Parks and Recreation Department
Municipal Building 195 Changebridge Road Montville, NJ 07045-9498 (973) 331-3305
Staff
Click Here to Register Online
Click Here to go to Montville Track website
Click Here for Forms/Flyers for Activities and Programs
Montville Township offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities from traditional sports leagues to origami classes, adapted recreation for citizens with disabilities, gardening, science workshops and senior citizen activities. Additionally, there are numerous recreational facilities, which are available for use by residents. The seven members of Recreation Commission are appointed by the Township Committee and are responsible for overseeing recreational programs and facilities in the Township. The Commission meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BROCHURE
PROGRAMS (Recreation Sponsored)
ARCH WAY - Adapted Recreation for Citizens with Handicaps
This program is funded by the Montville Township Kiwanis Club and a state grant. The program is designed to offer adapted recreation in a social atmosphere on a weekly basis. The program is open to young adults from Montville. Activities include: arts/crafts, bowling, dining out, cooking, trips to the circus, etc. Meetings take place in Montville at various locations.
ARCHERY – 3rd through 10th Grades
Learn the basics of archery which include: the parts of the bow, the mechanics of archery, types of bows and equipment and inside target shooting.
ARTS & CRAFTS - Pre-K through the 5th Grades
Classes are offered after school hours. Classes consist of drawing, painting, and making crafts. A variety of special art workshops are offered during the year for special projects and themes.
BASKETBALL, INTOWN - Boys (Grades 3 through 5) & Girls (Grades 3 through 8)
An opportunity to learn and/or develop basketball skills to compete against other In-town teams. Practices and games will take place between November and March at the various elementary schools.
BASKETBALL, GIRLS - Traveling Team - 5th/6th & 7th/8th Grades
Practices and games take place between November and March on a competitive team level against other town teams.
BOCCE LEAGUE - Adults
Adult leagues are offered in the Spring through the Fall. Games take place at the Community Park courts.
BOWLING - 1st through 8th Grades
Program is offered during the Fall and Spring Seasons at a local bowling facility, Boonton Lanes. Youngsters set up their own team of three bowlers for league competition. Bumper Bowling is offered for Gr. 1 & 2, Instructional Bowling is offered for Gr. 2-4, & League Bowling is offered for Gr 3-5 & Gr 6-8.
BOWLING, SENIORS – Ages 50 & over
Program is offered during the Fall & Spring Seasons at a local bowling facility on Monday mornings at 10:30am. Sign up can take place individually or as teams.
CHESS - 1st through 12th Grades
Beginner and advanced programs are available. Children will learn where chess came from, the rules of the game, the moves of the chess figures, and winning strategies, while participating in group and individual instruction. Instruction is provided by the International Chess School which uses the program of Kasparov World Chess Academy.
FIELD HOCKEY - Girls in Grades 6, 7, 8
This is a junior high school team which will practice and play games between September and November. Games will take place against other school teams.
GARDENING - Montville Residents
The Community Park grounds has a LIMITED number of garden plots available. The community comes together in one area to maintain assigned garden plots. Plot sizes are either a 30x30 or a 15x30. Call Recreation to get YOUR garden plot!
GOLF – Men‘s & Women’s
This program takes place at a local golf facility, the Knoll East. The program runs on Thursday evenings at 4:00pm, April through August. The program is set up as non-competitive league with an opportunity for you to meet other individuals.Players are rotated each week. Men & Women play separately.
HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD - Ages 3 and older
Spanish & French can be fun! A child’s first introduction into a second language can be a positive learning experience. These programs create a fun-filled musical environment through puppets, songs, and games. It stimulates your child’s interest and encourages a greater level of participation while learning the Spanish & French languages. It also focuses on your child’s ability to understand and respond to simple questions and everyday greetings as well as singing songs about colors, numbers and animals.
HORSESHOE LEAGUE - Over 18 years of age
Adult league is offered April through September. Matches take place at the Montville Community Park horseshoe pits.
