A N N U A LR E P O R T

Somerset County Park Commission

2 0 1 9

TABLE OF CONTENTSSomerset County Park Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Information and Visitor Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Planning and Land Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Awards and Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Non-Profi t Organizations and Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Corporate and Individual Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Statement of Revenues - Statutory Basis and Statement of Operations as of December 31, 2019 . . . . . . . . . 15

People and Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Annual Report | 1

2019 SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION

Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Brian Levine, DirectorPat Walsh, Deputy DirectorBrian GallagherShanel RobinsonSara Sooy

Somerset County Park Commission

Mark Caliguire, PresidentBill Crosby, Vice PresidentHelen HainesD.J. HunsingerJim LeonardDoug LudwigKevin McCallenDot PaluckScott Ross

Park Commission Staff

Geoffrey D. Soriano, Secretary-DirectorCynthia A. Sullivan, CPRP, Assistant DirectorPierce Frauenheim, Deputy Director/Park Operations DivisionRobert G. Ransone, Deputy Director/Golf DivisionDina M. Trunzo, CTRS, Administrator of Leisure and Community ServicesDonna Umgelter, Administrator of Human ResourcesDarrell Marcinek, CGCS, Director of Golf MaintenanceDina Fornataro-Healey, CPRP, CPO, Manager of Recreation and Community OutreachMarge Margentino, Stable ManagerCarrie Springer, Manager of Environmental ScienceJames Avens, Manager of HorticultureMike Ballow, Manager of Fleet OperationsJason Bittner, Manager of Park MaintenanceMike Adams, Manager of Special ProjectsCory Ivanko, Manager of Information TechnologyKen Fivek, Supervisor of Golf Operations

The Somerset County Park Commission is committed to excellence in promoting stewardship of land and resources, providing outstanding recreation opportunities and leisure services, and fostering an environment which is service-oriented and responsive to public needs.

The Somerset County Park Commission does not discriminate in any manner against any person by reason of race, color, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious or political affi liation.

2 | Somerset County Park Commission

Arnold Palmer once said that “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated;

it satisfi es the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is without a doubt the greatest game ever

invented”. With 166,047 rounds of golf played on the Park Commission’s fi ve golf courses, the sentiment appears to be shared by many. Golf staff provided customers with outstanding playing conditions and a wide variety of events and tournaments that the public enjoyed throughout the year. Two indoor simulators, located at the Learning Center, provided an option for golfers on rainy days and during the winter months.

Several capital improvement projects occurred at the golf courses in 2019. The Billy Bunker project began on the Meadow Nine at Neshanic Valley. Also at Neshanic Valley, the driveway, staging area, and portions of the cart paths were paved. The back nine cart paths at Quail Brook Golf Course were paved as well. Replacement of three bridges at Green Knoll was underway. All these projects will improve customer experiences.

Leonard J. Buck Garden and Colonial Park Gardens continue to be destinations for those who treasure public gardens, nature, fl owers, wildlife, and tranquility. Slightly more than 11,000 visitors enjoyed Buck Garden’s magnifi cent rock garden fl ower collections and winding trails, and almost 20,000 visitors enjoyed Colonial Park Gardens’ roses, perennials, herbs, and the distinguished arboretum.

In the summer of 2019, the New Jersey State Tree Climbing Competition was held at the Colonial Park Arboretum by the NJ Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (NJAISA.) The event included competitors from throughout the state and the divisional competition winners represented the New Jersey Arborists at The International Tree Climbing Competition. Tree climbing competitions simulate working conditions of arborists in the fi eld. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks.

In the fall, the Colonial Park Perennial Garden underwent a major reconstruction. In preparation, the garden staff transplanted and potted many perennials in order to include them into the new design and to plant them at other park locations. A Wildfl ower Meadow expansion project was completed at Natirar Park. The popular meadow was re-seeded with native “pollinator friendly” perennials and grasses and provided a colorful, extended season of bloom from summer to fall.

During the summer, Buck Garden staff raised 60 monarchs from caterpillar to butterfl y and created an educational viewing station for the public inside the visitor’s center. Children who were visiting the garden were given the opportunity to release many of the adult monarchs. In the fall, Horticulture staff facilitated an Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) tree identifi cation and eradication project to deter the spread of Spotted Lantern Fly infestations in Colonial Park, Duke Island Park, Lord Stirling Park, Natirar Park, Torpey Athletic Complex, and Skillman Park.

