Thursday, March 13, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Park Commission Publishes Chronicle of Six Decades of Growth
PARK COMMISSION PUBLISHES BOOK TO CHRONICLE
SIX DECADES OF GROWTH
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Foundation has just released its recently published chronicle of the history of the Somerset County Park Commission, Natural Beauty: Somerset County Parks by Clifford W. Zink.
With 425 illustrations and photos from the 57-year history of the Commission, the book details the remarkable inception and growth of the nationally recognized park system.
In 1956, as development began to consume the County’s open space, concerned businessmen and political leaders spent close to a year working tirelessly to help pass a public referendum to establish the Somerset County Park Commission, adopting a visionary plan to preserve open space and provide recreational opportunities for the public. Since that time, public officials and professional staff have implemented and expanded the plan into a countywide network of 26 parks encompassing more than 13,500 acres.
The Somerset County Park System includes multiple award-winning facilities including the Environmental Education and Equestrian Centers at Lord Stirling Park, the horticultural centers at Colonial Park and Leonard J. Buck Garden, the Torpey Athletic Complex, Natirar Park, the Sourland Mountain Preserve, and Neshanic Valley Golf Course, the flagship facility in the five championship golf course system.
Natural Beauty traces the development of Somerset County’s park system from its roots in the County’s agricultural past through its evolution over nearly six decades into an organization utilizing creative public-private partnerships to preserve open space and serve more than 2,000,000 visitors and program participants annually. The book highlights information and excerpts from historic documents and interviews with former and present elected officials, commissioners, directors, planners, naturalists, rangers and recreation staff.
Clifford W. Zink, a resident of Princeton, NJ, is an award-winning historian, preservation consultant, and author of five books on New Jersey’s historic landscapes and industries.
The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501c3 whose mission is to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.
Natural Beauty is available free with a $40 donation to the Somerset County Park Foundation by visiting the Somerset County Park Commission Headquarters 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807; 908 722-1200.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
SIX DECADES OF GROWTH
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Foundation has just released its recently published chronicle of the history of the Somerset County Park Commission, Natural Beauty: Somerset County Parks by Clifford W. Zink.
With 425 illustrations and photos from the 57-year history of the Commission, the book details the remarkable inception and growth of the nationally recognized park system.
In 1956, as development began to consume the County’s open space, concerned businessmen and political leaders spent close to a year working tirelessly to help pass a public referendum to establish the Somerset County Park Commission, adopting a visionary plan to preserve open space and provide recreational opportunities for the public. Since that time, public officials and professional staff have implemented and expanded the plan into a countywide network of 26 parks encompassing more than 13,500 acres.
The Somerset County Park System includes multiple award-winning facilities including the Environmental Education and Equestrian Centers at Lord Stirling Park, the horticultural centers at Colonial Park and Leonard J. Buck Garden, the Torpey Athletic Complex, Natirar Park, the Sourland Mountain Preserve, and Neshanic Valley Golf Course, the flagship facility in the five championship golf course system.
Natural Beauty traces the development of Somerset County’s park system from its roots in the County’s agricultural past through its evolution over nearly six decades into an organization utilizing creative public-private partnerships to preserve open space and serve more than 2,000,000 visitors and program participants annually. The book highlights information and excerpts from historic documents and interviews with former and present elected officials, commissioners, directors, planners, naturalists, rangers and recreation staff.
Clifford W. Zink, a resident of Princeton, NJ, is an award-winning historian, preservation consultant, and author of five books on New Jersey’s historic landscapes and industries.
The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501c3 whose mission is to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.
Natural Beauty is available free with a $40 donation to the Somerset County Park Foundation by visiting the Somerset County Park Commission Headquarters 355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807; 908 722-1200.
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Park Commission Receives Tourism Award
PARK COMMISSION RECEIVES
SALUTE TO TOURISM AWARD
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission is the recipient of the first annual Somerset County Salute to Tourism Award in the Collaborative Achievement category. The award was presented at the Somerset County Tourism Awards Breakfast Gala at Raritan Valley Country Club earlier today.
The tourism awards “recognize the economic contributions of organizations and individuals made through tourism” and further recognize efforts beyond the norm “that provide superior experiences for visitors to Somerset County or strengthen the community through tourism-related efforts.”
