The Weehawken Recreation Department and the Free Public Library have planned a host of free activities this summer for residents of all ages.
Parks with purpose
The parks in the township offer vast waterfront views and various structured activities.
From July 9 to Aug. 17, four parks will host arts and crafts Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Arts and crafts at Louisa Park (Louisa Place and Boulevard East), Gregory Park (Gregory and Highpoint avenues), and Pizzuta Park (19th and Chestnut streets) are for residents age 4 to 12, and Highwood Tot Lot (Highwood Avenue and El Dorado Place) are for residents age 3 to 9.
Each park also offers old-fashioned games such as hula hoops, hopscotch, Frisbee, and checkers, and each has its own fountains and sprinklers to cool kids down. Free lunch for residents age 17 and under is served at each park Monday through Friday at noon. All activities are cancelled if it rains.
Sporting good time
Teens ages 14 to 17 have the option of Open Gym at Weehawken High School at 53 Liberty Place beginning on July 9, Monday through Thursday. Activities run from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and vary depending on the day, and include volleyball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, and strength and conditioning instruction. Table games like air hockey and ping pong are also available for residents.
Pool options
For kids age 6 to 13 who crave a water play option beyond the parks, beginning July 9, the town will offer day trips to the West New York Swim Club. A bus will pick children up at 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. outside of Town Hall at 400 Park Ave. and return them at 2 p.m. They will be chaperoned by recreation supervisors, and all participants must show proof of residency prior to boarding the bus.
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken also offers their pool and fitness center at no charge to Weehawken residents. Those interested must fill out an application in person at the Weehawken Recreation office at 372 Park Ave. with proof of residency and a photo I.D. Children must be chaperoned to use the pool, and those who wish to use the fitness center must be at least 18 years old.
Fundraisers, field trips, and fun times, oh my!
There is still time to sign up for town-sponsored co-pay field trips for residents which include a three hour cruise on the Circle Line ($12 per person) on July 17, a trip to Sandy Hook ($10 per person) on July 24, and a trip to Tomahawk Lake ($10 per person) on Aug. 2. They are filled on a first come, first served basis and are filling up quickly. Call Weehawken Recreation for more information at (201) 319-6061.
On July 31, the town will present Bubble Mania – an evening of entertainment, artistry, comedy, and, well, bubbles with Casey Carle – held at Weehawken High School auditorium located at 53 Liberty Place at 6:30 p.m. And of course, one can’t forget Kite Flying Night held Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Waterfront Complex on Port Imperial Boulevard where families can bring their kites and watch them soar.
And finally, the Weehawken Recreation Department will conclude its season of fun with its annual Family Fun Night on Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Weehawken children age 4 to 15. It’s an evening full of face painting, games, and more at the Waterfront Complex.
For the full online schedule of events offered by Weehawken Recreation, visit http://www.weehawken-nj.us or call (201) 319-6061 for more information.
Especially for seniors
For seniors, the town will sponsor two S-U-M-M-E-R bingo events from 6 to 8 p.m. replete with small prizes. On July 18 it will take place at the Nutrition Center at 203 Highwood Ave., and Aug. 1 it’s slated for 525 Gregory Ave.
The Weehawken Weekenders will take a trip on July 11 to see “The Real Husbands of New Jersey” at the Royal Manor in Garfield for $45 which includes lunch.
On July 18, Mayor Turner and the Township Council along with the Hudson County Office on Aging invites Weehawken seniors on a Hudson County boat ride aboard the “Spirit of New Jersey.” On Aug. 12, they will visit Magnanini’s Winery in Wallkill, N.Y. for a wine tasting, dinner, and dancing for $75.
Those interested may call the Senior Center at (201) 319-6059.
Not just books
The Weehawken Free Public Library holds many events for children and adults alike throughout the summer. From reading groups to educational activities, residents can have fun and learn something new at the same time.
The Weehawken Recreation Department and the Free Public Library have worked double and triple time to ensure that residents have a summer-full of fun.
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To commemorate the anniversary of the Hamilton Burr Duel, the Weehawken Library will host author William Chrystal for a reading of his book “Hamilton by the Slice: Falling in Love with Our Most Influential Founding Father” on Wednesday, July 11.
For additional information, call the library at (201) 846-7823.
Living it up on the waterfront
Hudson Riverfront Performing Arts Center’s free Summer Concerts on the Hudson series has kicked off another season this month. In 2011, world-renowned artists such as Paquito D’Rivera and Gary U.S. Bonds graced the waterfront. Spectators were entertained by Argentinean Fusion Tango dancers, and a folk festival drew headliner Susan Werner to the microphone.
All concerts are held at Lincoln Harbor Park on Harbor Boulevard, just north of the Chart House pier, with parking in the lot across the way.
For more information and scheduling, visit www.hrpac.org, email info@hrpac.org, or call (201) 430-6881 and keep watching the Reporter for an upcoming story.
Gennarose Pope may be reached at gpope@hudsonreporter.com