For Immediate Release – April 12, 2023
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Middletown Recreation was recently presented with two awards at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Annual Awards Ceremony: the Agency Showcase Award for the Middletown Recreation Weekly Calendar Social Media Campaign and the Daniel M. Gasalberti Recreation Programming Award for “After-School Science Club”.
“I was thrilled to represent Middletown Recreation to accept these awards,” said Janet Dellett, Middletown Recreation Director. “My team does an amazing job with developing creative and educational programming as well as promoting it effectively to our community so we can get as many residents involved as we can.”
Middletown Recreation’s Weekly Calendar, the #MtownRec weekly social media graphic, was recognized because it highlights weekly activities for different demographics (Youth, Adults, Seniors, or the entire community) on Facebook, Instagram, and Stories. The weekly reminders serve several purposes by showcasing all the activities offered in a short period, organizing the department and residents, and calling out offerings that may be starting, ending, or are sold out.
“This social media campaign makes it very easy for our residents to know where and when programs are taking place in a clear and engaging way,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “It also shows the various programming for different groups so kids, adults, and seniors can plan their week around wellness activities. For example, parents can see that they can take a pickleball class while their kids go on a fossil hunt – it’s a great way to keep everyone active and involved.”
Middletown Recreation’s “After-School Science Club” received the Daniel M. Gasalberti Recreation Programming Award. Gasalberti was the Director of Recreation and Parks in Rutherford and President of NJRPA in 1982-1983 and beloved by citizens for the programs and events that he implemented.
This 8-week program meets every Tuesday to provide children in kindergarten to second grade with an hour of science, nature, and fun! Each week has a unique lesson or topic (e.g., eagles) and each session has an overarching theme (e.g., animal adaptations). The hour starts with a hike through Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) to observe seasonal items of interest and the group returns to the Poricy Park Nature Center for a short lesson on the topic. The hour concludes with a science experiment or craft project that ties in with the topic.
“It’s important to offer activities that are different from the usual youth sports and arts programming already available to them,” said Dellett. “Kids love science, and this program lets them explore it in an entertaining, hands-on way.”
For more information about Middletown Recreation’s programming, please visit www.middletownnj.org/recreation.
Photo courtesy of NJRPA