Lucinda McLaughlin, Director

The Jersey City Department of Recreation & Youth Development is led by Director Lucinda McLaughlin and staffed with individuals who are committed to keeping our City's youth engaged and active.

The department has adapted all programs to meet COVID-19 safety guidelines and is proud to continue to offer outdoor recreational sports programs, outdoor music programs, indoor swimming at Pershing Pool, and skating at the Charlie Heger Ice Rink. Additionally, all athletic fields and playgrounds are open throughout the City.

Please check out all programs available for registration at jcrec.recdesk.com.

 

Division of Recreation

The Division of Recreation offers year-round and season-specific clinics and leagues to improve the physical abilities, general fitness, and athletic skills of Jersey City’s youth. Instruction by the Division’s committed coaches is primarily in sports such as tennis, soccer, flag and tackle football, basketball, track, swimming, and boxing. The main focus of all sports offerings, however, is sportsmanship and positive engagement!

The Division schedules and permits all of the City’s athletic fields for practices and competitions associated with City-led activities as well as those of the schools and youth and adult athletic leagues.

The Department operates three pools and one ice/roller rink:

• Pershing indoor pool open year-round
• Pavonia/Marion Community Pool open  to Jersey City residents with ID
• Johnston/Lafayette Aquatic Center open  to Jersey City residents with ID
• Charlie Heger Skating Rink is now  open for roller skating

 

FITNESS PROGRAMS RETURNING TO THE BETHUNE CENTER

All classes free and open to the public. Registrations are walk-in, except Tae Kwon Do. For additional information, please call 201-547-3087

OUTDOOR POOLS

Pool usage is forJersey City residents only. All individuals 18 & older must show current photo ID & proof of residency to enter the facility.

Summer Schedule

LAFAYETTE AQUATICS CENTER | 303 Van Horne Street | 201-273-6518

Weekdays
Lap Swim - 7am-9am
Youth Camp - 10am-12noon
Family Swim - 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm

Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays
Family Swim - 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm

PAVONIA/MARION POOL | 914 Pavonia Avenue | 201-547-4692

Weekdays
Lap Swim - 8am-9am
Youth Camp - 10am-12noon
Family Swim - 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm

Saturdays /Sundays/Holidays
Family Swim - 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm

2021 SUMMER SWIM LESSONS

Session 1 May 28; Session 2 June 5-July 11

Lafayette Aquatics Center - 303 Van Horne Street  |  Pavonia Pool - 914 Pavonia Avenue  |  Pershing Field Pool - 201 Central Avenue
jcrec.recdesk.com | 201-547-5005
Download the SWIM LESSONS FLIER

PARK SPLASH PADS ARE OPEN!

10AM-7PM DAILY

Arlington Park, 785 Grand St.
Audubon Park, 103-129 Bergen Ave.
Bayside Park, 450 Garfield Ave.
Berry Lane Park, Garfield Ave.
Boyd McGuinness Park, 2565 JFK Blvd.
Columbia Park, 1626 JFK Blvd.
Dr. Lena Edwards (Baby Rutgers) Park, 325 Johnson Ave.
Enos Jones Park, 8th and Brunswick Streets
Ferris Triangle Park , 250 Old Bergen Rd. (coming soon)
Gallagher Park (Woodland Ave Park), 259 Linden Ave. 
Hamilton Park, 25 West Hamilton Pl.
La Pointe Park, 53 Stuyvesant Ave.
Muhammad Ali Park, 104 Van Nostrand Ave.
Pershing Park, 201 Central Ave.
Rev. Ercel Webb Park (Lafayette), 124 Lafayette St.
Riverview Fisk Park, Palisade Ave.
Terrace Avenue Park, Thorne St.
Thomas McGovern Park (Country Village), 36 Sycamore Rd. 
Van Vorst Park, 257 Montgomery St.
Virginia Avenue Park, 74 Virginia Ave.
Wilkinson Avenue Park, 146 Wilkinson Ave.

SUMMERFUN 2.0 DAYCAMP | July 5 - August 13 | 6 ONE-WEEK SESSIONS

Register between 3/15 - 6/6 (OR UNTIL PROGRAM IS ENROLLED TO CAPACITY)
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30AM - 3:30PM 
FOR CHILDREN AGES 7 - 13
Summer is coming! Enroll your child now in our summer day camp held outdoors in 6 different parks. All state and CDC COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

• Weekly themes
• Arts and crafts
• Talent shows
• Dancing
• Swimming
• Roller skating
• Breakfast and lunch provided
  
  
  
  
  

Division of Enrichment

The Division of Enrichment offers engaging programs and activities for City youth that extend beyond the typical school day. Program offerings are designed to support youth in their academics while fostering their social and emotional needs with a goal of helping today's youth develop into civic-minded leaders. By focusing on their strengths and helping them build positive relationships, our youth will be able to leave a positive impact on our community.

The Division oversees and implements the Department’s summer camps, hiring and professional development for the City’s Summer youth employment and internship programs, and meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth.

 

Special Needs Program

From soccer to golf to summer camp, the Jersey City Department of Recreation offers a variety of programs for residents with special needs. The programs look to provide participants with opportunities to socialize with their peers, interact with the community, while engaging in fun-filled recreational activities.

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