WESTWOOD RECREATION DEPARTMENT
WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER 55 JEFFERSON AVENUE, WESTWOOD NJ 07675
www.westwoodnj.gov/recreation 201- 664 - 7882 recreation@westwoodnj.gov
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
MISSON STATEMENT
Westwood Recreation Department’s mission is to provide outstanding experiences and diverse services to all its residents. Each program and event present an opportunity to gain appreciation of Westwood’s parks, but also to encourage family and community involvement. We encourage you to view all the programs and services we provide.
RECREATION STAFF
Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director
Margaret McDonough, Administrative Assistant
RoseAnn Ciarlante, Recreation Supervisor
WESTWOOD MAYOR & COUNCIL
Raymond Arroyo, Mayor
Robert Bicocchi, Council President
Erin Collins
Beth Dell
Anthony Greco, Recreation Board Liaison
Lauren Letizia, Deputy Recreation Board Liaison
WESTWOOD RECREATION BOARD
Eric Dougherty
Tim McDevitt
Angelo Pira, Chair
Mickey Ricciardella
Yash Risbud
Bermari Roig, Vice Chair
Jennifer Scardino
Karl Seitz
Holta Xhillari
@westwoodnjrec
2025 S UMMER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON THURSDAY MAY 1 AT 9:00 AM FOR RESIDENTS on a first-come, first-served basis online via Community Pass or at the Recreation Department. If classes are open NON-RESIDENTS MAY REGISTER STARTING ON MONDAY, MAY 12 at 9:00 am for an additional $25 fee per class.
GENERAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: We use Community Pass for our registration process. If you don't already have a Community Pass account, it's easy to get one! Just go to westwoodnj.gov/recreation and click the Community Pass Registration Page and you'll be guided through the process. Be sure to save and remember your account information for easy access. It is very important that you provide updated email, cell phone number, and cell carrier information so you can receive updates on last minute cancellations for classes and other important information regarding borough functions. To register for classes and programs go to https://register.communitypass.net/westwood.
Visa/MasterCard are accepted. To pay by cash or check, please stop in the office at 55 Jefferson Ave. Starting January 2025 classes paid with credit and debit cards will incur a 3% processing fee. For some programs medical accident coverage is provided as a secondary insurance. If you do not have insurance this policy becomes the primary insurer (max $10,000). The Recreation Department reserves the right to cancel or alter a program due to insufficient registration or other logistical reason.
REFUND POLICY FOR CLASSES/PROGRAMS: Withdrawal requests should be made by emailing recreation@westwoodnj.gov or by calling 201-664-7882. If you are not 100% satisfied with any of our programs, you will be issued a refund. Full refunds are given for cancelled programs.
WAITLIST POLICY: Each program has a maximum number to ensure instructor/participant ratios are met and that the allotted space is suitable. If the program is full, you may put your child (or yourself) on the waitlist free of charge. If a spot in the program becomes available and you are allowed entry, you will be notified either by email or phone call.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Most Recreation programs are not held on Borough or WRSD Holidays. Last minute cancellation information will be sent via email and text to registrants. Every effort will be made to email you at least an hour before the class begins. Make-up sessions for weather related or other cancellations will be added to the end of the session. You will be notified via email of any make-up dates.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial assistance may be available for our classes, programs, and camps. For more information, please email gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov. All information provided will remain confidential and used only to assess need.
ALL WELCOME! We invite people of all abilities to participate in our programs. If you or your child need any special accommodations based on a disability, please let us know. We also invite children and adolescents with physical or cognitive disabilities to participate in our Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP). For more information, visit https://www.westwoodnj.gov/recreation.
PHOTO NOTICE POLICY: Participants in Westwood Recreation programs and events may be photographed for publicity purposes. If you do not want your child included in photos for our programs or social media, email gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov
55 Jefferson Ave. at Center Ave.
Multipurpose rooms, Gym, Recreation
Preschool, Recreation Department office. Site of enrichment classes and special events. Room and gym rentals available. Please visit our website for more information.
Veterans Memorial Park
Park Ave at Third Ave.
(Train Station)
Site of Westwood’s
Historic Bandstand, bench seating throughout park, picnic tables and open lawn area. Location of Summer Concert Series, Movies in the Park and special events including adult fitness classes.
Westvale Park
Harrington Ave. at Sand Rd.
Class Locations
Lighted Baseball, Softball, Football and Soccer Fields, paved path connects to Pascack Brook County Park, ADA Accessible Playground, Adult Outdoor Fitness Area, Community Garden and “Westwoof Park” Dog Run.
Lafayette Ave.
Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, Basketball Court, playground, walking path.
