WESTWOOD RECREATION DEPARTMENT
WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
55 JEFFERSON AVENUE, WESTWOOD NJ 07675
www.westwoodnj.gov/recreation
201 - 664 - 7882
recreation@westwoodnj.gov
@westwoo d njrec
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.
Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director
Margaret McDonough, Administrative Assistant
RoseAnn Ciarlante, Recreation Supervisor
Raymond Arroyo, Mayor
Robert Bicocchi
Erin Collins
Beth Dell
Anthony Greco, Recreation Board Liaison
Cheryl Hodges, Council President
Lauren Letizia, Deputy Recreation Board Liaison
Angelo Pira, Chair
Bermari
Eric Dougherty
Tim McDevitt
Mickey Ricciardella
Yash Risbud
Roig, Vice Chair
Jennifer Scardino
Karl Seitz
Holta Xhillari
202 5 Recreation Advisory Board
Recreation Department Mission Statement
Westwood Mayor and Council
Recreation Department Staff
202 5 WINTER REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MONDAY , JANUARY 6 AT 9:00 AM FOR RESIDENTS on a firstcome, first-served basis online via Community Pass with a credit card or at the Recreation Department (cash, check, money order payable to Borough of Westwood). If classes are open NON-RESIDENTS MAY REGISTER STARTING ON MONDAY, JANUARY 13 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. If you have any questions, email recreation@westwoodnj.gov or call the office at 201-664-7882. 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 award-winning Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP). For more information, please visit https://www.westwoodnj.gov/211/Special-Needs-Program
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 outlets, please 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
Westwood Track & Field
It’s time to gear up for another amazing season with Westwood Baseball Association! Registration is now open for all Westwood youth, from preschoolers to 8th graders. Don’t miss your chance to join the fun, learn the game, and make lifelong memories on the diamond.
Key Dates:
12/31/24: Early bird pricing ends 1/31/25: Registration ends
This year, we’re introducing a new registration process to align with Little League requirements so be sure to allow yourself enough time to gather and upload the required documents. Let’s make this season the best yet! Register now and spread the word to friends and neighbors. See you on the field! Register at: westwoodnjbaseball.com
Westwood Track & Field participants ages 7-14 will learn proper running, jumping and throwing technique and form, which is combined with a fitness, - strength & conditioning regimen that will enhance ability to compete.
Practices begin in March, competitions are April-June. For upcoming registration information and fees, please contact Coach Ruben at rubenbaerga@gmail.com.
FOREVER YOUNG PROGRAM FOR ADULTS 55+
Westwood Recreation offers classes for residents 55+ at no residents incur small monthly fees. Visit westwoodnj.gov/recreation to view our latest Forever newsletter or call 201-664-7882 for more information. Registration for Forever Young programs occurs throughout the year as class size allows.
SOCIAL CLUB MAHJONG – Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-3:00 p.m. Collect the most tile-sets to win this ancient Chinese social game. The club plays American rules. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: none
INTRO TO MAHJONG – Tuesdays 11:30am-1:00pm If you always wanted to learn Mahjong, join our instructor who will walk you through the game and get you ready for group play. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: none.
YOGA Thursday 10:45-11:45 am Stretch and meditate during this restorative practice with certified instructor Tori Karach. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $20.00 per month
CHAIR YOGA Thursday 12:00-12:45pm Stretch and meditate during this restorative practice with certified instructor Tori Karach. Chairs provided for Chair Yoga. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $20.00 per month
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Tuesday 10:45-11:45am – Karen Abergast leads a class that works to increase strength/bone density via controlled movements that adapt to everyday activities. NOTE: The Tuesday class is at capacity. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $20.00 per month.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Thursday 10:45am-11:45pm – Priority for enrollment for this new session will be given to participants who are already on the waiting list. You will be called to confirm your enrollment. Class will begin in October. If there are spaces available we will open up the class for general enrollment. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $20.00 per month.
PICKLE BALL – Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 am – 3:00 pm This fast-growing sport blends racquet ball and tennis for a fun low-impact workout. Westwood residents only.
