Middlesex County opened new recreation facilities and exercise equipment in two county parks. The additions include six new pickleball courts at Thompson Park located in Monroe Township and Jamesburg, and a new outdoor fitness circuit at William Warren Park in Woodbridge Township.
“The new pickleball courts and fitness circuit are excellent additions to these parks,” Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro said in a prepared statement. “We’re proud of our county parks and the opportunities they provide for Middlesex County residents to enjoy the outdoors. We hope that these new offerings in Thompson Park and William Warren Park will bring even more residents out to our parks.”
Additionally, the athletic courts at Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield have received a makeover.
Pickleball Courts
One of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, pickleball was created in 1965 and combines many of the elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The six new pickleball courts in Thompson Park were created from two former tennis courts, according to the statement.
The courts open at sunrise and are equipped with lights so play can continue until 10 p.m.
The new pickleball courts are part of a larger renovation of athletic courts at Thompson Park, which is the largest developed park in the Middlesex County Park System.
The renovations also included the resurfacing and renovation of two tennis courts, four basketball courts, and one handball court, according to the statement.
Fitness Circuit
In William Warren Park, the new fitness course includes a 17-station outdoor circuit of exercise equipment. Visitors to the park can choose from a stationary bicycle or elliptical trainer for a cardio workout, a sit-up bench or pull-up bar for strength training, or the cargo climber or high stepper for agility.
The fitness circuit is equipped with rubber safety surfacing to cushion the impact of any workout.
Equipment is cleaned and sanitized daily, but it is recommended that visitors protect themselves by bringing hand sanitizer or wipes to use during workouts, according to the statement.
Warren Park and the fitness circuit are open from sunrise to sunset.
Visitors are encouraged to check with their doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen, according to the statement.
Athletic Courts
In addition, Spring Lake Park in South Plainfield is now sporting refreshed tennis and basketball courts. The county resurfaced four tennis courts and, in the process, double-lined two of the courts so they can be used for pickleball as well as tennis. While these are not dedicated pickleball courts, they do give park visitors the option to play tennis or pickleball on those two courts, according to the statement.
The pickleball courts, fitness circuit and refreshed athletic courts are available to all Middlesex County residents and visitors to enjoy.
Park visitors are asked to practice social distancing and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while enjoying county parks and outdoor spaces.
For more information about the Middlesex County Park System, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/about/parksrecreation.