Park Watch Program at Washington Valley Park

 

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced the formation of a “Park Watch Program” at Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater Township. The initiative is intended to support the efforts of the Commission’s Park Rangers and local and county law enforcement officers, help assure a safe and comfortable environment for visitors, and protect the natural resources of the park.

 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington Valley Park usage has increased dramatically, and, regrettably, we have seen some abuses of park facilities and a heightened level of poor behavior,” commented Park Commission Director Geoff Soriano. “Thanks to the support of the Bridgewater Township Police Department and Officers from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, the number of violations observed has decreased significantly, and through the efforts of law enforcement and Park Rangers, the park is returning to a safe and secure place for people to hike, mountain bike, and enjoy nature.”

 

Employing the principle of “See Something, Say Something,” those park patrons who are out hiking, biking, paddling or fishing in the park can notify Park Rangers if they notice illicit activity, at which time a Ranger can be dispatched to the designated location.  For non-emergency matters, “Park Watchers” are asked to call the following numbers in the following order:

1.         908 285-3800

2.         908 210-8174 Sun–Wed / 908 256-6491 Wed–Sat

3.         908 297-2239

 

If an emergency situation is encountered, patrons are instructed to contract the Somerset County 911 Communications Center by dialing 911.

 

“If we’ve learned one thing during the difficulties experienced this past summer, it’s that the patrons of Washington Valley Park are thoroughly absorbed and dedicated to the park’s well-being. We emphasize, however, that “Park Watchers” should not to engage those that they observe committing infractions,” continued Soriano. “These citizens simply add more eyes and ears to help our Rangers do their jobs.”

 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found at 

www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

 

Park Foundation Honors Fred Quick

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) and the Somerset County Park Foundation (SCPF) unveiled a bench dedicated to long time Park Commissioner and Park Foundation trustee Fred Quick who passed away earlier this year. The bench is located at Mountain View Park in Hillsborough, Quick’s home town.

 

Quick was a member of the Somerset County Park Commission from 1980 to 2007, serving as president from 2005 to 2007. He was a trustee of the Somerset County Park Foundation from 2007 to 2018.

 

The SCPF provides multiple opportunities to recognize deserving individuals and groups. Engraved commemorative bricks can be placed at the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank Ballpark for a fee of  $100. Tribute benches and legacy trees may be placed at locations throughout the county park system for a donation of $2,500. All fees are tax deductible. Information is available by calling the Park Foundation office at 908-722-1200, ext. 5237.

 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found by visiting www.somersetcountyparks.org or calling 908-722-1200.

Rose Garden is One of "Jersey's Best"

The Somerset County Park Commission Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden at Colonial Park (Parking Lot A) in Somerset, New Jersey, has been bestowed another honor, being named one of “6 whimsical N.J. Gardens that feel like a fairy tale brought to life” by www.jerseysbest.com.

 

The Jersey’s Best article noted that now is the perfect time of year to visit the gardens and get some fresh air following the months-long COVID-19 restrictions. When visiting the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden or any of the other noted gardens, it is recommended that state public health guidelines and garden-specific rules be adhered to.

 

The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is one-acre in size and contains more than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties. The garden was named in honor of Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission, as a tribute to his efforts in designing and developing the garden. The Rose Garden is located in Colonial Parkon Mettlers Road (Parking Lot A) in the East Millstone section of Franklin Township.

 

From late spring through fall, the roses present a kaleidoscope of color, form, and fragrance. Visitors can view popular modern hybrids, species, and various classes of Old Garden Roses. All roses are clearly labeled for easy identification and only roses that thrive in central NJ are kept in the rose collections.

 

The Rose Gardens also earned the 2015 World Federation of Rose Societies' (WFRS) Garden of Excellence Award.

 

The five other gardens recognized by Jersey’s Best are: Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown Township; Duke Farms in Hillsborough; Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills; the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township; and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens at Skylands in Ringwood

EEC Naturalists Offer Virtual Home School Programs

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) Environmental Education Center (EEC) Naturalists are offering Virtual Home School Programs, designed to add quality programming to home schooling activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

 

Virtual programs are offered through the SCPC platform. Registration Opens Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. online at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

 

Crayfish Kids for homeschoolers age 5 to 9, is geared to grades K-4. The program will run Wednesdays, September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 A.M to 11:30 A.M.

 

Each Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program about the natural world.  It is suggested that the family continue the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area focusing on different topics and themes related to each week’s session.  Program content is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards. Fee is $30 per student for the six session program.

             

Wise Old Owls for homeschoolers age 10 to 14, is geared to grades 5 to 8. The program will run Wednesdays, September 23, 30 and October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

 

Each Wednesday EEC Naturalists will lead an hour-long program learning about the natural world.  It is suggested that the family continue the program with a family walk in a nearby natural area focusing on different topics and themes related to each week’s session.  Program content is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards.  Fee is $30 per student for the six session program.

 

For more information contact Kurt Bender at 908 722-1200 Ext. 5332 or kbender@scparks.org

 

Information of Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.