As a mother of four, Weehawken resident Pearl Chambers knows the precious value of time and money.
And for the past six years, Chambers has been filling up as much of that time as possible by taking advantage of township activities.
Throughout the year, Weehawken offers an extensive recreation program for residents of all ages. Most of the programs are free of charge or require a nominal fee.
“All the programs that are available, we try to take advantage of,” said Chambers. “It’s a great thing that the town provides. It’s fantastic.”
Chambers said that her children – an 8-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old twins – have all participated in town activities since the youngest age possible (starting with toddler programs at the Weehawken Public Library).
Tennis is one of the few programs that requires a fee.
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Aside from the obvious financial benefit, Chambers said it is the quality of the programs and sense of community that keep her family coming back.
“[The programs] are very good,” she said. “It’s not like the programs are free and just okay. They are really committed to these kids.”
The whole ‘kid’ and caboodle
The classes that are offered through the Weehawken Recreation Department have developed gradually over the years.
The 2010-2011 fall/winter season, which just wrapped up with awards ceremonies a few weeks ago, featured several programs for both children and adults including basketball, weight training, yoga, soccer, and even archery. For those less physically inclined, there were art classes, cooking classes, woodworking, and floral workshops.
There’s a new roster of activities ahead.
“It’s not like the programs are free and just okay; they are really committed to these kids. ” – Pearl Chambers
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According to Kate McMahon of the Recreation Department, almost 600 kids are involved in the program as well as adults who volunteer their services to help out with everything from coaching to concessions.
When baseball/softball season ends, the kids’ summer program (which begins each year after the Fourth of July holiday) will be the next huge undertaking for the department – another myriad of classes at five parks, six days out of the week.
Parents can look for notices about open house registration for those programs in The Weehawken Reporter toward the end of the school year.
Meanwhile, for adults, programs like yoga and Pilates are ongoing.
Tennis anyone?
One of the more popular choices for kids and adults alike recently has been the tennis program, which began with the opening of the tennis courts along the waterfront in 2008.
For those adults who need to brush up on their skills, tennis lessons – one of the few programs that does include a fee – will be offered through the department in May and June.
Lessons will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting May 9 through June 20 and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. starting May 10 through June 16 at the Weehawken Waterfront Complex.
The total cost for two classes per week (one and a half hours long each) is $120. Class size is limited to 8. Weehawken residents only, proof of residency is required.
For more information or to sign up, please call (201) 319-6061 or email weehawkentennis@gmail.com.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.