Jersey City expands recreational opportunities to improvise youth activities and professional development while adhering to safety restrictions
CITY OF JERSEY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced today that the new Department of Recreation and Youth Development offers in-person activities and virtual small-group events while adhering to the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidelines for Sporting Activities”. In an effort to improvise traditional recreational programs, the city offers “pop-up” activities for small groups in 8 parks across the city, while moving professional development programs online.
“Most of Recreation’s summer activities are physical sports or in-person experiences, which have obviously been banned for social distancing and safety purposes. Since these restrictions were slowly lifted, we have strived to identify more unconventional ways of providing similar stimulation to our young people, both for physical and educational activities, ”said Mayor Fulop.
Despite the health and safety limitations of COVID, Recreation has been working to introduce new pop-up events limited to 20 participants per group at the following parks: Berry Lane Park, Mary Benson Park, Enos Jones Park, Hamilton Park, Ercel Webb Park, Pershing Field, Audubon Park and Leonard Gordon Park. Recreation Division staff are on-site in each of the 8 parks at designated times to provide assistance with individual skills, which includes a range of programs from “Skills and Drills” in basketball, baseball, tennis and soccer to “Dancercise” and “Strength Fitness and Conditioning”. Participants must provide their own equipment and obey all city social distancing rules.
“The summer months are traditionally our busiest time of the year. So while we were unable to organize the events and activities that we normally organize in August, we have worked to build a curriculum that keeps everyone safe while providing youth with opportunities. Jersey City the recreational activities and school programs they often rely on. on ”, said Lucinda McLaughlin, Director of the Recreation and Youth Development Department.
The Department of Recreation and Youth Development is also working through current restrictions to offer FREE professional development until September 6 for high school students aged 15-24. Normally, the city’s professional development days are held in person at our internship hosts’ sites, but the city has started using online portals in order to comply with the security protocols in place and still offer these. college and career preparation programs.
Professional development includes conversations and group activities focused on:
- Career and academic interests
- Pitches with lift and public speaking
- Build your life map
- College preparation
- CV / Mock-Interview w / Professionals
Professional development is done through Zoom. Applicants can register here.
Earlier this summer, the city reopened two public swimming pools overseen by Recreation, as well as all of the city’s playgrounds and wading pools. Security measures are in place with pool access for residents only and a maximum capacity of 50% to allow for social distancing. Pool enthusiasts are required to follow the safety guidelines of the NJ Department of Health.
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