Sevastakis: Cooperation on Recreation Benefits All

Editor's note: Submitted by Councilman John Sevastakis

There is no doubt that the Township of Toms River is a great place to live and take advantage of the many unique characteristics of the Jersey Shore. 

One attribute of our town that is extremely positive is the working relationship between our local school district and municipal government in regards to sharing facilities for recreation. The residents of our community are able to take advantage of several programs and activities due to this cooperation.

This upcoming winter season the township’s Recreation Department will be offering several programs for residents including new youth gymnastics program and beginner volleyball. These programs will be held at two of the schools within the local school district. In addition, the Recreation Department is already making plans for our popular summer camp program which provides summer activities for over 600 children in July and August. This program is housed at five different schools within the local school district.

In addition, our local high school golf teams call home, and our local high school hockey teams call Winding River Skating Center home.  In both cases, visiting teams are always complimentary of these facilities, and we are proud to provide these outstanding athletic facilities to our local students and to students from around New Jersey. 

Thousands of youngsters also participate in a multitude of organized youth sports throughout the community. Municipal facilities include , , ,  and and school facilities include the new synthetic turf fields at ,  and , as well as the gymnasiums and multipurpose rooms throughout all school buildings.

The Township’s Recreation Advisory Committee is committed to maintaining this strong foundation of cooperation. Our Recreation Department is working closely with the school district’s Athletic Department to coordinate additional running paths for the hundreds of middle school and high school cross country runners within our community. This is just one example of the continuation of this important dynamic within the Township.

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work with good people who simply want to provide our residents with safe and affordable recreation programs. As we come to the end of another busy and challenging year, I wish everyone best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season with your families!