at 973.239.7056.
Open House & Art Sale
Saturday, November 7 & Sunday, November 8
12noon – 5pm
Free admission but artwork is for sale
Get an inside glimpse of the art world by attending the Essex County
Riker Hill Art Park Open House and Art Sale. While visiting a
variety of different art studios, you will have the opportunity to talk
to the artists, purchase art work, and stop by the gallery to view a
compilation exhibition. Artists in residence work in a variety of
disciplines, including clay, jewelry, glass blowing, painting, sculpture,
printmaking and photography.
ESSEX COUNTY
PARK CONSERVANCIES
Becker Park Conservancy
Howard Silverberg, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.beckerconservancy.org
Brookdale Park Conservancy
Mollie Smith, Chairperson
Email:
[email protected]
www.brookdaleparkconservancy.org
Essex County Parks Foundation
Lou LaSalle, Chairperson
Eagle Rock Reservation
Conservancy
James Christiano, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.eaglerockreservation.org
Friends of Anderson Park
Scott Kevelson, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.friendsofandersonpark.org
Friends of Irvington Park
Sandy Jones, Chairperson
Grover Cleveland Park
Conservancy
Lisa Garrity, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.groverclevelandpark.org
Hilltop Conservancy
Geordie Smith
Email: VicePresidenthilltopconservancy.org
www.hilltopconservancy.org
Ivy Hill Neighborhood
Association
Houston Stevens, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.ihnanewark.org
Kip’s Castle Park Conservancy
Jim Robbins, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.kipscastle.org
Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
Citizens Committee
Nancy Skjei-Lawes, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.presbyirisgardens.com
South Mountain Conservancy
Dennis Percher, Chairperson
www.somocon.org
SPARK: Friends of
Riverbank Park
Nancy Zak, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.riverbankpark.org
Verona Park Conservancy
Jim McGregor, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
www.veronapark.org
Watsessing Park Conservancy
Doreen Sarcone, Chairperson
www.wepc.us
Weequahic Park Association
Wilbur McNeal
West Side Park Conservancy
Sheila Pitts, Chairperson
Email: [email protected]
Zoological Society of NJ
Adam Kerins, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
www.turtlebackzoo.com
19
ESSEX COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION
AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Affairs Office
115 Clifton Avenue
Newark
Phone: (973) 268-3500
THE FUN STARTS HERE!
Fairfield
PARKS
North Caldwell
Anderson Park
Bellevue Ave. &
N. Mountain Ave.
Montclair
Hilltop Reservation
ant
Plea
s
.
20
South Orange
Newark
Vailsburg
Park
Millburn
way
East Orange
ue
Short Hills
Branch Brook
Park
ven
dA
South Mountain
Recreation Complex
Hendricks Field
Golf Course
Belleville
fiel
Vailsburg Park
South Orange Ave. &
Oraton Parkway
Newark
Watsessing
Park
Monte Irvin
Orange Park
Belleville
Park
om
Riverfront Park
Raymond Boulevard &
Brill Street
Newark
en S
Orange
South Mountain
Reservation
West Side
Park
Ivy Hill Park
Maplewood
Yantacaw
Park
Blo
Riverbank Park
Market Street &
Somme Street
Newark
Gard
e
Lan
rry
eld Ave
Francis A. Byrne
Golf Course
Che
Northfi
Glenfield
Park
West Orange
Riker Hill
Complex
Bloomfield
ue
Livingston
Irvington
Irvington
Park
Veterans
Memorial
Park
Riverbank
Park
Riverfront
Park
Independence
Park
Ivy Hill Park
Mt. Vernon Place
Newark
Presby Memorial
Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave.
Upper Montclair
en
Av
Eagle Rock
Reservation
Turtle Back Zoo
Treetop Adventure
Codey Arena
miniGOLF Safari
Regatta Playground
Clipper Pavilion
Walking Path
Paddleboats
Irvington Park
Grove Street & Lyons Ave.
Irvington
Kip’s Castle Park
22 Crestmont Road
Verona
ld
SOUTH MOUNTAIN
RECREATION
COMPLEX
Nutley
Brookdale
Park
fie
Becker Park
Independence Park
Van Buren Street &
Walnut Street
Newark
Monte Irvin
Orange Park
Center Street &
Harrison Street
Orange
om
Grover Cleveland Park
Brookside Ave. &
Runnymede Road
Essex Fells
Grover Cleveland
Park
Roseland
Montclair
Kips Castle Anderson
Park
Blo
Park
om
fiel
dA
ven
Montclair
ue
Verona
Park
Blo
Glenfield Park
Maple Ave. &
Woodland Ave.
Montclair
Way
West Essex
Park
Branch Brook Park
Park Ave. & Lake Street
Newark
Upper
Verona
Valle
y
Belleville Park
Belleville Ave.
Belleville
Presby Memorial
Iris Gardens
West Essex Trail
West Caldwell
Caldwell
Park
Environmental
Center
tate
Becker Park
Locust Ave., Roseland
Brookdale Park
Watchung Ave., Bloomfield
Grove Street., Montclair
Mills Reservation
Cedar Grove
Verona Park
Bloomfield Ave. &
Lakeside Ave.
Verona
Veterans Memorial
Park
West Market Street &
Wickliffe Street
Newark
Watsessing Park
Bloomfield Ave.,
Bloomfield
Glenwood Ave.,
East Orange
Weequahic Park
Elizabeth Ave. &
Meeker Ave.
Newark
Weequahic
Park
Weequahic
Golf Course
RESERVATIONS
South Mountain
Reservation
So. Orange Ave. &
Cherry Lane
West Orange
Eagle Rock
Reservation
Prospect Ave. &
Eagle Rock Ave.
West Orange
Mills Reservation
Normal Ave. &
Reservoir Drive
Cedar Grove
FACILITIES
Codey Arena
560 Northfield Ave.
West Orange
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave.
West Orange
West Side Park
So. 13th Street & 18th Ave.
Newark
West Essex Park
Eagle Rock Ave. &
Passaic River
Roseland
Environmental
Center
621-B Eagle Rock Ave.
Roseland
Yanticaw Park
Centre Street & Park Drive
Nutley
Hilltop Reservation
Fairview Ave.
Cedar Grove
Riker Hill Art Park
284 Beaufort Ave.
Livingston
GOLF COURSES
Francis Byrne
Golf Course
Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange
Hendricks Field
Golf Course
220 Franklin Ave.
Belleville
Weequahic Park
Golf Course
Elizabeth Ave. &
Grumman Ave.
Newark