In 2019, 3,191 permits were issued for family picnics, dog and horse shows, scout camping, soccer, softball, football, lacrosse, cross country track, cricket, 5K runs, and special events. Of these, Colonial Park, Duke Island Park, and North Branch Park are venues to form lifetime memories with 445 picnic permits issued to families and private organizations, totaling a visitation of 21,715.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony in the fall of 2019, the Park Commission and the Somerset County Park Foundation jointly dedicated a new playground at Duke Island Park to Raymond Willis Brown, late son of retired Park Commission Director Ray Brown and Roseann Brown. The vibrant colors and imaginative play equipment are designed to attract children ages 2 to 5 years of age and 5 to 12 years.

PARKS

Arnold Palmer once said that “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated;

it satisfi es the soul and frustrates the intellect.It is without a doubt the greatest game ever

invented”. With 166,047 rounds of golf played on thePark Commission’s fi ve golf courses, the sentiment appears to be shared by many. Golf staff provided customers with outstanding playing conditions and a wide variety of eventsand tournaments that the public enjoyed throughout the year. Two indoor simulators, located at the Learning Center,

Annual Report | 3

Swimmers and sunbathers totaled 17,823 at Warrenbrook Pool. Individual and league play court time at Green Knoll and Colonial Park Tennis Centers totaled 20,000 visitations. Baseball, softball, lacrosse, and football teams and leagues at the Torpey Athletic Complex totaled 72,000 players. The softball fi elds at North Branch Park, Duke Island Park, and Quail Brook Park hosted 17,750 people. Mountain View Park baseball fi elds hosted 71,500 people. The Howe Athletic Complex consists of a cricket fi eld and four soccer fi elds. These fi elds hosted 19,300 people. Cross Country track was also popular in the fall, with 7,500 high school students running at Natirar Park.

In Colonial Park, 7,323 rounds of miniature golf were played at the putting course, and the paddleboats were rented 4,000 times. The four-acre leash-free dog area continued to be quite popular with 17,000 visitations. The North Branch Flying Field buzzed with model airplane enthusiasts. More than 3,200 people watched the hawks soar in Washington Valley Park, and almost 26,000 visitors hiked and mountain biked there. 32,000 people did the same in the Sourland Mountain Preserve.

The Environmental Education Center was visited by 30,000 people in 2019. More than 7,000 people participated in instructional programs led by park Naturalists, including school programs, public programs, scout groups, birthday parties, library programs, and senior center programs. In addition, nearly 2,000 youth ages 4-16 experienced summer camp programs offered at the EEC. Special events included Children’s Art Show, Maple Sugaring, Swamp Search, County Caper, 1770s Festival, By the Light of the Moon, and Festival of Trees. The Great Swamp Experience exhibit attracted more than 5,000 visitors.

In an effort to eliminate invasive plant species, rejuvenate soil, and allow renewed growth of native plants, two prescribed burns were conducted in 20 acres in Lord Stirling Park (EEC) under close control of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Within the park, wildlife abounds, but is rarely seen by human eyes. To better document the park’s fauna, staff purchased two high defi nition trail cameras to video animal activity in remote locations of the park. The recorded video footage was used to educate the public through social media posts. Sixteen wood duck nesting boxes were built, installed, and monitored throughout the year and showed success of the species within the park. Bluebird nesting boxes were also cleaned, mapped, and monitored.

More than 30,000 visitors took advantage of recreational riding and public events at the Lord Stirling Stable, which

celebrated 50 years of service to the public in 2019. Residents from 17 Somerset County municipalities enjoyed programs and events at the Stable throughout the year. Family members from 2,600 households state-wide rode in lesson sessions, took a trail ride or participated in an educational program. 32 birthdays were celebrated with pony parties, bringing almost 1,000 guests to the facility, while another 1,400 children were introduced to horses through the daily lead line program, free pony rides at special events, and other pony programming. Introductory Rides were also held to introduce people to the opportunities available at Lord Stirling Stable.

4 | Somerset County Park Commission

The free summer concert series in Duke Island Park began with a performance by one of

the top Jersey bands, Jobonanno & The Godsons. Everyone loves Motown, and so when Motor City

Revue performed, the crowd was dancing and singing along to all the songs. Next, was high energy New Power Soul, who entertained with both music and showmanship. The Cameos brought doo-wop to the stage, performing their renditions of the most popular classic songs of the 1950’s and 60’s. The Infernos Band gave an amazing performance, and have shared the stage with some of the biggest talents in the world including Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett. The season ended with the Annual Food Truck Festival, where in addition to sampling a range of culinary delights, the audience was treated to Andy Bernstein. The evening concluded with The Fabulous Greaseband. What a great way to spend summer weekends!

