Issue 3, Fall 2013

The newsletter of the Hillsborough Township Department of Parks and Recreation Issue 3, Fall 2013

Upcoming Events
MidNovember Winter Program Brochure and Registration Available

National Visit A Park Day

National Visit a Park Day was held on Friday, October 4 this year. The nationwide initiative is hosted by the Young Professionals Network of the National Recreation and Park Association. The goal of National Visit a Park Day is to encourage residents to set aside unnecessary obligations to visit a local, county, state, or national park. The initiative also aims for residents to acknowledge the vast amount of passive and active recreational opportunities in the area. While Visit a Park Day is held only once each year, parks are open year round. There is something for everyone at a Hillsborough park, from basketball courts at Ann Van Middlesworth Park to walking trails at Ottos Farm Park. A full listing of parks and their facilities and amenities is available on the Parks and Recreation website.

December 1

Township Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

December 6

Township Christmas Tree Lighting

December 7

In-Town Basketball League Begins

Fall is a Great Time to Spend Outside!

With the temperatures falling, the leaves changing, and night coming earlier, it may not be easy to get outdoor exercise. Our parks have a wide amount of activities perfect for the fall, though. Check out our tips for how to stay active this season.

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Recreation Run Down Hillsborough Parks and Recreation

Issue 3, Fall 2013

Halloween Party Highlights Fall Calendar

Fall Recreation Soccer League Also a Major Program This Season
As the temperatures began to drop and the leaves changed color, the Parks and Recreation Department shifted their focus to fall season programming and events. dressed up in costume. There were many activities, including some new ones for this years party. A staple of the party is the hayride and pumpkin picking on the Municipal Complex Soccer Fields. After picking their favorite pumpkin from the patch, children and families enjoyed hot chocolate and popcorn. The Haunted House proved to be a hit again this year. With six themed rooms, ghosts, skeletons, and bats greeted the party goers in the attraction. A bonus of walking through the haunted house: the brave children received a goody bag with candy at the end. A family pumpkin carving contest was held for this first time this year. Also new was the candy corn guessing contest. The winning guess was only one number away from the actual amount.

Childrens Halloween Party

Nearly 300 children and their families attended the Halloween Party on October 24 at the Municipal Building. The hallways and soccer fields were filled with children in their costumes. Some parents even

Families from all over Hillsborough look forward to the Halloween Party each fall.

Fall Soccer League

Recreation soccer continues to be popular with children of all ages in Hillsborough. Offered for children as young as age three to high school seniors, 855 players lace up their cleats every Saturday morning or afternoon at soccer fields around town. Soccer is a great first sport for

young children. Many parents agree as the Pee Wee soccer program for three- and four-year olds remains very popular. The small-sided nature (games are played on a smaller field with fewer players) for Kindergarten through fourth grade allows the children to develop their skills in an age and ability appropriate setting.

In addition to their weekly practice, a second optional training session for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade provides another opportunity to enhance their skills and techniques. See SOCCER, page 5

379 South Branch Road . Hillsborough, NJ 08844 . (908) 369-4832 . hillsboroughnjrecreation.org

Recreation Run Down Hillsborough Parks and Recreation

Issue 3, Fall 2013

Fall Fitness Fun

Looking for some fun or new ways to keep active during the fall season? Want to start being more active? The fall season is a great time to continue or begin a new fitness program. Here are some tips to enjoy the fall weather, and stay physically active.
The leaves are changing, temperatures are getting cooler, and darkness comes sooner. It may seem easier to sit around the table and play Scrabble or Monopoly for recreation. However, the fall is a great time to get outdoors, get exercise, and get fresh air. Staying physically active year round improves health and betters mood. town offers an easy way to enjoy the topography. Ottos Farm Park and Trails provides many trails through rolling farmland and streams. The Sourland Mountain Preserve, owned and maintained by the Somerset County Park Commission, offers four trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The Ridge trail and the Roaring Rocks trail take hikers through boulder fields, while the Maple Flats and Pondside trails are easier and shorter routes. Parks: Ottos Farm Park & Trails, Sourland Mountain Preserve (SCPC) for football; baseballs World Series, and the start of basketball and hockey seasons all highlight our fall calendars. While we all enjoy watching the games, there is also time and facilities to play the games! Grab a group of friends and head to park. Nearly all the parks in town have softball and soccer fields and some

Walking & Jogging

Walking and jogging are considered some of the best forms of exercise. There are few better options to enjoy the fall foliage and crisp temperatures than walking or jogging. It may be challenging to commit to a walking or jogging plan, so find a friend or two and schedule sessions. This way, it is in your calendar, and you can hold each other accountable. There are many walking and jogging trails at Hillsborough parks. Parks: Ann Van Middlesworth Park, Ottos Farm Park & Trails, Singley Park, Woodfield Park.

