Recreation
The Recreation Department provides a variety of programs and activities for borough residents of all ages. In addition, the department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of several facilities located within the borough. These include the Community Pool, Echo Lake Park Fitness Trail, sandbox, basketball/volleyball courts adjacent to the pool, the Echo Brook softball/soccer fields (lighted), and the Echo Brook tennis courts (lighted). All of these are located in the vicinity of Borough Hall. In the Deerfield School area, the department maintains the toddler playground equipment, several softball and soccer fields (lighted), batting cages, and the tennis courts (lighted). Behind Beechwood School, the department maintains the softball field.
Civic Rec Program Registration
Union County Facilities in Mountainside
- Echo Lake Park: A beautiful 139-acre park with two lakes. There is boating, skating, and fishing as well as picnic areas, restrooms, dog run, ball fields, playgrounds, and the Union County memorial to September 11, 2001.
- Summer Music Festival: Featured every Wednesday evening from June through August at Echo Lake Park’s natural amphitheater
- Watchung Reservation: This incredibly beautiful 2,000-acre wooded reservation is ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. It features an arboretum, athletic field, bridle trails, cross country ski course, model airplane flying, nature trails, picnic areas, playground, and the deserted village of Feltville.
- The Watchung Riding Stable: A magnificent state of the art facility located on Summit Lane in Mountainside. It features extensive programs for young and old. Call (908) 654-9404 for information.
- Trailside Nature and Science Center and Planetarium: Now reopened! Located in Mountainside at Coles Avenue and New Providence Road. The expanded and renovated facility features many programs and special events, both indoor and outdoor.