Chester Day 2026 Scheduled, Volunteers Sought

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Borough's Environmental and Open Space Committee and Chester Township's Environmental Commission announced that Chester Day 2026 will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The annual event invites residents to take part in outdoor beautification projects and then gather for a thank-you lunch at Chubb Park.

According to the announcement, volunteers will work on community projects from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch for volunteers is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. at the Chubb Park pavilion.

The groups described Chester Day as an opportunity for residents of all ages and experience levels to give back locally while spending time with neighbors, friends and family.

Organizers say the day is "a great opportunity for all Chester residents -- young and not so young, handy and less handy, newcomers and long-timers:

• Give back to our community by helping with a variety of outdoor beautification projects (9 a.m.-Noon)
• Strengthen our sense of community by working alongside family, friends, and neighbors and sharing a tasty thank-you lunch at Chubb Park (Noon-1 p.m.)"

Last year's event drew more than 170 people, who contributed more than 500 hours of volunteer work, according to the announcement. It says feedback from participants was "overwhelmingly positive" and that some asked for the event to be held twice a year. The organizers said they are seeking volunteers for a list of service projects and may add more projects in the coming weeks.

Most projects do not require special skills, according to the announcement, though some do. It says some projects are appropriate for all ages, while others are better suited for teens and adults. Organizers encouraged residents to sign up for the project that interests them.

All volunteers are asked to meet at the pavilion in Chubb Park at 9 a.m. on May 2. According to the announcement, volunteers will receive project instructions and any required supplies, along with light refreshments including coffee, juice, water, bagels, and donuts. Registered participants will also be able to pick up a free Chester Day 2026 T-shirt and a reusable shopping bag.

After the morning briefing, volunteers will head to their assigned project sites and work until noon before returning to Chubb Park for lunch. The announcement states that residents should register by midnight on April 19 to secure a free T-shirt. A rain date had not yet been announced and was listed as to be determined.