Hegem a n Park Sand Road for drop offs. Alternatively, parents may park in Westvale Park and use the paved path to the Hegeman Park ramp located opposite the soccer field. Park features include: Sand Volleyball Court, Basketball Courts, Playground and a Picnic Pavilion.
Walking Path, Basketball Courts, Playground, Open Field
from Lake Street off Kinderkamack Rd.
Lighted Basketball Court, Playground, Picnic Area, New Pavilion, Gaga Ball Pit, open field, access to brook for fishing. Site of Summer Playground Program (Grades 4-8).
Westwood Regional High School Gym & Tennis Courts
701 Ridgewood Ave., Twp. of Washington
Westwood Regional Middle School Gym 23 Third Avenue, Westwood
This program is listed under Spring 2025 Programs
Please select Spring 2025 from the pop - up menu
202 5 SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS & ADULTS
Register via Community Pass at https://register.communitypass.net/westwood
USA SPORTS SOCCER SQUIRTS Fee: $155
Parent Assist Ages 2.5-3.5 – Saturday 8:30 am -9:15 am
Ages 3-4.5 – Saturday 9:20 am – 10:05 am
Ages 4-5.5 – Saturday 10:10 am – 10:55 am
Ages 4-5.5 – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:40 am
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of soccer, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending. Players will be taught through structured activities, fun games, and scrimmages. The parent assist class promotes independence on the field allowing for children ages 2.5 to 3.5 to participate in drills and activities with assistance and redirection from their adult as needed. This six-week program runs July 12, 19, 26, August 3, 9, 16
Location: Westvale Park
TGA TENNIS (Grades K - 8): Fee: $140 July Tennis lessons are held on Mondays and Wednesdays
July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Grades K-1 4:00-5:00 pm - Grades 2-4 5:00-6:00 pm - Grades 5-8 6:00-7:00 pm
Certified USTA instructors teach basic tennis techniques in a fun and engaging environment. Visit playTGA.com to learn more. Location: WWRSD HS Tennis Courts
TGA ADULT TENNIS Fee: $140 July Tennis lessons are held on Mondays and Wednesdays
July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Adults 7:00-8:00 pm
Adult students learn tennis basics with dynamic warm-ups, skill developments drills, and games that develop core skills and understanding of the sport rules and etiquette. TGA provides all equipment making it easy for everyone to participate.
Location: WWRSD HS Tennis Courts
ADULT YOGA – (six weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays July 8 , 1 0 , 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 2 , 2 4 , 29, 31 , August 5 , 7 , 12 , 1 4 6:45-7:45 pm Adults 16+ Fee: $100 This program has a focus on stretching/strengthening to promote physical/mental wellness including reducing stress and chronic pain as well as improving sleep and bone/joint health. Location: Community Center
ADULT ZUMBA – (six weeks) Tuesdays and Thursdays July 8 , 1 0 , 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 2 , 2 4 , 29, 31 , August 5 , 7 , 12 , 1 4 8:00-9:00 pm Adults 16+ Fee: $100 This Latin-dance inspired workout is a great way to get fit with friends. No dance experience is required just get ready to move to the music and have some fun!
Location: Community Center
ADULT CIRCUIT TRAINING – (six weeks) Mondays & Wednesdays July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 August 4, 6, 11, 13 6:30-7:30pm Adults 16+ Fee: $100 Strengthen and tone your whole body and work on balance and core strength. All levels welcome. The class ends with a full body stretch. The modalities used will be body weight, dumbbells & resistance bands. Dumbbells/mat required. Resistance bands provided. Location: Community Center
PICKLEBALL – JULY 2 through DECEMBER 31 – Westwood Residents Only!
Adults on Wednesdays (Adults 18+) 6:30-8:30 pm or 8:30 -10:00 pm Session Starts July 2
Fee: $2 5 Location: Community Center
2025 AUGUST SPECIALTY CAMPS
Save the date for Westwood Recreation’s week-long summer specialty camps following our Summer Playground Program. Registration begins May 1st for Westwood Residents. If spaces are available, Twp. of Washington and other Non-Residents may register on May 12th with an additional $25 fee. (Current fees as of publish date 4/1/2025. Please consult Community Pass for final fee listing.) To register for the August Specialty Camps, please use your Community Pass account at https://register.communitypass.net/westwood or visit the Community Center at 55 Jefferson Ave. to use our paper registration forms. This year we will be offering:
TGA TENNIS & GOLF CAMPS –
Entering Grades K-8
Aug 4-7 or August 11-14 at Westwood High School (Mon-Thurs, Fri reserved as Rain Date) Tennis 9:00am-11:45am - Fee: $220 or Golf 12:15pm-3:00pm - Fee: $220
Full day Tennis & Golf with supervised lunch from 11:45am-12:15pm-Fee: $325
TGA coaches teach the games of golf and tennis in a fun, non-intimidating environment. Campers will have the option to stay for the full day and try their hand at both sports or just do a half day, one sport camp. Campers will be broken up into smaller groups based on their age and skill. All skill levels are welcome. TGA provides all equipment.
