Ample Ambiance and Activities
The Old Bridge Township Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing open space recreation opportunities for township residents. The township has obtained more than 1,500 acres of recreation space over the past 30 years. With the assistance of more than $12 million dollars of New Jersey Green and Blue Acres acquisition and development grants, the parks department has developed over 300 acres of that land into playgrounds, sports fields and recreation space. Old Bridge currently has one of the largest inventories of municipal open space in the state of New Jersey.
This open space throughout the township provides many opportunities for recreations. For all-around family fun, visit Mannino Park, home to the Old Bridge YMCA, a two-stage dog park set up for both large dogs and a separate area for smaller dogs, a large playground and a baseball and softball field.
If running or biking is more your speed, visit the Laurence Harbor Beach front where the 3-mile running/biking path runs parallel to the Raritan Bay. Sports-driven residents will enjoy Veteran’s Park with two softball fields, one little league-sized baseball field, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, all equipped with lighting and a soccer field.
Geick Park boasts a picnic pavilion where residents can enjoy their lunch while their children play, or rent it for family parties. Geick also has as a turf baseball field, two turf soccer fields, one softball field, one sand volleyball court and two sports court basketball courts, all equipped with lighting. In addition, it has a large ADA playground and a smaller playground at the lower entrance.
The John Piccolo Ice Arena in the municipal complex hosts public ice skating sessions from October through April and is home to the Jr. Knights Youth Hockey League and many levels of ice skating classes. The municipal complex is also home to eight lighted regulation tennis courts.
Pension Road is home to the Old Bridge Cricket Association. Pocket parks in neighborhoods throughout the township are equipped with a playgrounds or basketball courts.
The parks department also offers many types of classes from Mommy and Me to art, dance and tennis throughout the year. It also provide three summer camps at 15 sites for children ages 5-21. The Camp ROBIN program held at Geick Park is specifically geared toward individuals with special needs. This camp assists approximately 100 participants from ages 7-21 during July and August. The camp includes daily trips, activities and a summer full of fun.
The half-day playground camp is run out of eight camp sites throughout the town to accommodate residents and up to 1,000 campers. This camp runs for the month of July on a half-day schedule and features crafts, games, outdoor activities and optional trips.
The full-day summer recess camp, run by the parks and recreation department’s Before/Aftercare program, lasts the full eight weeks of the summer for 10-and-a-half hours a day. Held at three central sites in town, the full-day camp accommodates 500 campers on any given day. With daily trips, in-house events and extended hours, it is the perfect spot for children to enjoy summer with their friends.
Affordable child care is available through the Old Bridge Before/Aftercare program, a nonprofit program sponsored by Old Bridge Township that has helped families for more than 20 years. The program is supported by parent tuition fees only. These programs are based out of the 12 elementary school and two middle schools in the township and are used monthly by over 500 families. Activities include homework time (45 minutes to do homework in a quiet environment), organized games, special arts and crafts projects and movies.
For the active adult community, the George Bush Senior Center is the place to be. The center provides information, referrals and senior social services; creating a caring and nurturing environment, encouraging interests, creativity and artistic expression. The center offers a support system for seniors to lead active and independent lives, allowing them to make connections within the community and promotes the celebration of life through physical and mental well-being.
The senior center provides programs on health and wellness, educational topics, socialization, passive and active recreation, music, dance and choral programs. Transportation for seniors age 60 and older is available through a routed service.
There is always something to do for every member of the senior center. For additional information, call (732) 721‑5600, ext. 4999 or visit www.oldbridge.com.