▼

Parks and Recreation

Show All Answers

1. What are the Civic Center hours of operation?

Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm and Wednesday night from 6:00pm - 8:30pm. We care closed on municipal holidays.

2. How do I make an appointment for Dial-A-Ride?

The Dial-A-Ride program is a free transportation service that is available to all senior citizens over the age of 60, or a person with a disability or handicap. You must be a Bloomfield resident. Eligible residents can schedule rides by calling (973)566-7194 during regular business hours. We take appointments up to one month in advance, but it is on a  first come, first served basis. This is a curb to curb service that picks up residents and takes them to any destination throughout Essex County.

3. Can I rent the Civic Center for a party?

Yes! The Civic Center is open to residents and non-residents for social gatherings and parties on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00pm - 10:00pm.

• Resident Rate: $45/hr
  Non-Resident Rate: $65/hr
• A minimum of 3 hours must be requested. (1 extra hour is offered for free for set-up)
• A $150 cash deposit, separate from the room rental fee, is due 2 weeks after requesting the space. (The deposit will be held until after the event in case of damage)
• Absolutely no ALCOHOL, GLITTER, CONFETTI or SILLY STRING is allowed.
• The room must be left in the condition it was found.

4. Where is the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department’s main office? What are you hours of operation? What is your main Phone number? What is your main email address?

The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is housed inside the Civic Center, 84 Broad St.   We are open Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM and Wednesday nights from 6:00 – 8:30PM.  Our main number is 973-743-9074.  Our main email is recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com  

5. Is the building handicap accessible?

Yes.  We have an elevator located in the back of the Civic Center accessed by the State St Parking Lot.   Our 1^st floor bathrooms are ADA compliant and handicapped assessable. There are handicapped parking spots located in the State St lot.

6. Is there parking?

Yes.  There are metered parking spots around the Civic Center and in the State Street Parking Lot.  Metered parking is enforced Monday – Saturday 8:00AM to 6PM. 

7. If I am part of a township organization can we use the Civic Center to hold our meetings?

Yes, township organizations can use the Civic Center to hold their monthly or bi-monthly meetings. Room availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Organization Request Forms can be found on our website and should be submitted to Recreation Leader, Frank Volante.

8. Can I rent the civic center for my business?

If you are a business looking to rent out the Civic Center for an event or activity please call Recreation Director Michael Sceurman at 973-743-9074.  We do not allow applicants to conduct regular business activities at the Civic Center.

9. Is the Bloomfield Civic Center available to be rented out for parties or social gatherings? What are the rules and pricing?

Yes! The Civic Center is open to residents, and non-residents, for social gatherings and parties on Saturdays from 2:00pm – 10:00pm, and Sundays from 1:00pm – 10:00pm.

A minimum of 3 hours must be requested, and 1 extra hour is offered for free for set-up.

A $150 cash deposit, separate from the room rental fee, is due 2 weeks after requesting the space. (The deposit will be held until after the event in case of damage)

Absolutely no ALCOHOL, GLITTER, GLUE, CONFETTI, or SILLY STRING is allowed. 

The room must be left in the condition it was found. 

Resident Rate: $55.00 per hour   
 Out-of-Town Rate: $75.00 per hour 

Special Event Request Forms can be picked up at the Civic Center or downloaded on our website.   Completed applications should be submitted to Recreation Leader, Frank Volante.

10. Do you offer programs and activities for adults?

The Recreation Department offers a wide range of activities for adults. Apart from our special events, we host seasonal fitness programs such as: Yoga, Medication, Fitness Bootcamp, Zumba, Pilates, Tai Chi.  We offer Sign Language, Language, Calligraphy, Art Classes, and Ball Room Dancing.   We also offer Men’s Open Gym Basketball and Co-Ed Pickle Ball in the winter.   