The Collaborative Achievement Award was presented to the Somerset County Park Commission’s Neshanic Valley Golf Course in recognition of the partnership with the United State Golf Association (USGA) that resulted in hosting the 2013 USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Golf Championship at the Somerset County facility.
The Park Commission and Neshanic Valley Golf Course staffs worked diligently to bring 156 of the world’s best female amateur golfers to Neshanic Valley for the weeklong Championship. The organizations also joined with the USGA Museum in Far Hills to host the Annual Players dinner, featuring keynote speaker Annika Sorenstam.
The Championship brought competitors, their families, coaches, and support staff from all over the world to Somerset County with hotels providing lodging for the more than 1200 guests and restaurants, retail establishments, and attractions also benefitting.
“It was an honor to have been selected to host one of only 13 USGA Championships held nationwide,” commented Ray Brown, Director of the Park Commission. “To be further recognized for our efforts supporting the Somerset County community and economy enhances the pride that we have in the efforts of our staff.”
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
SALUTE TO TOURISM AWARD
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission is the recipient of the first annual Somerset County Salute to Tourism Award in the Collaborative Achievement category. The award was presented at the Somerset County Tourism Awards Breakfast Gala at Raritan Valley Country Club earlier today.
The tourism awards “recognize the economic contributions of organizations and individuals made through tourism” and further recognize efforts beyond the norm “that provide superior experiences for visitors to Somerset County or strengthen the community through tourism-related efforts.”
The Collaborative Achievement Award was presented to the Somerset County Park Commission’s Neshanic Valley Golf Course in recognition of the partnership with the United State Golf Association (USGA) that resulted in hosting the 2013 USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Golf Championship at the Somerset County facility.
The Park Commission and Neshanic Valley Golf Course staffs worked diligently to bring 156 of the world’s best female amateur golfers to Neshanic Valley for the weeklong Championship. The organizations also joined with the USGA Museum in Far Hills to host the Annual Players dinner, featuring keynote speaker Annika Sorenstam.
The Championship brought competitors, their families, coaches, and support staff from all over the world to Somerset County with hotels providing lodging for the more than 1200 guests and restaurants, retail establishments, and attractions also benefitting.
“It was an honor to have been selected to host one of only 13 USGA Championships held nationwide,” commented Ray Brown, Director of the Park Commission. “To be further recognized for our efforts supporting the Somerset County community and economy enhances the pride that we have in the efforts of our staff.”
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Two County Golf Courses Featured in New Book
TWO SOMERSET COUNTY GOLF COURSES FEATURED IN
THE SEARCH FOR THE 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL GOLF HOLES
IN NEW JERSEY
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission is honored to announce that two county-run golf courses have been featured in “The Search for the 50 Most Beautiful Golf Holes in New Jersey,” a recently published book by Dr. John T. Whiting.
The book includes photographs of the what Dr. Whiting has determined are the fifty most beautiful golf holes in the state. Dr. Whiting explains his personal criteria for defining a “beautiful golf hole” is a golfer’s “wow” experience when reaching a tee box. He further documents his photojournalistic search for his top fifty, research that took years of visits to many of New Jersey’s most prestigious golf facilities. Categorized in par 3’s, par 4’s and par 5’s, the book features photographs of all selected holes.
Among the par 3 holes is Neshanic Valley Golf Course Lake number 8, measuring 117 to 204 yards from the five tee locations. The slightly uphill fairway features an intimidating pond on the right hand side. Neshanic Valley is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, New Jersey
Among the par 4’s is the 17th hole at Warrenbrook Golf Course located at 500 Warrenville Road in Warren Township, New Jersey. This challenging short par 4 measures from 304 to 386 from three tee locations. The dogleg right opens up to a large pond protecting the large green.
Also selected in the par 4 category is Lake 7 hole at Neshanic Valley. The hole measures 259 to 382 yards from five tee positions. The dogleg left is guarded by a pond on the right and three sand traps to the left. The green is surrounded on the right and rear by water.
Among the par 5’s is number 9 on the Neshanic Valley Meadow Course, measuring 467 to 577 years from five tee positions. Two sand traps protect the landing area and the green is well protected by a pond on the left and a trap on the right.
