Park Commission Thanks Volunteers

The Somerset County Park Commission experienced another very successful year in 2015, attributable in large part to the hundreds of volunteers who support Park staff to enable us to provide the extraordinary array of programs, events, and services that our community expects and deserves.

Volunteer contributions enable the Commission to achieve new goals and reach higher standards of quality programming. During 2015, individual, volunteers contributed 8,218 hours of service, saving the Park Commission the equivalent of more than $211,000 in salaries. In addition, group and corporate volunteers donated 1,100 hours assisting the Park Rangers and the Environmental Education Center staff.

Volunteers assisted Leonard J. Buck Garden staff with tasks including weeding, watering, pruning, and mulching. Buck Garden volunteers contributed 370 hours assisting with a variety of maintenance projects and programs.  Volunteer John Hosmer, who dedicates his time and talent to Buck Garden, was awarded the Park Commission Volunteer of the Year Award. The Colonial Park Gardens volunteers contributed another 463 hours.

The Commission also is grateful for the contributions of Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award candidates for their efforts. Eagle Scout candidates completed projects at the EEC to improve the park and fulfill their project requirements.  Anthony Cuonzo, Troop 56, built a Barn Swallow barn and nesting platforms to encourage Barn Swallow nesting; Austin Mistretta, Troop 150, completed a trail drainage project and improved a new trail; Bill Murray, Troop 555, built bat roosting boxes to help endangered and threatened bat species; and Rockland Van Weele, Troop 56, built platforms to cover wet areas on a trail used for public programming.  Members of Troop 56 replaced trail maps as a service project for their 100 mile badge.

With the efforts of Eastern Mountain Sports, Jersey Off-Road Bicycle Association, Access Fund, REI, Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, scout groups, and the Volunteer Park Patrol, 595 hours were donated for trail maintenance and park beautification projects.  On National Trails Day, Park Rangers, Jersey Off-Road Bicycle Association, Eastern Mountain Sports, and volunteers worked to conduct general trail maintenance to the Washington Valley Park trail system.

Five corporations and one Alumni group each contributed a day of volunteering at the EEC.  These included AON Hewitt, ATT, Johnson Controls, Lehigh University Alumni, L’Oreal, and Prudential. In total, 422 volunteer hours were donated to the EEC by these organizations who planted trees, assisted with meadow restoration projects,mulched gardens, planting trees, and cleared invasive plants around the EEC West Observation Blind.  Johnson Controls deconstructed a crumbling garden wall and funded the purchase of materials to build a replacement wall.     

Volunteers are an integral part of the riding program at Lord Stirling Stable, serving in roles from clerical help in the office and teaching assistants during lessons, to grooming horses and mucking stalls. One hundred twenty-five  volunteers throughout the year contributed 3,500 hours of time to help ensure a continued tradition of excellent programming at the Stable. Students from the Centenary College Equine Science program dedicated a day to painting and re-numbering the mounting blocks on the trails. 

The Hughes family of Hughes-Plumer continues to provide a unique level of volunteer service resulting in of thousands of dollars raised annually for the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program. For the past 25 years, they have served as corporate partners of the Pro/Celebrity Golf Tournament, which directly benefits the TR participants and enhances the programs and services offered.  The 2016 event raised more than $125,000.

For information on volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, or companies, please call Nancy Meola, Volunteer Committee Chair at nmeola@scparks.org or 908 766-5955 (NJ Relay at 711 for individuals with a hearing impairment). Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Investors Helps Repair the Boondocks Boarwalk

Investors Foundation (Investors Bank) and the Somerset County Park Foundation each provided generous donations to the Environmental Education Center (EEC) for the express purpose of completing the reconstruction of the “Boondocks Boardwalk” located in Lord Stirling Park.

At the February meeting of the Park Foundation representatives from Investors met with EEC staff to present a check in the amount of $25,000 which was matched by the Foundation and added to the $11,500+ earned through a crowd funding source. These funds will be used for materials to repair the “Boondocks Boardwalk” at the EEC.

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In 2011 and 2012, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy damaged one of the most beloved and biologically rich stretches along the 9-mile trail system in Lord Stirling Park at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

The 900-foot “Boondocks Boardwalk” trail was severely damaged and has remained closed to the public. Prior to its closure it was considered by visitors to Lord Stirling Park as a treasure due to its remoteness and solitude. It is well known as a unique habitat and an excellent spot for birding and discovering wildlife.

Park guests who regularly walk the EEC trails for exercise and to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of nature have asked that this section of trail in the western edge of the Great Swamp be rebuilt. In addition to general hiking, the trail will be used for school tours, summer science programs and birding programs.

The construction will be done by the Somerset County Handymen Volunteer program. Trials are expected to be open to the public in July of 2016.

“Investors came through for the people of the region who enjoy the peace, the solitude, the wildlife, and opportunity to walk the boardwalk into the deepest parks of Lord Stirling Park,” commented Shawn McCrohan, Manager of Environmental Science. “The Boondocks Boardwalk is an important part of our infrastructure and to have it back will be an advantage for all.”    

The EEC is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats of floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, and natural and man-made ponds, fields, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.

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A video describing the ‘Boondocks Boardwalk’ is available at https://youtu.be/SJbqj64gne8. Details on the project may be found by calling the EEC at 908-766-2489.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

Play World Class Golf Courses at Neshanic Valley

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced that an HDGolf simulator is now available at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course Learning Center, 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, New Jersey.