CARDIO FITNESS – Debra Roberts (Tuesday 9:15-10:15 am) & Elaine Blumenthal (Thursday 9:3010:30am/Friday 1:00-2:00pm) get you dancing your way to fitness in these fun, energizing low-impact cardio classes. NOTE: See office about openings. Residents: no fee; Non resident fee: Tues, Thurs & Fri. $30.00 per month, Fri only $15.00 per month.
ART – Tuesday 12:00-1:30 pm - Britt Sikiric teaches the basic techniques of acrylic painting, watercolor and more. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $20.00 per month.
CRAFTING – Tuesday 2:00-3:30 pm – Britt Sikiric will lead crafting class where students will make home décor projects and seasonal gifts. Projects will be worked on over multiple sessions. Residents: no fee; Nonresident fee: $25 per month
CREATIVE WRITING – Learn to write and tell a story with author Hank Quense who guides you through a process of creating a story during a six-week workshop. Bring a notebook and a pen or a pencil. Warning: there will be homework assignments! Next session TBD.
COOKING – Cooking and Nutrition seminars are scheduled! Please see sign-up sheets in the lobby or call 201-664-7882.
TAI-CHI – Tuesday 8:00-9:00 am & Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm - Instructor Hasmig Mekjian teaches this stress and anxiety reducing martial art. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: $30.00 per month
BASKETBALL – Hit the court on Fridays 7:00-8:30am and Sundays from 8:00-10:00am. Residents: no fee; Non-resident fee: Sundays, $100 per 6 months; Fridays, $100 per 6 months
ADULT CLASSES
Class & Description
Culinary Classics (16+) Kitchen
Join Chef Rose Anne Brill from the Crafty Kitchen to learn culinary skills that will put you on your way to preparing tasty and healthful meals at home. Aprons provided. 2 recipes per class.
Recreation Volleyball (18+)
Westwood M iddle School Gym
A fun and competitive program for men and women of all skill levels. Novices to veteran players welcome.
Circuit Training (16+)
Meeting Room 2
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 and resistance bands.
Yoga (16+)
Meeting Room 2
Yoga with a focus on stretching and strengthening to promote physical and mental wellness reducing stress and chronic pain as well as improving sleep and bone/joint health.
Zumba (16+)
https://register.communitypass.net/westwood
$1 6 0/$ 1 8 5
Mondays 7:00pm – 8:30pm
6 sessions - Jan 27 Feb 10, 24 Mar 3, 10, 24
Location: Westwood Community Center (Dates skipped due to holiday closures)
$40/$65 Mondays 8:00 p m - 10:00pm
10 weeks - Jan 27 Feb 3, 10, 24 Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Apr 7, 21, 28 May 5, 12 (dates skipped due to school closures)
Location: Westwood Middle School
$ 75 /$1 00 Monday 6:00pm - 7 : 00 pm
10 weeks - Jan 27 Feb 3, 10, 24 Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Apr 7
Dumbbells and mat required. Resistance bands will be provided. This class will be taught by Ilyssa Hom.
Location: Westwood Community Center
$130/$155 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:45pm - 7:45pm
10 weeks - Jan 21, 23, 28, 30 Feb 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 Mar 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Kyle Lagatol will teach this session at the Community Center.
Meeting Room 2 Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
This Latin 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!
Men ’s Open Gym B asketball (30+) Gym
Adults 30+ are invited to participate in this January-June Session.
10 weeks - January 21, 23, 28, 30 February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Instructor Illysa Hom will teach this session at the Community Center.
$125 / $175 Tuesdays & T hursdays 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Session begins January 14
Location: Westwood Community Center
A DUL T CLASSES
CONTINUED
Power Volleyball (18+)
Westwood High School G y m
A more competitive recreation Volleyball program. Questions about the program should be directed to recreation@westwoodnj.gov.
Creative Painting (16+)
Senio r Lounge
Join artist/instructor Britt Sikiric as you unleash your creative side learning new techniques and composition tips to create landscapes, still-lifes and abstract paintings. All-levels welcome! (Needs 8 participants to run the class)
A dult Pickleball Gym
Adults and Families are invited to join these pickleball sessions which run from January to June.
