July is National Parks and Recreation Month. This year, the Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation is taking part in the national recognition of recreational programs and the entities that make its services possible. Over the last eight years, the Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation has experienced what can be called a holistic transformation. The last decade has seen shrinking public funds and diminished public services across the board — nationally, regionally and locally. The Moorestown Department of Parks and Recreation saw this trend and began to investigate ways recreation initiatives could be broadened and services expanded, to meet the needs of the Moorestown community and to “re-create recreation.” Since January of 2013, previously dwindling programs and activities have not only regained strength, but many are experiencing record levels of attendance and new programs are being developed every season.
To be able to provide the wide range of activities and services now available to Moorestonians, the department has created a spider-web of support that allows recreation programs to grow, develop and better serve the Moorestown community. The first step was to embrace relationships with the growing number of private sports programs and athletic leagues. By creating a win-win relationship by which municipal fields and facilities support local athletics and by which partnership programs and feeder programs are established, the department found that working in unison brought the best level of service to local residents. The supportive nature and ability to share services meant that athletic opportunities were available to athletes at all levels. Moorestown boasts a wide variety of private and “rec” programs that support one another and provide residents with athletic outlets.
Additional relationships with local non-profits has also allowed for greater collaboration and more opportunities for residents. The department collaborates with MoorArts for a wide variety of arts programs and activities that touch every member of the community. From MoorMotion and sponsoring the District Art Show to the Holiday Arts Festival, Moor Arts creates arts opportunities for the community. The Friends Enrichment Program (FEP), a local non-profit with Quaker roots and traditions, supplies scholarships for local youth to attend summer camp programs and other recreation programs throughout the year. Founded by local Quaker, Monique Begg, this program offers tremendous opportunities not just to youth but to their families as well.
A partnership established with local non-profit, Live Civilly in 2012 offers nutritional and educational assistance to local, under-served youth in Moorestown. Daily after-school, healthy snacks at the Recreation Open Gym program and Live Civilly Homework Help twice each week operate in the Church Street Recreation Center. This partnership also provides daily lunches to scholarship camp-goers each summer.
Local partner Sean Fischel Connect donates funds raised from its annual run to provide a variety of services to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Most recently, their generous donation to the summer Special Needs Camp has made the expansion of the camp possible. This expansion is especially important as many of the special needs students were “aging out” of the original program. Additionally, SFC provides Youth Soccer Team Shirts and WIFI to the Recreation Center so that visitors may access the Internet and teens can enjoy the Third Floor Community Room.
MooreKids, assists the Recreation Department through the provision of scholarships for local youth to participate in activities from Summer Parks Programs to Special Needs Support Outings. The partnership with MooreKids has allowed the local special needs population the opportunity to build relationships through fun, family friendly sports outings.
Newer, youth driven organizations like The Perfect Game and Moorestown Youth Outreach Association provide local services as well. The Perfect Game provides gently used sports equipment to families needing items like soccer cleats, baseball bats and hockey sticks. The MYOA volunteers on the Third Floor of the Recreation Center to provide the “Chillin’ at the Rec” program during summer months to give area youth a safe and supervised place to recreate with peers.
Over the last several years, the Moorestown Education Foundation have supported the department with a grant to assist the special needs summer program. This allows for children and teens ages 5 through 18 years enjoy many wonderful field trips and special events.
So as you mull over all of the opportunities and partnerships provided to the Moorestown Community, help us celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month. Attend a concert, sign up for a program or volunteer with one of the organizations that helps to make these opportunities possible. For more information please visit the Department of Parks and Recreation website at www.moorestown.nj.us/253/Parks-Recreation. Join the “Recreation Nation” and celebrate.