11. Do you offer programs and activities for senior citizens?

In addition to the several programs and events open to all ages, the Recreation Department offers Senior Exercise twice a week, Zumba Gold twice a week, and Tai Chi for seniors looking to stay active. We also have a Senior Club that meets monthly. For more information on senior activities please call Neyden Kinch-Sousa at 973-743-9074.  

12. Do you offer programs and activities for high school students?

We do offer several high school aged programs, but we do not want to directly compete with all the extracurricular programs Bloomfield High School currently offers. We do offer a boys Intramural Basketball League for those who do not make the high school team. Several of our programs are geared for ages 13 and up!  If you have an idea or suggestion for a program geared towards high school students please send you suggestion to recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com.    

For more information on high school activities please click here to be redirected to the Bloomfield High School’s website https://bhs.bloomfield.k12.nj.us/ 

13. How can I find out about new programs/events?

To be up to date on our programs and events you can: 

1. Sign up for the Bloomfield Ebuzz by visiting the Township website 
2. Periodically visit our Recreation Website
3. Follow us on Facebook
4. You can also register on CommunityPass and receive emails with information on programs and registration dates.

Or you could always stop in the Civic Center and talk to one of our staff members

14. How can I suggest new programs/events?

If you would like to suggest a new program/event, please email recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com. We will email you a Program Proposal Form that you could fill out and submit back to us for review. Many of our current programs have been suggested by residents just like you!  

15. Do I need to pre-register for these programs?

Most of the seasonal programs administered by the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department require pre-registration.  You can find our Community Pass Registration portal on our website, www.bloomfieldrecreation.org.  

16. How do you determine the registration fee for your programs?

Our goal is to provide quality programming at affordable prices for our residents. Contributing factors for pricing are payroll for instructors, equipment costs and any other administrative costs associated with that program. 

17. How do I find out if an event or program is canceled due to weather?

You can call our weather update number at 973-743-7593, visit our Facebook page and/or you will receive and email from a staff member who administers that event or program.

18. What is your refund policy?

If you no longer wish to be enrolled in a program, please notify a Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department staff member via recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com or 973-743-9074. 

• Option #1 – Prior to the first advertised start date, you can receive a 50% refund OR a full credit to your Community Pass family page.  This credit will equal the amount you paid at the time of registration.  This credit can be used for any family member, for any program or event with a registration fee.   There is no expiration date.   However once a credit has been applied, there will be no future refunds.
• Option #2 – On or after the advertised start date, there will be no refunds however a 50% credit of the original registration fee can be applied to your Community Pass family page. 

If you notify a staff member after the program has ended there will be no refunds or credits issued.   

Refunds are issued via the Township’s purchase order system.   A new vendor form must be filled out and submitted to our staff member in order to start the purchase order process.  

A $25 fee will be applied for all returned checks.   This fee must be paid in addition to the original program fee prior to participating in the program.  

19. Where can I find more information about your transportation services?

We run a wide variety of transportation services for the township.    Please click here https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/223/Transportation to be redirected to the transportation page where you can find out more information on our transportation services

20. What is Dial-A-Ride and how does it work?

The Dial-A-Ride Program is a free transportation service that is available to all senior citizens over the age of 60 and/or a person living with a disability or handicap.  You must be a Bloomfield resident to be eligible.   Eligible residents can schedule rides by calling 973-566-7194 during regular business hours. We take appointments up to one month in advance, but the service is first come, first serve.   Rides are predominately for medical purposes but also include transportation to the barber/beauty shop, visiting sick relatives, gravesites, supermarkets, local shops as well as to volunteer jobs and recreational activities.  This is a “curb to curb” service that picks up residents and takes them to any destination throughout Essex County.

21. How can I obtain a permit for a park?

Permit applications for Bloomfield Municipal Parks are available at the Bloomfield Civic Center, 84 Broad Street during normal business hours, or you can visit online at https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/213/Facilities.  All park permit applications should be emailed to recreation@bloomfieldtwpnj.com. 