USSI MULTI-SPORTS
CAMP – Ages 5-11
Aug 4-8 or August 11-15 at Brookside Park (Rain site is the Community Center) 9:00am - 12:00pm – Fee: $210
This camp is returning for its 18th year teaching and playing 15 sports during the camp week at Brookside Park. For more information about the camp visit: ussportsinstitute.com
ART CAMP – Entering Grades 2-5 – Aug 4-8 12:30pm-3:00pm – Fee: $180 - Join Artist
Instructor Britt Sikiric for a weeklong art camp with Display Day. MONDAY: Drawing We'll draw a portrait of a friend and a self-portrait while we learn about proportions and other techniques TUESDAY: Painting We'll learn brush skills and color theory as we paint a whimsical scene on a large canvas WEDNESDAY: Collage We'll create collages in the style of Matisse and Picasso THURSDAY: Sculpture We'll use soft clay to create minisculptures FRIDAY: Gallery Display Day We'll display our art and open our gallery to family and friends at our very own Art Camp Gallery In addition, each day we will work on a group project to be displayed on Friday! Each day will include discussion about different artists and artistic styles as well as a break for snack and “artful meditation” and games. Maximum 12 students.
THEATRE CAMP – Entering Grades 1-7
August 11-15 in the Community Center. 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm - Fee: $180
Drama instructor Hanna Harrahy leads young actors in a week-long theatre camp where children will develop characters and hone their acting skills as they rehearse a one-act play. Camp ends with a theatrical performance for families! Maximum 16 students.
LEGO CAMP — Grades K-5
August 4-8 in the Community Center 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Fee: $170
Maximum 16 students. Theme to be decided.
Facilities & Park Rentals
Are you looking for a place to host your party, meeting, or special event? The Westwood Community Center offers meeting and party space rentals at reasonable rates, featuring a full-court gymnasium, two large multipurpose rooms and a small meeting room accommodating classes and events. Small and large events welcome!
Additionally, Westwood Recreation partners with the Department of Public Works on maintaining parks, buildings, and facilities so fields, courts, paths, and playgrounds are ready to go! For details on location, amenities and facility/field permits go to: https://www.westwoodnj.gov/194/Parks Park listing below.
• Brookside Park offers a ballfield, playground, basketball court with lights, fishing, pavilion and picnic areas.
• Gritman Park is home to a pond, wooded area, and paved pathways.
• Hegeman Park offers basketball courts, a playground, picnic area, sand volleyball court, covered pavilion and paved path connecting to Westvale Park.
• Jake Voorhis Park offers a basketball court, playground, open field, and paved walking path.
• McKinley Park houses basketball and tennis/pickleball courts, a new bocce ball court, playground, and wooded pathways.
• Meadowbrook Park is home to Westwood Baseball and includes a playground.
• Veterans Memorial Park features Westwood’s historic bandstand and hosts special events, classes and the Westwood Train Station for the Pascack Valley Line. The park also includes several memorial gardens and monuments.
• Westvale Park is Westwood’s newest and largest park, offering several lighted fields for baseball, softball, soccer and football, an accessible playground, adult fitness equipment, a community garden, “Westwoof” dog park, covered pavilion with 6 picnic tables, and a .6 mile paved walking path connecting to Hegeman Park and to Pascack Brook County Park through a wooded trail.
For more information about hosting your party in our event space or parks, visit www.westwoodnj.gov/recreation or call the Recreation Department at 201-664-7882.
Local Sports Organizations
For current registration information on all local youth sports organizations, please visit their websites. Volunteer coaches are needed for all local and recreation sports programs. To be a coach, volunteers must attend the Rutgers Youth Sports Coaches Clinic, a one-time 3-hour clinic held three times a year online and in-person and pass a criminal background check performed by the individual sports organizations.
Dragons Soccer https://www.dragonssc.org
Westwood Youth Football https://jrcardinalfootball.org
Westwood Youth Cheerleading https://cardinalyouthcheerleading.weebly.com
Westwood Track and Field Email coach Ruben rubenbaerga@gmail.com
Westwood Baseball Association http://www.westwoodnjbaseball.com
Westwood Softball Association https://www.westwoodnjsoftball.org
Washington Twp. Falcons Lacrosse http://www.wtfalconslax.com
Information regarding registration for Recreation Basketball, Wrestling and Field Hockey will be available via department emails, social media, and westwoodnj.gov/recreation