ICE HOCKEY - Grades 1 through 8
Montville Township teams play against teams from other towns in Morris County who belong to the Morris County Youth Hockey League. Most games are played in Mennen Arena. The program is for beginners as well as advanced players. The season runs from October through March. Signups are in July and August.
IRISH STEP DANCING - All ages
Classes are held on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. They are held at the High School cafeteria from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
KIDSAFE - Ages 5 through 15
Kidsafe is a self-defense karate & safety awareness program. It is designed to enhance self-esteem, self-discipline & safety awareness!!! Students are placed into classes according to age and ability. A black belt instructor teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced techniques for self defense only! Self-discipline and defense, rather than aggressiveness are promoted! Weekly safety flyers focus on a wide range of topics including: stranger, fire safety & more!
MAD SCIENCE WORKSHOPS - Students in Grades 1-5
Mad Science Workshops are educational & entertaining science for children. They are hands-on science fun with take home projects. Some program topics include: Laser Light, Matter of Fact, Rockets, Dry Ice, Acids and Bases, Black and Blue Oceans, Mineral Mania, Watt’s Up, Magnetic Magic, Optical Illusions, Lights… Color… Action, Slime, Sonic Sounds, Tantalizing Taste, and Harnessing Heat. Classes are currently taking place after school and are taught by certified teachers.
ME & YOU - New born to preschool years and their adult care provider. Spend time enjoying activities with your child in a social atmosphere. The program is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Library Pio Costa Auditorium from 9:30 to 11:00am, September through June.
OPEN GYM - Men over 18 years of age
This program is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Montville High School gym. Proof of residency is required for admittance into the program. Pick up basketball games are offered on a nightly basis. Days and times may vary throughout the year, dependent upon gym availability.
PLAYGROUND PROGRAM - Pre-K through the 9th Grade
This program is offered for five weeks during the summer at six different locations based upon the youngster’s grade/age. Program includes arts & crafts, weekly trips, sports & quiet games. This program provides youngsters with “something to do” and keeps them in touch with their school friends during the summer months. The Program takes place at the following sites: Preschool (4 & 5 year olds) at Hilldale School, Kindergarten at William Mason School, 1st and 2nd Graders at Cedar Hill School, 2nd and 3rd Graders at Valley View School, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Graders at Woodmont School, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th Graders at Lazar Middle School.
ROOKIES BASEBALL INSTRUCTION - Kindergarten and 1st Graders
For Kindergartners its an opportunity to develop skills on hitting, catching, throwing, base running, and an introduction to game situations. 1st graders develop defensive skills, catching, throwing, fielding, positions, pitching, and game situations. Classes are taught by experienced players and instructors in the Spring and Fall.
ROLLER HOCKEY - Grades 1 through 8
An opportunity to play in-town, non checking roller hockey games. Program is for beginners as well as advanced players. This program has taken place in the Summer and Fall months.
RUGBY – Kindergarten through 8th Grade
The Recreation Department along with the Morris County Football Club introduced the program in June of 2000. The program runs mid-June through the end of July. This is a non-contact “touch” program with modified rules.
SATURDAY S.N.A.P.S. (Special Needs and Program Specials)
Saturday S.N.A.P.S. provides a variety of activities adapted to meet the needs of our special elementary age children. The program integrates arts & crafts, cooking, music, dance, and sports while providing a social, stimulating, and fun time for your child. The Recreation Department along with the support and funding from the Montville Kiwanis Club and a State Grant offer this program which meets on a monthly basis on Saturdays between 10:00am and 12:00pm.
SCIENSATIONAL WORKSHOPS - Grades 1 through 5
Science workshops are held on school holidays. Workshops cover such topics as: Chemical Magic, Rocketry, Electronics, Detectives & Their Solutions, Roller Coasters, and Motorized Machinery. Programs are taught by certified teachers.