22. How do I request a permit for Brookdale and Watsessing Park?

Brookdale Park and Watsessing Park is overseen by the Essex County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department.     Their number is 973-268-3500.   

23. How can I obtain information on the Brookdale Park concerts?

Brookdale Park is an Essex County Park and is not run by the Bloomfield Township Recreation Department. The phone number for the Essex County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is 973-268-3500.

24. My son or daughter attends Bloomfield Middle School. Does the Board of Education (BOE) sponsor sports teams?

The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department administers the sports programs for the middle school.  

• Fall - Girls’ Suburban Traveling Volleyball, Girls Intown Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Track.  
• Football & Cheerleading – Administered by William Foley Football League www.bloomfieldjrbengals.com.  
• Soccer – Administered by Bloomfield Soccer Club www.bloomfieldsoccer.us
• Winter- Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Suburban Traveling Basketball, Boys’ and Girls’ Intown Basketball, Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling
• Spring- Girls’ Suburban Traveling Softball, Girls’ Peppermint Softball, Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field.  
• Baseball – Administered by Little League and Bloomfield Baseball Association. 
• You can email the Bloomfield Little League at pekarbloomfield@gmail.com  
• You can email the Bloomfield Baseball Association for “Senior League Baseball” at  bloomfieldbaseballassociation@gmail.com 

25. What are the costs for Suburban and In-town Basketball?

Early registration is $55.00, once the deadline is up the cost is $60.00. If your child makes the Suburban team there will be an additional $15.00 fee. 

26. How is the Suburban Traveling Team selected?

The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department administers the evaluations/tryouts.  There are full time staff members, part time staff members, paid and volunteer coaches and independent evaluators who assess every players’ talent.  The top 10-14 players will be selected for the Suburban Traveling Team and the remaining players will be divided up into fair and competitive In-town teams.

27. Should my child attend all of the evaluation/tryout dates even if they don’t want to be considered for the Suburban Traveling Team?

Your child should make every attempt to participate in all of the scheduled evaluations/tryouts regardless of what level they want to play.   

28. How are In-town teams created?

All of the players that did not make the Suburban Traveling Team have been evaluated and will be divided into fair and competitive teams by the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs administrative staff.  Teams can be comprised of 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders

29. If my child makes the Suburban Traveling Team can they also play in the In-town Basketball League?

No.  If your son or daughter makes the Suburban Traveling Team they are not allowed to play in the In-town Basketball League.

30. Can my 6th grader play in the Home and School Basketball League AND the Suburban Traveling Basketball Team or the In-town Team?

Yes, your child can play both but there may be minor conflicts. We always encourage 6^th graders to view their Home and School Basketball Teams as their priority.  

31. What is the time commitment?

For the Suburban Traveling Team there are approximately 2-4 practices a week during the start of the season.  Once games start there are usually 2 practices a week and 2 games a week.  Suburban practices are at Bloomfield High School.  Games can be played at the Middle School, High School and away games are played anywhere within Essex County.  Games and practices can be played Monday – Saturday.  For the In-town Basketball League, there are practices 1-2 times a week before the season starts.  Once the season starts, traditionally there is one game a week and potentially a practice.  Games and practices are usually 1 hour each and are held at the Bloomfield Middle School only.  Games and practices have always been played Monday – Friday at 6pm, 7pm or 8pm.  Occasionally a practice or game will be held on a Saturday but parents are informed well in advance.

32. How is playing time handled?

For the Suburban Traveling Team playing time is at the sole discretion of the Head Coach.   Playing time is earned, not guaranteed.   In the In town Basketball League everyone must play a minimum amount of playing time (usually around a minimum of 12-15 minutes)

33. What equipment is provided and/or required?

If your child makes the Suburban Basketball Team a full uniform (shorts and jersey) is issued to your child. They are required to take care of that uniform as per the uniform instructions. Uniforms must be returned at the end of the season.  For the In-town Basketball Team you will receive a T-Shirt for your team.  Players must wear athletic shorts or sweat pants.  All players must wear athletic sneakers.

