Neshanic Valley Earns Another Environmental Award

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECEIVES

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS RECOGNITION

NESHANIC STATION, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, has again been honored for environmental stewardship, earning the 2011 Sustainable Business Award from the South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA). Andrew Hojnowski, Manager of Golf Maintenance at Neshanic Valley accepted the award on behalf of the Neshanic Valley staff at the Sustainable Raritan River Conference at Rutgers University on Thursday, June 16, 2011.

“The Park Commission golf staff has two primary goals, to provide our guests with the best golfing experience possible while protecting and preserving the environment,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “Because of their dedication and professionalism we are successful on both fronts.”

In addition to the current award, Neshanic Valley has been recognized by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for preservation and enhancement of the wildlife habitat and protection of natural resources; by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority as a “River-Friendly” facility based on operational and maintenance practices; and recognized for Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The facility has also been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by the Groundwater Foundation.

Neshanic Valley has recently been named by Golfweek magazine at the number one municipal golf course in New Jersey in the ranking of top municipal facilities nationwide and listed as among to Best Public Golf Courses in New Jersey for 2010 by Sports Illustrated and CNN.com.

Neshanic Valley provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Golfweek Declares Neshanic Valley As Top Municipal Course in NJ

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED BY

GOLFWEEK

AS THE BEST PUBLIC COURSE IN NEW JERSEY

Ranked Among the Top 50 in the Country

NESHANIC STATION, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, has been named by Golfweek magazine at the number one municipal golf course in New Jersey in the ranking of top municipal facilities nationwide. The six-year old facility is also included in the top 50 municipally owned courses in the country according to Golfweek.

The listing may be found at http://www.golfweek.com/news/2011/may/11/golfweeks-best-municipal-courses-2010-11.

“This is another well-earned acknowledgment of the efforts of the staff at Neshanic Valley, proving that we can create and maintain the highest quality golfing experience,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “We are proud to be able to provide a world-class golfing experience to the people of Somerset County, the state, and the region.”

Neshanic Valley recently received recognition by a second national publication, being listed as among to Best Public Golf Courses in New Jersey for 2010 by Sports Illustrated and CNN.com.

Neshanic Valley will be host to the 2012 United States Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship® from June 18 to June 23, 2012. The 2011 Championship is scheduled for Bandon, Oregon.

The complete golfing facility provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center. The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Golf Carts for Disabled Golfers at All Courses

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF 4 MORE “SOLORIDER” GOLF CARTS

ALL County Golf Courses Now Accessible to All Players

The Somerset County Park Commission purchased 4 new SoloRider electric golf carts to accommodate golfers with disabilities. SoloRider carts are now on site at all 5 County operated golf courses - Neshanic Valley in Branchburg, Green Knoll Golf Coures in Bridgewater, Quail Brook and Spookly Brook Golf Course in Franklin Township, and Warrenbrook Golf Course in Warren.

Carts were available on-site at Neshanic Valley Golf Course and the Academy Course at Neshanic Valley for the past two years. When needed at other facilities, the carts were transported by Park Commission personnel. The additional carts will enable the Commission to have one cart available at all times at all facilities.

The single seat golf cart allows golfers with limited mobility to continue to enjoy any of the five Somerset County public courses. The carts are designed to allow golfers to play using the elevated seat, to ride on greens with no impact on the turf, to maintain stability over rough terrain, and allow ease of enter and exit with a 350 degree swivel seat.

Reservations for the SoloRider carts must be made by phone to the course 24-hours prior to desired tee time. Contact information for the courses may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Neshanic Valley Earns Another Environmental Award

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED AS A

“GROUNDWATER GUARDIAN”

The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course, located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, has received another recognition for environmental stewardship, earning the status as a “Groundwater Guardian Green Site” by The Groundwater Foundation. This honor follows the recent certification as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon International program and recognition as a “River-Friendly Golf Course” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).

The Groundwater Guardian (GG) Green Site program was developed to recognize the efforts of stewards of green spaces to implement, measure, and document groundwater-friendly practices. The program monitors practices related to pesticide and fertilizer use, water use, pollution prevention, water quality, and environmental stewardship. 


The recognition is earned after careful documentation of the environmental impact of groundwater friendly practices including pounds of fertilizer saved annually by using lower input, gallons of water saved annually by using low water/maintenance plant materials, amounts of toxic substances disposed of properly, and other related items.

“This is another well-earned recognition for Neshanic Valley, proving that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “It is a tribute to our staff and the leadership and direction provided by the Park Commissioners.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary recognizes Neshanic Valley for preservation and enhancement of the wildlife habitat and protection of natural resources. To reach certification, a golf course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The “River-Friendly” designation was based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA “River Friendly” program. Actions at Neshanic Valley resulted in the reduction of the contribution to non-point source pollution and improvement of the wildlife habitat on and near the course. In addition, the golf course has been recognized for its Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, named the 36^th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek magazine, is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Special Golf Rates for Active Military

The Somerset County Park Commissioners today approved a resolution implementing a special “Active Military Golf Rate for Military Personnel” currently serving our country. The “in-county” rates will apply at all five County-operated golf courses.