SKIING - 6th through 8th Graders
Trips take place at Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania on Friday evenings for 5 weeks during January, February, & March. This program provides students with the opportunity to ski/snowboard or to learn to ski/snowboard with their friends. Choice of packages are available from just purchasing lift tickets & transportation to purchasing lift tickets, rentals, lessons & transportation.
SKIING – Open to all individuals in Montville
Season Passes are available for Mountain Creek Ski Resort in Vernon, N.J.! Individuals can purchase passes from Students to Adults & Limited to Unlimited! Call for various packages & prices!
SOCCER SHORTS - 3, 4, & 5 year olds
Soccer Shorts introduces soccer in a fun filled environment to 3, 4, and 5 year old boys & girls. Your child will learn the fundamentals of soccer through a program of structured activities & fun games. The program is held on Weekdays during the mornings & afternoons in the Spring and Fall. Different time choices are available.
SOFTBALL, PEE WEE T-BALL - Students entering K & 1st Grades
The program is offered in July and August teaching the very basics of softball. The participants use a “T” in order to learn to hit the ball off a stationary object.
SOFTBALL, MEN OVER 18 years of age
This is a competitive program that plays on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from April through September.
SOFTBALL, MEN OVER 30 years of age
This program is for men who are interested in enjoying fun and relaxing games. Season runs April through July. Games are played on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.
SOFTBALL, MEN OVER 60 years of age
This program is for men who are still interested in competing on a traveling team level. Games are played weeknight evenings during May through August.
SOFTBALL, WOMEN OVER 18 years of age
This program is for women who are interested in competing on a traveling team level. Games are played weeknight evenings during June/July/August.
SPORTS CLINICS - various age groups
From June to August, various coaches offer specific sports clinics to introduce and/or improve skills. Some clinics that have been offered include: soccer, basketball, wrestling, baseball, gymnastics, karate, softball, field hockey, and lacrosse.
SUMMER ACADEMY - Entering Grades 6th, 7th, & 8th
Classes include: Study Skills & Mathology. Study Skills provides students with the necessary tools to become more active and productive learner. Mathology reinforces basic math skills emphasizing computation and analytical problem solving. Classes are offered for two week sessions in July & August.
SUMMER SMARTS - Entering Grades K through 5
This program offers the opportunity to brush up on skills taught during the school year, and to ensure that none are “lost” during the Summer months. This FUN learning program is designed to meet individual needs and is taught by certified teachers from the Montville School District.
TENNIS LESSONS - various age groups, including adults
Lessons are offered during June, July, and August for beginner and intermediate levels. Lessons take place at the High School tennis courts.
TRACK - Ages 9 through 15
The program is offered in the Spring, Fall, and Summer. The Summer & Fall programs are a Clinic. The Spring program is a competitive league which competes in the Lakeland League. Events covered are the 100 meter, 800 meter, 4 by 100 relay, 400 meter, 200 meter, shot put, and long jump. Typical practice includes: stretching, exercises, warm-up, drills, stamina work and/or speed work, long jumping and/or throwing activities. Practices take place on week nights.
TRIPS, DAY & EVENING - All ages
Throughout the year, the Recreation Department offers a variety of trips to the NY Theaters, Radio City, Sports Events, and Atlantic City. Some trips have included overnight accommodations such as trips to Washington, D.C. and Myrtle Beach.
TRIPS, TEEN - Junior High and High School students
Trips take place once a week during the months of July & August. Students have taken trips to such places as: Great Adventure, Dorney Park, and a Yankee Game.
WHAT’S COOKING – Entering Grades 2 through 5
Students cook up fun in the kitchen! They Explore new recipes which are geared for the younger cook. Herbs and spices are introduced and used in foods. Some kitchen crafts are included. This program takes place in the Summer months.
