Mayor’s Message: Take advantage of state parks, sites

By Michael Mignogna
Voorhees Township Mayor

As we enjoy summer, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reminds us of the many events and natural resources that are available in New Jersey’s 39 state parks, 11 forests, 38 historic sites and 121 wildlife management areas. Our state has 354,000 acres designated as wildlife management areas.

Last year, New Jersey’s state parks had 19 million visitors. The parks offer opportunities to experience first­hand New Jersey’s natural and historic resources through wildlife management and interpretive centers, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and historic monuments and battlefields covering 800,000 acres.

The NJDEP launched a new mobile phone application and online camping reservation system to help visitors plan for and make the most out of their trips. Also new are the trail tracker interactive map and state park and forestry story map.

The state parks offer discounts for seniors 62 and older.

Learn more through the following links:

– New Jersey State Parks and Forests, GPS Mobile App and Online Camping Reservations: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/

– Division of Fish and Wildlife, GPS Mobile App: nj.gov/dep/fgw/

– New Jersey State Parks Facebook Link: www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks

– Calendar of Events: nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/calendar/index.html

– Official New Jersey Tourism Website: www.visitnj.org

• The next show in our Summer Concert Series will be Thursday, July 25, and will feature Satisfaction/ The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show. This band is entering its 18^th year showcasing the most authentic cast and costuming of its kind. They bring a colorful performance to over 50 years of classic hits honoring the Rolling Stones and their legacy. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. on the “Great Lawn” at Connolly Park. A “Beer Garden” and food trucks will open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com or call the show hot line at (856) 882-SHOW.
• The VTPD will hold its 6^th Annual Junior Police Academy from July 22 through July 26. The program teaches young people from the ages of 12 to 17 to appreciate and respect the duties of a police officer. Interested parents and applicants can contact Sgt. Derek Hawkins at (856) 882-1104 or at [email protected]. Applications and forms for the Jr. Police Academy can be found at vtpd.com/gpa.
• The Voorhees Theatre Company Summer Theatre Camp will feature “Elf Jr. The Musical” with performances: Wednesday, July 31 at 10 a.m.; Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Summer Young Adult Show will be “Footloose” with performances on Aug. 8, 9 and 10.
• The 5^th Annual National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug. 6, beginning at 6 p.m. at Connolly Park. The VTPD does a great job in organizing this community event. The evening promotes police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie while striving to make our neighborhoods safer. Residents get a chance to meet our police officers and enjoy carnival attractions, games, music, great food and more.
• Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com.