Somerset County Offers Residents Purchase of Engraved Bricks

From Somerset County Park Foundation:

The Somerset County Park Foundation, in cooperation with the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is offering the general public the chance to become a permanent part of history at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots. The purchase of an engraved brick placed in the main gate at the Ballpark provides both a permanent remembrance and a scholarship opportunity for children and young adults to participate in Park Commission programs.

The next scheduled order of engraved bricks is anticipated in the coming weeks for placement in time for the holidays.

“Foundation of Opportunities” is a program that provides funding to support the Somerset County Park Foundation Scholarship Fund that assist participants of the Park Commission's Therapeutic Recreation Department. The fund provides opportunities for children and young adults to participate in recreational programs and services at low or no cost.

Personalized, engraved bricks will be installed in 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 can recognize family members, friends, loved-ones, customers and those who have made meaningful contributions to the legacy of Somerset County.

Bricks are available at $65 each and will be engraved with a maximum of three lines of 20 characters, including spaces and punctuation. “Foundation of Opportunities” application is available online.

“The Park Foundation greatly appreciates the Freeholders' endorsement of this program that will continue to expand scholarship opportunities,” stated John Kitchen, chair of the foundation. “The foundation is proud of the efforts of the Therapeutic Recreation Department and the fact that annually the Scholarship Program supports one-quarter of the participants enjoying the services of Therapeutic Recreation.”

The Therapeutic Recreation Program is a cooperative effort between the Park Commission and 16 municipalities, providing year-round recreation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Programs include Camp Okee Sunokee, a six-week day camp for children age 7 to 14 with learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome; Summer Adventure, a two-week summer program for high school teens and young adults, ages 15-21; Kid Connection, a year-round program for children ages 6-12 with a developmental disability; teen and adult programs featuring a variety of social, cultural, artistic, culinary, sports, fitness, community outings, horticulture and overnight trips as well as T.R.A.I.L.S., an adapted horseback riding program.

Photo courtesy of Somerset County Park Foundation