The resolution was presented to New Jersey State Senator Kip Bateman acknowledging the Commissioners willingness to amend the golf fee structure to allow any active member of the armed forces to play golf at in-county rates at any county golf course. Senator Bateman accepted the resolution on behalf of Senator James Beach, Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee

Beginning immediately, active military personnel, regardless of their permanent place of residence, will not be required to pay an in-county or out-of-county registration fee and will be permitted to play the county courses at the county resident rate.

“This is a small gesture to show our appreciation for the commitment of our military personnel in these very difficult times,” stated Dot Paluck, Chair of the Park Commission Golf Committee.

Showing of an active military ID will allow play at any of the five County courses for in-county rates. The County facilities include Neshanic Valley, South Branch Road, Neshanic Station, NJ; Green Knoll, Garretson Road, Bridgewater, NJ; Spooky Brook at Colonial Park, Somerset, NJ; Warrenbrook, Warrenville Road, Warren, NJ; Quail Brook, New Brunswick Road, Somerset, NJ)

Green fees at Green Knoll, Spooky Brook, Warrenbrook, and Quail Brook are $24.00 Mondays to Thursdays and $28.00 for adults Friday to Sunday and holidays. Neshanic Valley rates are $50.00 Monday to Thursday and $60.00 Friday to Sunday and holidays and include a gas cart.

Information on all five county golf facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-369-1458, ext. 428. Information on all Somerset County Park Commission events and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Neshanic Valley Earns Environmental Recognition

NESHANIC VALLEY GOLF COURSE RECOGNIZED BY

UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

NESHANIC STATION, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course is the subject of a nationally distributed feature article by the United States Golf Association recognizing the facility for environmental consciousness. The article is available at: http://www.usga.org/news/2010/April/Neshanic-Valley-Making-A-Difference/

Neshanic Valley has earned two significant environmental recognitions, certified as an “Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the Audubon International program and recognized as a “River-Friendly Golf Course” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA).

Neshanic Valley was the 24th course in New Jersey and the 704th in the world to receive the Audubon honor and the second “River-Friendly Golf Course” in the main stem Raritan River area. The Park Commission’s Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset, New Jersey was the first to receive this recognition.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

To attain certification, a course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

The Neshanic Valley wildlife sanctuary features bluebird boxes throughout the venue and all the holding ponds have been stocked with bass and grass carp with fishing prohibited. Park Rangers have assisted prospective Eagle Scouts with wildlife projects; one scout built 15 bluebird boxes and another constructed wood duck all along the river. There are also five purple martin boxes and bat houses that the staff created.

The “River-Friendly” designation was based on operational and maintenance practices recommended by the NJWSA “River Friendly” program. Actions at Neshanic Valley resulted in the reduction of the contribution to non-point source pollution and improvement of the wildlife habitat on and near the course.

Green Knoll, Spooky Brook, and Warrenbrook golf courses are also adhering to the tenets of the program with official recognition expected in the near future.

In addition, for the past two years, the course has been formally recognized for Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Native fescue and environmentally sensitive areas encompass a little more than a third of the property. Signs posted throughout the course prevent golfers from entering environmentally sensitive areas (ESA), while carts are forbidden from the non-irrigated fescue areas, which by the middle of the season add a golden touch to the meadowland-style layout.

“Protection of our environment and our natural resources are of primary concern throughout the Park Commission,” stated Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “The staff at all five of our golf courses fully understands the importance of these programs and work every day to assure compliance with the responsibilities set forth.”

County-run Neshanic Valley has hosted sectional qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Amateur Public Links and will be a sectional qualifying site in June for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links

Neshanic Valley Golf Course, named the 36^th Best Municipal Golf Course in the United States by Golfweek magazine, is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and provides an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center.

The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley, the only facility of its kind on the east coast, offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

EEC Naturalist Earns Governor's Award

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER NATURALIST TO RECEIVE A GOVERNOR’S AWARD FROM ART EDUCATORS OF NEW JERSEY

Cathy Schrein, Manager of Environmental Science at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, has announced that Naturalist Daryl Ann Villard has been selected to receive a Governor’s Award in Arts Education sponsored by the NJ Department of Education and NJ Arts Education Partnership – the highest leader award for achievement in the State of New Jersey. Villard was nominated by the Art Educators of New Jersey as a result of receiving the AENJ John Pappas

Art Educators of New Jersey is dedicating to the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of quality instruction in visual arts programs throughout New Jersey. Over 1,400 members include public and private school art teachers, art supervisors, students, museum educators, nationally recognized authors, and individuals actively involved in national and international leadership in art education.

Ms. Villard earned the award for her efforts in organizing the annual “Nature Through a Child’s Eyes” children’s art show. The exhibit annually offers over 300 pieces of art that are created by Somerset County kindergarten through sixth grade students. The works communicate their views of nature and the environment though application of textures, shapes and colors.

The AENJ Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 4:30 P.M. at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium in Trenton, New Jersey.