Biking

Cycling is a great low-impact cardiovascular activity. Bike paths are common throughout communities, and there are some paved trails at the parks. A great way to see Duke Farms is by taking a bike ride. You will get to see almost all the property opened to the public on their 11 miles of bike trails. Best of all, you can borrow a bike from them, for free. Parks: Ann Van Middlesworth Park, Singley Park, Woodfield Park, Duke Farms

For a complete listing of our favorite walking trails, check out the Lets Go for a Walk article on page 3 of the Spring 2013 issue of the Recreation Run Down.

From walking and jogging trails to softball and soccer fields, there are plenty of ways to stay active this fall season.
have basketball courts. Woodfield Park offers tennis courts, while Docherty Park has a hockey rink. There is something for everyone at a park in town. Parks: A full parks directory is available on our website.

Hiking

Sports & Games

Hillsborough is blessed to have a beautiful, rolling landscape. Hiking in

The fall season has some of Americans favorite sports. Sundays are reserved

379 South Branch Road . Hillsborough, NJ 08844 . (908) 369-4832 . hillsboroughnjrecreation.org

Recreation Run Down Hillsborough Parks and Recreation

Issue 3, Fall 2013

Continued

Fall Programs Keep All Busy

Programs for young children to seniors offered in fall
The recreation calendar is always full of programs for Hillsborough residents of all ages, and this fall was no different. Adult programs included open gym basketball and volleyball, where friendly games were played with new teams each week. The senior citizens also had their share of activities, including aquatic exercise and a floral design class. While the fall programs are coming to an end soon, the winter programs will start in January. The winter program brochure and schedule will be published on the Parks and Recreation website in mid-November.

Park Spotlight: Woodfield Park

Just one block away from the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building sits Woodfield Park, a 10.5-acre park in the middle of Hillsborough. Right off Amwell Road, Woodfield Park is conveniently located.

Besides the fall recreation soccer league, there were many programs for children. Offered for the first time in the fall, Tiny Football for four to six year olds proved to be a big success. Tiny Wiffleball was another class for that age range. Biddy Basketball taught first through third graders basic fundamentals. Boys and girls in grades 4-8 had their own Basketball Skills and Drills classes. The Softball Pitching Clinic helped girls keep their pitching skills fresh throughout the fall. Sports Fitness prepared athletes for their next season by improving various aspects of athletic performance.

Tiny Football at Singley Park was a favorite this fall. Children learned some basic fundamentals of football.

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Senior Activity Center Anniversary

Senior Room Gets Makeover As Part of 5 Year Celebration
refreshments were served. While the room is overseen by the Department of Social Services, our department hopes to plan some senior programs and activities in the near future at the Senior Activities Room. The room is open to any senior resident during normal municipal business hours and is perfect for card games, tabletop shuffleboard, billiards, and many other activities. Local officials acknowledged and helped celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Senior Activities Room in the Municipal Building on Friday, October 4. In celebration of the anniversary, the room got a makeover, complete with new paint, furnishings, and windows between the main room and game room. After the ceremony, cake and

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379 South Branch Road . Hillsborough, NJ 08844 . (908) 369-4832 . hillsboroughnjrecreation.org

Recreation Run Down Hillsborough Parks and Recreation

Issue 3, Fall 2013

Hillsborough Holiday Events

Menorah Lighting Dec 1; Christmas Tree Dec 6
Believe it or not, the holiday season is right around the corner. Hillsborough has two great events in the beginning of the season to get you ready for the holidays. The Menorah lighting will take place on Sunday, December 1, while the Christmas tree will be lit on Friday, December 6. Both events will be held at the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building. More information will be posted on the Parks and Recreation and township websites in November. We look forward to kicking off the holiday season with you and your family at these great events.

SOCCER (cont. from page 2)

The recent increase in soccer popularity is evident in Hillsborough by the vast amount of activity on the soccer fields on Saturday mornings for games and throughout the week for practices. There is also a spring soccer league, with play from April to June. Leagues are available for children ages three to seniors in high school. Full information and registration will be available in the Winter Program Brochure.

Join Us on Social Media Hillsborough Parks and Recreation is now on Facebook and Twitter. Get information first, and join in on the conversation. Like and follow us! facebook.com/hillsboroughnjrecreation twitter.com/hillsboroughrec

Winter Brochure Winter is right around the corner and we are working hard getting programs ready. The winter program brochure will be available in midNovember. Registration will be available on our website or by phone after the brochure publication.

Text & Email Alerts You can register for field closures and program notification alerts to be sent directly to your phone. This free service is available on our website, by clicking the link on the right side of the home page. Never miss important recreation announcements with these alerts!

379 South Branch Road . Hillsborough, NJ 08844 . (908) 369-4832 . hillsboroughnjrecreation.org