Starting with local youth, the department provides numerous athletic pursuits from which to choose. These programs include baseball and softball leagues, basketball, football and cheerleading, boys and girls lacrosse, as well as soccer and wrestling clubs, to name a few.
Fun for the whole family, the department offers a calendar chock full of events year-round. Some of these highlights include East Brunswick’s Art & Music Festival, Children’s Concert, Outdoor Movie Under the Stars and the annual East Brunswick Day.
While crafting exceptional recreational activities is a top priority, the department also hosts numerous events that stimulate the mind and entertain the soul. Early art adventures, ages 4 to 6, and art adventures, ages 7 to 12, allow children to express their creativity and create their very own masterpiece. Food funtastics, for ages 4 to 12, allow kids to channel their inner chef, while learning how to cook and navigate a kitchen. Likewise, youth also have the opportunity to freshen up their science, technology, engineering and math skills through Sylvan workshops, such as game design and robotics.
Summer camps and programs are extremely popular and entertaining when school is out. Offering chess, gymnastics, art, culinary opportunities and various athletic programs, children can make the most of their summer.
Teens have a wealth of activities to participate in, including the junior police academy or the East Brunswick Youth Council. For students in high school, the council offers a safe environment with plenty of social activities and individual leadership opportunities, such as community service, youth advocating for animals and environmental.
Adults get in on the action too. Some of the fitness programs include Zumba with toning, mat Pilates, yoga, adult tennis lessons, a pickleball club and co-ed beach volleyball. The department also provides the opportunity for adults to learn a new skill that could help others in need, like becoming certified in CPR/AED/First Aid or gain awareness and understanding about the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse.
Activities for those with special needs are also available. The Daisy Recreation Summer Program offers day camps for children and adults with special needs that stimulate growth and development of social, emotional, behavioral and communication skills. Days are spent filled with activities like exploring nature, athletics, art and ice cream sundae parties. Thursdays at Daisy is another social setting for teens and young adults. Here, individuals can play games, dance, make arts and crafts, all while building lifelong friendships.
On top of everything the department offers, there are also numerous ball fields and parks that span hundreds of acres altogether. One of the most popular amenities is the Crystal Springs Family Waterpark.
The Crystal Springs Family Waterpark is barrier-free and includes seven water features, including a recreational pool, a lap pool, a splash pad, a kiddie pool, an activity pool, a lazy river and water slides.
While guests are welcome to bring their own lounge chairs, the park offers a limited number of deck chairs, life vests and tubes. There is also a picnic area outfitted with grills and tables for having a meal or snack after taking a dip. For patrons not in the mood to prepare a meal, there are concessions on-site sure to satisfy.
Waterpark season passes are also available to residents, nonresidents, families, individuals and senior citizens.
By Sarah Lancaster