$40/$65 Wednesdays 8:00pm - 10:00pm
10 Weeks - Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 (skipped dates due to school closures)
Location: Westwood High School Gym
$125/$150 Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:30pm
8 sessions – Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar 5, 12
Location: Westwood Community Center
Adults 18+ – Wed nesda ys 7:00pm - 9:00pm
New session will begin January 22.
Location: Westwood Community Center
The Westwood Recreation Department offers art and enrichment for all ages. Seen here is our Autumn pop-up craft class (Left) and our children’s theatre camp (below). Find your new favorite activity or hobby this Winter!
CLASSES FOR GRADES K - 9
Class & Description
Chess – Grades 3 - 5
Senior Lounge
The International Chess Academy is coming back to Westwood for an 8week program designed to get young chess enthusiasts playing with confidence. Participants will learn rules of the game and good gamesmanship as well as basic strategies.
Yoga for Kids – Grades 3 - 5
Meeting Room 1
Kids will enjoy learning the basics of yoga while gaining flexibility and strength in this calming and restorative class. Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. Children will remove their shoes for the class.
Dance Club – Grades K - 2
M eeting Room 2
This fun and energetic class combines a variety of dance styles with movement games and exercises. Through creative play, little dancers explore rhythm, coordination, and self-expression while building confidence, developing basic dance skills, making new friends in a supportive and playful environment.
Theatre Games – Grades 1 - 3
Meeting Room 2
Instructor Hanna Harrahy teaches young thespians the basics of theatre with games designed to foster creativity, problem solving, communication and teamwork. Session will end with a Theatre Games Showcase!
Improv – Grades 4 - 6
Meeting Room 2
Kids will let their imaginations run wild as they learn the art of improvisation –acting without a script! Our theatre coach Hanna Harrahy teaches theatre games and classic improv skills to get kids confident in created great characters and scenes. Session will end with an Improv Showcase!
https://register.communitypass.net/westwood
Resident Fee / Non - Res Fee
Days/Time/Dates/Location
$180/$205 Mondays 5:10 - 6:10 pm
8 weeks - Jan 27 Feb 3, 10, 24 Mar 3, 10, 17, 24
Location: Westwood Community Center
$95/$120 Tuesdays 4:00 - 5:00
8 weeks - Jan 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 25
Mar 4, 11, 18 (skipped dates due to school closures.)
Yoga instructor Kyle Lagatol will lead this class.
Location: Westwood Community Center
$14 0/$ 165 Tuesdays 5: 05 pm - 5:50pm
8 weeks - Jan 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 25
Mar 4, 11, 18 (skipped dates due to school closures.)
Dance teacher Kristen Conte from Wiggle & Giggle will teach this class.
Location: Westwood Community Center
$135/$160 Wednesdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
8 weeks - Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Mar 5, 12
Location: Westwood Community Center
$135/$160 Wednesdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm
weeks - Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Mar 5, 12
Location: Westwood Community Center
LEGO Radical Rides – Grades K - 5
Meeting Room 1
Build and design an array of exciting machines, traversing land, sea and air with the assistance of experienced PlayWell instructors. Learn about the engineering principals of motors, gears and everything that vrooms and zooms.
Create with Clay - Grades 3 - 5 Senior Lounge
Students will learn how to create sculpture, pottery and figures with quick dry clay and sculpting tools. Students will each receive their own box of clay which they can take home at the end of the session.
Culinary Classics Teens – Grades 6 - 9 Kitchen
$172/$197
4:00pm - 5:00pm
8 weeks - Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Mar 5, 12
Location: Westwood Community Center
8-weeks - Jan 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Mar 5, 12
Artist/Instructor Britt Sikiric will lead this class.