Featured as the 11th hole on the authors “Fantasy 18” is the 17th at Warrenbrook. Among the other courses in the “Fantasy 18” are Hamilton Farm, TPC Jasna Polana, Seaview Resort and Spa, Trump National Colts Neck, and Bayonne Golf Club.
The book concludes with a history of golf in the Garden State.
“This is another well earned honor for Somerset County golf courses,” commented Bob Ransone, Deputy Director, Golf Operations. “Neshanic Valley has a deserved reputation as one of the top courses in the state. Having Warrenbrook included on the top 50 is a credit to the dedication of the people who maintain all five of our courses in championship condition.”
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
THE SEARCH FOR THE 50 MOST BEAUTIFUL GOLF HOLES
IN NEW JERSEY
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission is honored to announce that two county-run golf courses have been featured in “The Search for the 50 Most Beautiful Golf Holes in New Jersey,” a recently published book by Dr. John T. Whiting.
The book includes photographs of the what Dr. Whiting has determined are the fifty most beautiful golf holes in the state. Dr. Whiting explains his personal criteria for defining a “beautiful golf hole” is a golfer’s “wow” experience when reaching a tee box. He further documents his photojournalistic search for his top fifty, research that took years of visits to many of New Jersey’s most prestigious golf facilities. Categorized in par 3’s, par 4’s and par 5’s, the book features photographs of all selected holes.
Among the par 3 holes is Neshanic Valley Golf Course Lake number 8, measuring 117 to 204 yards from the five tee locations. The slightly uphill fairway features an intimidating pond on the right hand side. Neshanic Valley is located at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, New Jersey
Among the par 4’s is the 17th hole at Warrenbrook Golf Course located at 500 Warrenville Road in Warren Township, New Jersey. This challenging short par 4 measures from 304 to 386 from three tee locations. The dogleg right opens up to a large pond protecting the large green.
Also selected in the par 4 category is Lake 7 hole at Neshanic Valley. The hole measures 259 to 382 yards from five tee positions. The dogleg left is guarded by a pond on the right and three sand traps to the left. The green is surrounded on the right and rear by water.
Among the par 5’s is number 9 on the Neshanic Valley Meadow Course, measuring 467 to 577 years from five tee positions. Two sand traps protect the landing area and the green is well protected by a pond on the left and a trap on the right.
Featured as the 11th hole on the authors “Fantasy 18” is the 17th at Warrenbrook. Among the other courses in the “Fantasy 18” are Hamilton Farm, TPC Jasna Polana, Seaview Resort and Spa, Trump National Colts Neck, and Bayonne Golf Club.
The book concludes with a history of golf in the Garden State.
“This is another well earned honor for Somerset County golf courses,” commented Bob Ransone, Deputy Director, Golf Operations. “Neshanic Valley has a deserved reputation as one of the top courses in the state. Having Warrenbrook included on the top 50 is a credit to the dedication of the people who maintain all five of our courses in championship condition.”
Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Therapeutic Rec Dept. Assists Autism & Bullying Film Maker
THERAPEUTIC
RECREATION DEPARTMENT ASSISTS
AUTISM
& BULLYING FILM MAKER
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park
Commission Therapeutic Recreation Department has partnered with Tony Kennette, owner of
KennetteProductions.com. in the upcoming production of Freeman Velocity; a film on autism and bullying.
Kennette has been sharing his film making skills with
youngsters for almost a decade, most recently with children enrolled in the Somerset
County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation Movie Makers program. In the
program, students with developmental disabilities, more specifically autism,
explore the many facets and magic of movie making, learning terminology,
production protocol, think-tanking story ideas, and many other aspects of filmmaking.
To be shot on location in Somerville over the summer, the film
will offer Therapeutic Recreation students involved in the Movie Makers and
theater programs the opportunity to appear in the film. In addition,
Therapeutic Recreation staff will share their knowledge and understanding of
autism to assist in character development.
Kennette’s involvement in the Movie Makes program has assisted
staff in reaching the goals of increasing self- esteem, increasing communication skills, developing imagination
and creativity skills, learning how to step
outside the comfort zone and be someone different, appropriately expressing feelings and
emotions, and learning to be a part of a team.
For more information about Movie Makers and other programs
offered the Somerset County Park Commission, TR department please call
908-526-5650 or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org. Information about the film can be found on
www.Kickstarter.com
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