YUANJIWU – Exercise Program – Open to Adults
Yuanjiwu is a therapeutic dance deeply rooted in the traditional Chinese culture: Taoism, Zan, Buddhism, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine. It is a technique to cultivate the mind and body energy for better health. The simple movements of Yuanjiwu reflect the Taoism principles of Yin & Yang (negative and positive energy). The program integrates dance, massage, music and breathing to harmonize mental and physical energy; and it promotes the free flow of Qi to create a sense of peace and harmony. This program takes place on Tuesdays.
SEASONAL SPECIAL EVENTS
BUNNY and EGG HUNTS - Newborn through the 3rd Grade
These events take place one week prior to the Easter & Passover Season. The Bunny Hunt is for newborn through preschool youngsters and the Egg Hunt is for Kindergartners through the 3rd Grade. Youngsters will hunt for plastic eggs with special ones being marked for prizes. The Bunny Hunt is held in the Field House and the Egg Hunt is held at the Montville Community Park. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
FISHING DERBY - Preschool through students in the 5th Grade
This event takes place on a Saturday in May at Masar Pond. Youngsters fish for two hours and are awarded prizes for the largest fish caught in each age group. This event is sponsored by the Recreation Department, the PBA Local 140, and the Montville Kiwanis Club. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
BIG SCREEN OUTDOOR MOVIES - Open to all
Movies take place at the Montville Community Park Amphitheater. Bring your beach chairs & blankets and enjoy the feeling of drive-in movies! The Recreation Department & 4th of July Committee co-sponsor two movies. One in the Summer and one in the Fall. Movies shown in the past have included: The Lion King, Pocahontas, Casper, and 101 Dalamations. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - Open to All
This event is sponsored by the Recreation Department and the 4th of July Committee. It is made up of several FREE concerts throughout the Summer. Types of music have included: Big Band, Country, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Oldies, & Dixieland.
JULY 4th CELEBRATION - All ages
This event is planned by a Special July 4th Committee. The event is traditionally held the Saturday before the 4th of July. It kicks off its activities with a Big Screen Movie in the Park on Wednesday, followed by rides & games on Thursday. Friday night includes a Free Concert in the Park, Rides & Games, and an Antique Car Show. Saturday’s all day events include: a running and walking race, parade, flea market, rides, games, entertainment, prizes, refreshments, and fireworks.
HALLOWEEN - Preschoolers through the 2nd Grade
This event is celebrated by a costume judging contest at the Montville Community Park Basketball Courts. The PBA Local 140 co-sponsors this event. Refreshments are served and all participants receive a “Goody Bag”. Entertainment is also provided. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
HOLIDAY LIGHTING - Open to All
Each year the town welcomes the Winter season by holding a celebration at the Municipal Building. A Winter Wonderland is created across the Municipal Building’s Front Lawn including trees, deer, & a Menorah . The High School Band or DJ provide the music, the Girl Scouts sing and decorate. Santa & a Snowman arrive courtesy of the Pine Brook Fire Department and are available for pictures and wish lists! The Women’s Club provides refreshments. There is NO CHARGE for this event.
HOT SHOTS BASKETBALL SHOOT AROUND – All Ages – Children & Adults
This annual event was started to benefit the MICHELLE FUND. The event is held the 1st Sunday in March. Participants take ten shots from various designated spots on the basketball court. Prizes are awarded to the most baskets made in the different age groups & genders. The Michelle Fund was established in Memory of Michelle Sullivan in order to promote girls athletics. This is their major fund raising activity to generate monies to improve and expand athletic opportunities for our female youth.
PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
MONTVILLE ATHLETIC LEAGUE “BRONCOS”
This organization provides township youngsters with the opportunity to enjoy Football, Wrestling, Boys Basketball ( Intown, Gr 6-8 and Traveling Teams, Gr 4-8) and Cheerleading squads for the football teams.
MONTVILLE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
This organization provides Baseball (Ages 7-16) and Softball (Grades 1-8) programs during the Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons.
