Host Your Event in County Parks

The Somerset County Park Commission offers interesting and exciting opportunities for individuals, families, civic and social organizations, and companies to host special events at park facilities. Somerset County parks regularly host family reunions, private and corporate picnics, dog shows, scout events, athletic events including league play and tournaments, corporate tennis leagues, wedding photos, and a myriad of special events.

Over the years, the popularity of the parks and the variety of the facilities has resulted in a tremendous increase in usage. To assure that events fulfill all expectations, the Park Commission has implemented an application process that assures access to low cost opportunities. Reservations should be submitted a minimum of two to four weeks prior to an event to assure that dates remain open for the desired facility. A reasonable fee schedule for facilities ranging ball fields to the Somerset County Showmobile stage and sound system is available.

Picnics are permitted at North Branch Park and Duke Island Park in Bridgewater Township and Colonial Park in Franklin Township with all facilities equipped with tables and grills. Three pavilion picnic areas are available at Duke Island Park and two at Colonial Park. Ball fields are available at all three parks and at the Torpey Athletic Complex, which also features a multi-purpose synthetic turf field. The Howe Athletic Complex at Colonial Park features soccer fields and a cricket pitch. Tennis courts are found at Colonial Park and the Green Knoll Tennis Center is Bridgewater. Skillman Park, the newest general use park, accepts applications for special events including 5K runs and the Special Olympics.

The Flying Field at North Branch Park is available for anyone holding a valid AMA License and a Park Commission Flying Field Permit. New Federal Aviation mandates requires that all pilots of unmanned aircraft also register with the FAA.

The Arboretum and Rose Garden at Colonial Park, Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills and Natirar Park in Peapack offer opportunities for spectacular wedding photos throughout the spring and summer.

Applications for any of these facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-722-1200, ext. 225 or writing to P.O. Box 5327, North Branch, NJ 08876.

Applications for the Arboretum and Rose Garden at Colonial Park may be obtained by calling 732-873-2459, ext. 21. For Leonard J. Buck Garden, call 908- 234-2677, ext. 21. Upon receipt of the application request and confirmation of date availability, the event will be penciled into the general calendar.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Complete descriptions and photos of all facilities are also available on the web site.