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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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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Take Your Dog for a Walk on the Horse Trails

The program is being offered at Lord Stirling Stables.

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 now that it's summer, and the weather is warm [sometimes excrutiatingly so], we know you are going to want to take long walks. We've already brought you the Duke Island Walkers, so how about a little touch of dog walking? That's right, the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stables in Basking Ridge is offering Saturday evening dog walks on the trails throughout the summer. The Friends of Lord Stirling Stables are hosting the weekly event at the grounds at 256 South Maple Avenue. This weekly event is the only opportunity to walk the stable …

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Enjoy Drive-In Movies, Right in Somerset County

Return to carefree days this July at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, for free movie open to county residents.

Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day, but each week, Patch will give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself. Remember when New Jersey was packed with drive-in movie theaters? Well, the carefree fun times of packing up a picnic basket, putting the kids in their pajamas or heading out with a bunch of friends for a night at the drive-in will return to Somerset County in July, courtesy of theSomerset County Park Commission. Admission is free to the three movies planned for the park commission's 13th annual Drive-In movies on three consecutive Friday evenings at Duke Island Park on Old York Road in Bridgewater. The films will be presented on a large screen by the Duke …

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