Recreation

For residents and visitors alike, the 1,100-acre Bridgeton City Park is its own destination; featuring everything from walking trails and picnic areas to playing fields, basketball courts, and a new 7,500 square-foot Splash Park next to the Cohanzick Zoo, one of Cumberland County's most visited attractions.

Proud of this treasure along the Cohansey River, the park contains an outdoor amphitheater at Sunset Lake with a swimming beach, a network of guided nature trails, walking and wooded trails at Piney Point Woods, Mary Elmer Lake, playground areas, tennis courts, and the Southern New Jersey All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. The park also houses the Swedish Village Living History Display, slated to undergo renovations and upgrades in the near future.

Whether it's competitive sports, strapping on headphones to jog or walk our wooded trails, or simply enjoying some fresh air and sunshine with family after a busy week; there's something for everyone at Bridgeton City Park.

For gatherings, cookouts, small events or family get-togethers, City Park features the following outdoor picnic areas: the Berkowitz Picnic Grove (containing a stage, picnic tables, and comfort station), Piney Point (picnic pavilions with comfort station), Mary Elmer Woods (pavilions, barbeque grills, open-air tables, horseshoe pits, and state stocked fishing lake), Sunset Lake (picnic tables, barbeque grills, comfort station, and beach), the Zoo pavilion area (pavilions, comfort station), Veterans' Park (pavilion, picnic tables located on Mayor Aitken Drive across from the old park office).

For those with a kicked-up exercise routine, City Park contains a fitness trail intersecting at various points with West Park Drive, Scholastic Drive, and Mayor Aitken Drive to form its own circuit; and an adult outdoor exercise equipment section featuring a sit-up/crunch bench, a pull-up/dip station, and a stationary cycle machine to help vary the routine or simply cool down.

Beyond these venues, City Park plays host to various organized sports including Babe Ruth Baseball (ages 12-15), Little League Baseball, a variety of Softball teams and leagues, Midget League Football, Adult Soccer Leagues, and girls' softball and basketball leagues.

"The Bridgeton Department of Recreation is proud to present a full menu of programs and activities for residents and visitors to the Bridgeton Community. Throughout the calendar year, there's always something going on and the list below should help you to find that program or activity that's just right for you. To find out details on any of the activities or programs below, please call the Bridgeton Department of Recreation.

If you are having trouble paying registration fees for your child’s recreational sports activities/leagues, visit Every Kid Sports to see if you qualify to have registration fees paid.

Baseball

Baseball in a gloveBridgeton has something for Baseball fans of all ages. From the 6-week Start Smart Baseball program (parents/children ages 3 to 5) to Little League, Babe Ruth League, and the Bridgeton Invitational Tournament, there's always something going on at the 4 Diamonds in Bridgeton City Park. For more information, please call the Department of Recreation.

Basketball

People playing basketball at sunsetOne of the truly popular games in Bridgeton, there's always a pick-up game to be found in Bridgeton City Park. In 2012, Mayor Albert Kelly cut the ribbon on 3 new courts along Mayor Aitkin Drive that added to the 2 refurbished "upper courts" across from the Southern NJ All Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. With 5 full-length basketball courts, players can run a wide-open game, go half-court, or just shoot around. Some organized play features the Start Smart Basketball program (ages 3 to 5), which lets parents and children spend time together learning basketball skills-part preparing preschoolers for team sports. For information on Start Smart, Herb Henry Youth Basketball League, and other basketball events, please call the Department of Recreation.

Football

Football laying on a fieldBridgeton has a rich youth football tradition dating back decades. The Bridgeton Midget Football Program has been at the center of it all and today that tradition is playing forward with teams like the Gems, Whips, Packers, Bulls, and Crush. With over 1,100 wins between them since 1960, there's been a lot to cheer at Salvy Blandino Field in Bridgeton City Park.

Football Registration Fridays and Saturdays

Soccer

Soccer ball in a soccer netWith a vibrant Latino community in Bridgeton, the city park has a festive tournament atmosphere most Sundays from April through September as upwards of 20 teams, part of the Cumberland Soccer Club, compete on 2 main soccer fields. Ranging in age from 16-40, the league hosts approximately 400 players, and soccer enthusiasts can take in a high level of competition among teams such as Bridgeton United, Curtidores, Barcelona, Academia, and Santos Laguna to name a few.

Kid Fest

Kid FestThis program takes place at the Cohanzick Zoo, in Bridgeton City Park and it usually runs in May. Admission is Free and we encourage you to contact the Bridgeton Department of Recreation to find out specific dates and times.

Splash Park

Kids playing in splash park

Beginning Memorial Day, Bridgeton's Splash Park will be open on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) only from 11 am until 6 pm (weather permitting) until the school year ends. Once school lets out for the year in June, the Splash Park will be open 7 days per week (Monday through Sunday) from 11 am until 6 pm and this will continue through the summer up to Labor Day, after which the Splash Park will close for the year. Bridgeton's Splash Park is available for private bookings and birthday parties; for more information about reservations or hours of operation, please call the Bridgeton Recreation Department.

For the safety of our guests and visitors, water shoes are required for any person entering Splash Park. Flip-flops are expressly prohibited in Splash Park for both children and adults- including parents, guardians, or chaperones supervising younger children. No Exceptions are considered.

Movie Nights

Movie Night(Rated G and PG) Starting in June and extending through July and August, the Recreation Department hosts movie night, generally on the second or third Saturday of each month and movie night takes place at the Sunset Lake Amphitheater. Admission is free and movie night is a great way for families to spend a Saturday evening together under the stars. Please call for specific times and dates for the 2014 season.

Fourth of July

4th of JulyBridgeton's Independence Day celebration includes a fantastic fireworks show, beginning around 9:30 pm at Alden Field in Bridgeton City Park. During the day, everyone is invited to participate in the Independence Day Horseshoe Tournament which starts around 11 am.

Sunday Night Concerts

Person singing into a microphoneHappening at the downtown Riverfront Plaza along W Commerce St, concerts start at 7 pm on the first Sunday in July and run through mid-August. The musical styles vary but it's always a quality show. Admission is free and anyone interested in the line-up should contact the Department of Recreation.

Zoo Summer Camp

Zoo Summer CampWith sessions geared for specific age groups ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old, Zoo Camp provides a unique educational experience centered on animals and animal care, along with an understanding of habitats and environments unique to various species. The program features games, crafts, snacks, and of course the animals. There is a fee for this program and space is limited, so anyone interested in Zoo Camp should call 856-453-1658 to sign up or get further details on this very popular program.

Out to Lunch Program

Child with school food trayThis free children's entertainment program is held at the Cohanzick Zoo, generally in July, and usually beginning at 1 pm. The Out to Lunch program is a wonderful time filled with high energy, fun, and laughter. Children have the opportunity to participate in these programs, making them memorable for everyone. Those attending should bring a bagged lunch and be ready to enjoy great performances that include everything from puppet shows and magicians to zoo presentations and everything in between. After the program, guests can enjoy the zoo or the splash park and it's a great way to start the weekend. Admission is free and anyone seeking details and schedules for the Out-to-Lunch program is asked to contact the Bridgeton Recreation Department.