34. Is transportation provided to practices, home or away games?

No. Transportation is not provided. The Suburban Basketball Teams are encouraged to “carpool” if parents are willing to participate. Coaches are NOT allowed to transport any players (unless they are a family member).

35. As a parent, can I attend practices or games?

Fans are permitted in home and away gyms for games only.  Practices are closed to the public, including parents.  Our fans represent our community. All fans must adhere to the fan code of conduct.   Failure to adhere to the fan code of conduct could result in removal from the gym.

36. How can I find out if a game or program is cancelled due to inclement weather?

You can call our weather update number at 973-743-7593, visit our Facebook page and/or you will receive and email from a staff member who administers that event or program.

37. How do I become a coach?

To be a Suburban or In-town Team you must fill out a coaching application.  All applicants must be background checked and must possess a Rutgers SAFETY Certification (or equivalent).  For more information please call Recreation Leader, Dana Morton at 973-743-9074. 

38. How do I sign up for sports that are not directly run through the recreation department such as William Foley Football/Cheerleading, Bloomfield Soccer Club or Bloomfield Little League?

Although these independent organizations work closely with the Recreation Department, they are separate entities and run as such. You can find their information below:

William Foley Football/Cheerleading 

James McDaniel – mcdist3@aol.com or visit www.bloomfieldjrbengals.com

Bloomfield Soccer Club

Barry Weiner –www.bloomfieldsoccer.us or visit http://bloomfield-soccer.com

Bloomfield Little League

Steve Pekar - pekarbloomfield@gmail.com  or visit their Facebook page Bloomfield Little League of New Jersey

Bloomfield Senior League Baseball

Jon Cipollina - bloomfieldbaseballassociation@gmail.com

39. What does Summer Camp Registration begin?

Summer Camp registration usually starts on the 1^st Wednesday of May.  

40. When does Summer Camp usually begin?

Summer camp usually starts the first full week after school end and runs for 6 consecutive weeks.

41. How much does Summer Camp cost?

The cost of summer camp is based on several factors including staffing costs, minimum wage costs, equipment, and other costs.   A full week of camp is usually around $150 - $175 per week.  We usually offer a multiple child discount.

42. Can I register my children at the same camp site, even though they are not in the grade level?

NO - Children must attend their assigned camp location.

43. Can I pro-rate and only attend a few hours per day or a few days per week?

No.  Our registration costs go directly to staffing and supplies.

44. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cask, Check, Money Order or Credit Card

45. Where is summer camp held?

Summer Camps are usually held in Board of Education Elementary Schools.    Due to construction projects and school availability these locations often change and are not confirmed until the until the time of registration. 

46. What should my child bring to camp?

• LUNCH, water bottle, sun protection, sneakers
• Sprinkler days will be announced in an email prior to each week of camp- campers can change into swimsuits, must keep shoes on but can change into water shoes

47. Are campers able to bring their cell phones to camp?

Cell phone use is prohibited during camp hours, particularly social media, texting, gaming, YouTube, etc.  If a family wants their child to bring their phone, it will remain turned off in a backpack.  Students must ask permission to use their phones under staff supervision.  If a parent needs to get in touch with their child, they will call the camp phone number.  This aligns with the school district’s policy.

48. When are summer job application available?

Summer job applications are available for pick up at the Civic Center, 84 Broad Street, the first Monday in April and will be due in May. 

49. How old to you have to be to be considered for a Summer Job?

Current 9^th graders are considered for Summer Sports Clinic positions and current 10^th graders and older can be considered for summer Camp positions.

50. Does Bloomfield have a town pool?

At this point, Bloomfield does not have a town pool.

51. Is there a Financial Assistance Program?

Yes we have a program to assist residents with registrations fees.  Please visit our website http://bloomfieldtwpnj.com/1550/Financial-Assistance-Program for more information and/or to download the application.