Location: Westwood Community Center
Chef Rose Anne Brill from The Crafty Kitchen will teach classic culinary skills that will put your kids on your way to preparing seasonal sweet and savory snacks and meals at home. Two new recipes per class. 6 weeks – Jan 30 Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar 6
Location: Westwood Community Center
Cyber - Crawler Robot with Minds in Motion – Grades 2 - 5 - M eeting Room 2 $140/$165 Thursdays 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Build and take home your very own Cyber-Crawler Robot! You can design obstacles and maze courses with your classmates and see how far you can go. With a maximum storage capacity of 64 tasks, your Cyber-Crawler Robot will be a terrific starter tool to learn coding! 6 weeks - Jan 23, 30 Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
Afterschool Kids Club – Grades 4 - 5 Gy
Westwood Children in grades 4 & 5 are welcome to participate in activities such as basketball, air-hockey, foosball, kickball etc. with Recreation Department staff on Fridays.
Indoor Tennis with TGA Gym
Keep skills sharp this winter with TGA’s USTA certified instructors – grip and swing, scoring, and etiquette will all be covered through drills, games and match play. Visit playtga.com to learn more. Loaner racquets available.
Children Only
/$ 205
Instructor Jaime Hendrickson will lead this session.
Location: Westwood Community Center
14
Location: Westwood Community Center
Grades K - 1 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Grades 2 - 4 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Grades 5 - 8 5:00pm - 6:00pm
8 Weeks - Jan 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, Mar 1, 8, 5, 15
Location: Westwood Community Center
CLASSES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Class & Description
Indoor Soccer Squirts Ages 3 - 5
Meeting Room 2
Resident Fee / Non - Res Fee
$169/$194 Mondays
Days/Time/Dates/Location
USA SPORTS - Kids will learn the fundamental skills of soccer, including dribbling, passing, shotting, and defending. Players will be taught through structured activities, fun games and scrimmages. (8 min, 14 max) 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm 4:50 pm – 5:35 pm
Arts & Cra fts – Parent & Me
Ages 2 - 4 with adult Senior Lounge
Young children and their adults are invited to a fun exploration of different arts & crafts materials. Bring an apron it’s going to be delightfully messy. Led by artist/instructor Britt Sikiric.
Abrakadoodle – Winter Wonderland
PK4 - grade 1
Meeting R oom 1
Let’s get cozy this winter ! You will paint glittery winter landscape scenes, sculpt animals in a snow globe, paint cozy bears, and so much more. Join the fun and create some amazing winter themed masterpieces with Abrakadoodle this winter. A new project each week.
Mini - Movement Yoga – Parent & Me
Ages 2 - 4 with adult G ym
You and your little one are invited to participate in a parent and me yoga class. Enjoy bonding with your little one while meeting new friends. Each class includes yoga, games and a craft. Led by instructor Kyle Lagatol.
Creative Ballet Ages 3 & 4
Meeting Room 2
A fun and engaging introduction to movement, music, and basic ballet concepts. This joyful class combines imaginative games, ballet basics, and playful activities, helping children develop coordination, balance, and rhythm while exploring their creativity, enhancing motor skills, and developing spatial awareness.
7 weeks – Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 24 Mar 3, 10, 17
Location: Westwood Community Center
$95/$120 Tuesdays 11:00am - 11:45am
8 weeks – Jan 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 25 Mar 4, 11, 18 (skipped dates due to school closures.
Location: Westwood Community Center
$175/$200 Tuesdays 4:00pm - 4:45pm
8 weeks - Jan 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 25
Mar 4, 11, 18 (skipped dates due to school closures.)
Instructor Helen Issackedes will lead this session.
Location: Westwood Community Center
$95/$120 Fridays 9 : 3 0am - 10: 1 5am
8 weeks - Jan 24, 31 Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Mar 7, 14
Location: Westwood Community Center
This class needs 8 participants so please encourage young friend groups to join!
$14 0/$ 165 Tuesdays 4:30pm - 5: 00
8 weeks – Jan 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 25
Mar 4, 11, 18 (skipped dates due to school closures.)
Dance teacher Kristen Conte from Wiggle & Giggle will teach this class.
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 fullcourt 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 rbuenbaerga@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
