Bloomfield COVID Update: July 4th, Summer Camps, Concerts

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department has been forced to make adjustments to its summer activities – including postponing the town’s annual Independence Day celebration – as it continues to grapple with the coronavirus.

Following guidance from CDC and state officials, Bloomfield officials released the following update regarding summer activities on Tuesday.

Independence Day Celebration

Bloomfield’s annual Independence Day celebration scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at Foley Field has been postponed. The new date is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12.

"It is the Parks Department's intention to provide entertainment, food, amusements and of course fireworks," officials said. "However, it must adhere to all state and local rules at the time of the scheduled event."

More details will be released as it gets closer to the date, officials said.

"Throughout the year, we try our best to provide a multitude of fun activities for residents of all ages," Mayor Michael Venezia said. "Our Parks Department has done a great job putting together weekly drive-in movie nights which will begin tonight, as well as hosting virtual summer fitness classes."

"As a result of COVID-19, we have had to make adjustments to our planned activities in order to comply with CDC and state guidelines and keep everyone safe," Venezia continued. "With the state slowly beginning to reopen, we hope that we will have more opportunities for recreation in the near future."

Summer Camps & Sports Clinics

Following Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent executive order allowing recreational summer camps to begin the second week of July, guidelines and requirements set forth by the Department of Children & Families, CDC and the NJ Department of Health are being reviewed.

After review and subsequent discussion with surrounding communities it has been decided that the traditional full day indoor summer camp program will not be possible this summer, Bloomfield officials said.

"The Parks Department is fully aware that residents need viable options for socialization, recreational play and general child supervision," township officials stated. "With this in mind, its staff is working diligently on creating a combination of weekly sports clinics, in person classes and virtual programs during the summer. While full day child care cannot be provided, it is their goal to provide as many opportunities as they can for residents."

These programs are tentatively set to begin on Monday, July 6 and run through August 7. Guidelines set forth by the NJ Department of Health and the CDC will be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Bloomfield officials said the goal is to finalize these programs soon and start registration "on or about Wednesday, June 24." Visit the Parks Department website at www.bloomfieldrecreation.org for the most up to date information.

"It is important that Bloomfield families have adequate recreational opportunities in spite of COVID-19," Councilwoman Jenny Mundell said. "As liaison to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, I have worked with them as well as the mayor to come up with creative ways to keep residents active while following all safety guidelines. We will continue to do everything in our power to put on great activities for residents this summer and I look forward to being able to resume normal operations when the crisis is over."

Summer Concert Series

In light of current conditions and executive orders the traditional Summer Musical Concert Series has been shifted to a Drive-In Movie Series. The Drive-In Movie Series will begin on Tuesday, June 16 and is currently scheduled to run into mid-July.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive response the series will likely continue on Tuesday evenings through the end of July, Bloomfield officials said.

"None of this would be possible without community partners Universal Technical Institute as well as Shelbourne and Bloomfield College for allowing the township to use their parking lots for community events," town officials added.

Pre-registration is required and will open for Bloomfield residents starting each Wednesday at 10:00am via Community Pass registration portal that can be found at www.bloomfieldrecreation.org. Due to social distancing guidelines and safety precautions there will be a limited number of spaces available for each event.

Remaining shows include:

• Tuesday, June 23 – Rocky – Bloomfield College – 235 Liberty Street
• Tuesday, June 30 – The Lion King – Universal Technical Institute, 1515 Broad Street
• Tuesday, July 7 – Lego Batman The Movie – Bloomfield College – 235 Liberty Street
• Tuesday, July 14 – Spaceballs – Universal Technical Institute, 1515 Broad Street

Civic Band Concerts

The Bloomfield Civic Band is tentatively scheduled to perform on the Historic Town Green on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. on July 6, 13, 20, 27, as long as current executive orders allow.

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