By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
If the definition of recreation is activities of leisure that are done for enjoyment and fun, then the Lawrence Township Recreation Department has been successful and it plans to build on that success in 2013, said township Superintendent of Recreation Steven Groeger.
Mr. Groeger offered a sketch of what the Recreation Department offered last year and what it plans to do in 2013 before Township Council Tuesday night. The programs are aimed at all township residents, from young children to senior citizens.
The Recreation Department offered exercise and dance classes for senior citizens, as well as art classes and music. The Community Garden, which offers small plots for gardeners, is operated through the department, he said.
Special events include the Memorial Day parade, the Fourth of July fireworks show, the Easter egg hunt and the re-enactment of Col. Edward Hand’s delaying tactics during the American Revolutionary War that led up to the second Battle of Trenton, he said.
Mr. Groeger said the Recreation Department worked cooperatively with the youth football, soccer and baseball and softball associations in the township. The Recreation Department offers youth lacrosse, basketball and field hockey programs, as well as a competitive swim team.
Looking ahead to 2013, Mr. Groeger told Township Council that the department will offer the same activities as it did last year, but the goal is to find new revenue sources. This may include running new programs with outside vendors, who would pay a portion of their fee to the township for being able to offer a program, he said.
Mr. Groeger said there is a possibility of offering trips to the community, similar to those that the Lawrence Senior Center organizes trips for the senior citizens. The community wide trips could be for cultural or sporting events. The trips would generate revenue.
Councilwoman Cathleen Lewis praised Mr. Groeger for being “pro-active,” and complemented the Recreation Department for its “wonderful” programs. She also asked about efforts to encourage more young girls to participate in team sports.
Mr. Groeger replied that the Recreation Department has been working closely with the Lawrence High School girls’ and boys’ basketball team coaches to offer clinics. It would present an opportunity for the younger girls to spend time with the older girls, he said, adding that the high school girls could coach the younger girls and possibly serve as role models.
When Councilman Michael Powers commented that the Recreation Department fees have been increased and more closely approximate the cost of offering programs, Mr. Groeger said the impact of those fees has not been felt.
Registration for the spring and summer programs has just begun, he said. There has been no reduction in the number of persons who are signing up to rent garden plots at the Community Garden, “but it has just been a few weeks. We will get a better handle (on it) in a few weeks,” Mr. Groeger said.

