More Open, Recreational Spaces Coming Soon To East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Last year the Township officially opened the Beaver Dam Park at 11 Fresh Ponds Road. And this year, residents can expect more open and recreational spaces and outdoor spots dedicated to the arts.

In his first address of 2022 to the township, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen highlighted all the various projects the township is currently working on to ensure residents have more spaces to enjoy recreational activities. Read More: East Brunswick's Beaver Dam Park To Officially Open Monday

The administration is looking to convert rural open spaces into passive recreational spots to use for walking and hiking.

This year, the piece of property near Elks Lodge is being used by Girls and Boy Scouts for training. The property has a fire pit and overlooks Lake Farrington. Cohen said the spot can also be used by residents.

The Township is also working to create passive recreation trails at Linder Farm off of Riva Avenue. The 27 acres of land looks like a cornfield right now. The Township was trying to utilize the soil there. But Cohen said officials plan to preserve and return the property for residents to use as it has “pristine, top-notch views of Farrington Lake.”

As reported earlier, the Township plans to build a municipal-owned hockey rink on 8 acres of land. This rink will be part of East Brunswick's recreation utilities and will have multiple uses — ice hockey, ice skating. Cohen said all-purpose areas like a basketball court are also being planned for the building.

Arts and Theatre:

The developer of the Route 18 project is required to build an outdoor space dedicated to arts and theatre. Though the final design is yet to be made, Cohen said it will have an outdoor theatre area, and will incorporate areas for artists in residence.

Cohen also spoke about the expansion plans for East Brunswick Community Arts Center. The upgrades will include space for an outdoor theatre with better seating, a spot for a pit band, better lighting, and sound system. The township is also working on providing access to bathrooms from outside.

Another exciting project that is in the early stages of planning is getting the movie industry to film in the Township. Cohen said he is considering sitting down with the film commission, EBTV, and other “industry folk,” to “incorporate a film studio” into the Community Arts Center expansion.

Cohen said that East Brunswick has been committed to the arts for decades and that the Township will work hard to provide all the support it can.

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