SENIOR CITIZENS
This organization provides a variety of activities for residents who are 55 years of age or older. Meetings are held every other Friday of the month in the afternoon. There is also a group called “Seniors on the Loose” which meets every Thursday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Meetings take place at the Adult/Senior House located on Rt. 202 in Montville.
MONTVILLE LACROSSE CLUB
This organization provides lacrosse programs for boys and girls. The Boys program is for 3rd to 8th Grades and the Girls is from 5th to 8th Grades. Play takes place during the Spring months at the Community Park Athletic Fields.
MONTVILLE SOCCER ASSOCIATION
This organization provides township youth with intown and traveling team soccer programs in the Spring and Fall Seasons. Clinics and games take place on the Athletic Fields located at the Montville Community Park for youngsters between the ages of 5 and 14 years old.
YOUTH SERVICES
This Department offers a variety of programs for teens between the ages of 12 to 21 years old: Lecture Series (topics have included Suicide and Family Dynamics of Substance Abusers), Project Graduation (Montville Township’s annual anti-drug and alcohol celebration for those graduating High School), Clean Communities Grant, baby sitting services, job services, and a drop-in center. For more information contact the Youth Services Department at: 335-7019.
FACILITIES
AMPHITHEATER at the Montville Community Park
An area for outdoor education classes, concerts, movies, and a beautiful view overlooking Montville Township.
ATHLETIC FIELDS at the Montville Community Park
These four fields are used specifically for soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, and high school games. These fields are lighted.
BALLFIELDS
There are four areas in town where residents can play baseball or softball. These fields are located in the following parks:
ETTA KONNER: located on Walnut and Parkway Drives in Pine Brook (softball field)
MASAR: located on Boonton Avenue in Montville (lighted softball field)
MUNICIPAL: located on River Rd in Montville (3 lighted fields - 2 basball & 1 softball)
REILLY: located on Hewlett Road in Towaco (baseball field)
* Many baseball/softball leagues dominate use of ballfields. If private ballfield use from a resident is desired, a permit is needed to guarantee field availability.
BASKETBALL COURTS at the Montville Community Park
Three outdoor lighted courts, one full-size and two half courts, are available for public use.
GARDEN PLOTS located on the Montville Community Park property
Plots are available for gardening during the Spring, Summer, and Fall months. To obtain a plot of land, contact the Recreation Department at: 331-3305. There is a refundable deposit required for use.
ENVIRONMENTAL TRAILS located on the Montville Community Park property
Trails were developed in cooperation with the Board of Education to provide residents with the opportunity to observe wildlife and plant life indigenous to Montville Township. An environmental trail brochure can be obtained at the Recreation Office during office hours.
PARKS
The parks in Montville Township consist of playing fields and playgrounds. Parks are open for public use daily, closing at dusk, since lighting is not available in most areas.
CAMP DAWSON: located on Jacksonville Road in Towaco
COMMUNITY PARK: located on Change Bridge Road in Montville (lighted fields)
ETTA KONNER: located on Walnut and Parkway Drives in Pine Brook
JOHN STREET: located on Maple Avenue in Pine Brook
MANCHESTER: located on Buckingham Circle in Pine Brook
MASAR: located on Boonton Avenue in Montville (lighted field)
MUNICIPAL BALLFIELDS: located on River Road in Montville (lighted fields)
REILLY: located on Hewlett Road in Towaco
PAVILION (Located at the Montville Community Park)
The pavilion is an open shelter with picnic tables and is available to township groups for picnics and social gatherings. Around the pavilion area are three lighted bocce courts. The area also contains three lighted horseshoe pits, a barbecue grill and playground equipment. Contact the Recreation Department for the procedure in obtaining a group use permit.
TENNIS COURTS
At the High School there are six courts available for public use, when the school is not utilizing the area. These courts are NOT lit, nor do they require any type of permit. As a courtesy gesture play should take place on the hour for an hour.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT of the COMMUNITY PARK
Long range plans will include upgrading the pavilion/picnic area and improvement to the pond as a water feature.
|