The High Definition Golf™ simulator sets the standard for indoor golf accuracy and realism. Revolutionary image processing software combines high resolution digital images, satellite data, and geophysical data into 3D models of golf courses. Representations look real and are completely accurate everywhere on the course with every tree, bunker and hazard reproduced exactly. Additionally, the simulator provides comprehensive and precise shot analysis including ball speed, club speed, launch angle, club face angle, ball spin and spin axis at high accuracy.

Among the courses available at the Learning Center are: Pebble Beach®, St, Andrews®, Pinehurst®, Kiawah Island®, Spyglass®, Doral®, Harbourtown®, Troon North®, Bethpage Black®, Banff Springs® and many others.

The simulator is available for indoor play year around on Monday to Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Golfers are asked to wear casual attire and no spikes.

Fee is $50.00 per hour weekdays and $60 per hour weekends. Fees are computed based on the number of hours booked divided by the number of players.

For information and reservations, call the Learning Center at 908-369-8232. For information on all Park Commission programs and activities, log onto www.somersetcountyparks.org.

A Gift That Becomes a Lasting Memory

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The Somerset County Park Foundation, in cooperation with the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is providing an opportunity to create a lasting memory in the Somerset County Parks while supporting the valuable programs funded by the Somerset County Park Foundation.

The Tribute Bench, Legacy Tree, and Commemorative Brick programs provide a enduring tributes to family or friends through the donation of a commemorative bench or tree, or an engraved brick at a location within the Somerset County Park system..

A tax-deductible donation of $2,000.00 will earn the placement of a bench or tree with a plaque memorializing the contribution. The Park Foundation will maintain a listing of all plantings and benches with information including the donor and the person being honored or memorialized. Tribute Benches are available in three styles conforming to the type of park in which the bench is to be placed.

Living Legacy Trees provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and commemorate special events by planting trees in Somerset County parks. Through communication between Park Commission Horticulture staff and the contributor, an approved species will be chosen based on the desired planting site. 

A donor may also choose an already established tree to be designated as a Tribute Tree.  A commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor’s specifications will be placed at the base of the tree. 

Commemorative bricks will be placed at the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank Ballpark, providing an opportunity to convey a personal message or remembrance to hundreds of thousands of event attendees throughout the year. Bricks are available at $65 each and will be engraved with a maximum of three (3) lines of twenty (20) characters including spaces and punctuation. 

The timing of placement of benches, trees, and bricks will be at the discretion of Parks staff. A certificate will be provided for holiday gift giving.

Information is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.  For information call the Park Foundation at 908-722-1200, ext. 228.

The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.

Lord Stirling Stable Manager Earns National Service Award

Career horsewoman Margie Margentino, Manager of the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, has received the 2015 Outstanding Service Award at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Round Up (ENRU) in Louisville, Kentucky, a part of the North American International Livestock Exposition.

The award, sponsored by the Pinto Horse Association of America, recognizes outstanding individuals who have been leaders in the horse industry and have helped young horse enthusiasts further their equestrian knowledge and skills. 

Honored for her 29 years of service to the event, Margentino has served as a judge, and as co-superintendent of the Horse Bowl contest.

Margentino has been involved in the 4-H horse program for more than 45 years. She credits the 4-H Horse Judging program in giving her a start in her licensed officials’ career with the United States Equestrian Federation where she had earned large R status as a Combined Driving Course Designer, Judge, and Technical Delegate, in addition to being an FEI C Course Designer.

Prior to becoming the Manager of Lord Stirling, Margentino provided leadership to the New Jersey 4-H Horse program as the state’s equine and livestock Program Associate for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. She has served on the national boards or committees of the American Youth Horse Council, the American Driving Society, United States Driving for the Disabled, the former United States Equestrian Team, and has been a clinician for the United States Equestrian Federation.

Established in 1968, Lord Stirling Stable is home to 80 horses and ponies and serves the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset and nearby counties. The Stable recently received the state’s prestigious Gold Medal Horse Farm Award for its environmental stewardship and management.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Eagle Scout Installs Revolutionary War Trail Markers

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Preserving the past in history-rich Somerset County, Chris Solan has developed and installed a trail marker system highlighting the route the French used when passing through Bridgewater on their way to Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. Solan is a Life Scout working on his Eagle Scout project

Scout Solan’s Eagle Scout Project marks the path of French nobleman Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, leader of the only army that marched through Bridgewater during the Revolution.

Solan established a series of trail markers including road-side signage and trail markers, all of which have been approved by the Township of Bridgewater and Somerset County Parks.

The project marks the events on August 29, 1781 when American armies took different routes through Chatham, Springfield, and Scotch Plains while Rochambeau’s force of 5,300 men arrived at Bullion’s Tavern in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. They set up camp for the night, and the next morning began the march through Bridgewater to Somerset Courthouse (now Millstone, New Jersey).

 
Included in the route taken are what is now Washington Valley Road., Adamsville Road., Steele Gap Road, and Foothill Road (at that time known as Pluckemin Road). The march through Bridgewater ended when they passed the Van Veghten House near Adamsville Road, and crossed over the Raritan River to their campsite at Summerset Court House.

Rochambeau's men met up with George Washington's American Army in Princeton and continued their march through Philadelphia and eventually reaching their final destination, Yorktown, on September 15th 1781.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.