ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. and the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs announced a monthlong schedule of free activities to celebrate July as National Parks and Recreation Month. The county executive invites the public to enjoy “Wellness on the Waterfront,” which includes yoga, concerts, movies, fitness, and arts and crafts at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in July.
“National Parks and Recreation Month is the perfect opportunity to highlight the beauty of our open spaces, the importance of recreation facilities and the positive impact they have on our wellness and quality of life. The area overlooking the Orange Reservoir provides a beautiful and unique spot to host a diverse lineup of activities to exercise, entertain and inspire you,” DiVincenzo said. “We invite the public to celebrate with us and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.”
On Monday evenings — July 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 6 p.m. — there will be yoga for adults. Classes are suitable for both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners. Bring a yoga mat and dress comfortably. Meet at the Clipper Pavilion next to the paddle boat area on Cherry Lane in West Orange. Classes are held rain or shine.
On Tuesday evenings — July 6, 13, 20 and 27, at 7 p.m. — there is the Jammin’ in July concert series at the Clipper Pavilion. Take in a new sound every week, with Broadway tunes, big band, steel drums and more.
On Wednesday evenings, bring a lawn chair and enjoy “Zoo-vies,” movies under the stars on the rooftop of the Turtle Back Zoo parking garage at 560 Northfield Ave. in West Orange. The deck will be open for seating at 7 p.m.; movies will be shown at dusk. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Rain will cancel the presentation. The schedule is: DisneyNature’s “Earth” on July 7; “The Land Before Time” on July 14; “Trolls World Tour” on July 21; and “Dolittle” on July 28.
On Thursday evenings — July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 6 p.m. — at the Clipper Pavilion, get in shape with a “Full Body Pump” exercise class.
“Wellness on the Waterfront” is sponsored by the Essex County Parks Foundation and the Zoological Society of New Jersey. For more information, call 973-731-5800, ext. 506, or visit www.essexcountynj.org.
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