Fireworks lit up the sky to celebrate our nation’s birth, when North Branch Park turned into a giant Independence Day party with 12,000 people in attendance. Two bands and a Revolutionary encampment re-enactment provided the entertainment.

Swim lessons were offered at Warrenbrook Pool, where 171 children swam in classes ranging from toddlers to intermediate. Summer tennis lessons and tournaments drew 380 participants. Hatha Yoga instruction was offered throughout the year, The Duke Island Walkers group continues to keep pace with a steady number of 40 walkers per week. The Adult Bocce League maintained popularity during its 9th season with 30 teams competing throughout the spring, followed by a championship match and picnic.

The Junior Golf program provided 2,050 children from ages 6 to 17 the opportunity to learn from seasoned golf professionals. Several annual golf tournaments continued to be popular. The annual William Anderson Match Play Championship at Neshanic Valley kicked off the season. Club championships were conducted at each golf course throughout the summer. In the fall, the 60th Annual Michael S. Kline Memorial Championship and the 41st Annual Senior Championship were held at Spooky Brook Golf Course.

Neshanic Valley added to its growing history of hosting major events by serving as

the location for The Metropolitan Golf Associations Public Links Championship in June and the New Jersey State Golf Association’s Amateur Championship in July. Quail Brook Golf Course hosted the fi rst ever qualifi er for the NJSGA. The 6th Annual Somerset County Women’s Golf Tournament was held in July at Warrenbrook Golf Course with 98 women golfers. Once again the Learning Center was selected to host the Drive-Chip-Putt Championship for junior golfers from the tristate area.

Leonard J. Buck Garden hosted “Honey Bees: One of our Favorite Pollinators”, complete with complimentary jars of local honey to all in attendance. The 29th Annual Spring Plant Sale and Earth Day Celebration, held in conjunction with the Watnong Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society, included a sale of rare and unusual plants and garden lectures. The 12th annual Art and Photography Exhibit, was held in the winter at the Buck Garden Visitor Center.

Colonial Park Gardens also offered programs and special events. The Fragrance and Sensory Garden’s Sense and Scents-Ability program featured demonstrations of botanical gifts from the garden. The fi rst annual Scarecrow Building Workshop was held, and a fl oral design class featured the style of Colonial Williamsburg. Rose Day Festival was a beautiful day, in which visitors were entertained by Zydeco and Bluegrass music on the rose garden lawn while capturing the beauty of the garden in peak bloom. In total, 4,576 people participated in garden tours, educational programs, and special events at Leonard J. Buck Garden and Colonial Park Gardens.

At Lord Stirling Stable, a total of 10,350 group lessons and 1,173 private lessons were taught to 1,270 Junior and 1,420 Adult riders. The accomplishments of 146 riders were spotlighted during three horse shows. More than 250 riding hours were logged by the Therapeutic Recreation Adapted Instruction at Lord Stirling (T.R.A.I.L.S.) program.

In 2019 a Horse Lease program was developed to allow experienced riders to partially lease a lesson horse for their recreational and lesson use. An Accelerated Horse Care Workshop was developed to provide the necessary education to riders in order for them to work independently with a leased horse.

PROGRAMS

The free summer concert series in DukeIsland Park began with a performance by one of

the top Jersey bands, Jobonanno & The Godsons.Everyone loves Motown, and so when Motor City

Revue performed, the crowd was dancing and singing along to all the songs. Next, was high energy New PowerSoul, who entertained with both music and showmanship.The Cameos brought doo-wop to the stage, performing theirrenditions of the most popular classic songs of the 1950’sand 60’s. The Infernos Band gave an amazing performance,

d h h d h i h f h bi l i

Annual Report | 5

Educational activities supplement horseback riding. A new Accelerated Horse Care class was added to the courses that include the Horse Care Workshop, the Grooming Workshop, and Scout programming. The popular Summer Camp was enhanced in 2019 by the addition of an extra riding lesson. Throughout the year, the Stable hosted 38 events and special rides. Some were sponsored entirely by the Park Commission while others were co-hosted with the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable. Participation in these events was 5,000 people. 2019 marked the 50th Anniversary of Lord Stirling Stable. Special events and activities were held throughout the year, culminating with a barbecue for the 300 guests.

The Academy of Saint Elizabeth completed its 10th year of riding at Lord Stirling. Sixteen students took part in the equestrian programming, earning either a Varsity or Junior Varsity letter. The school year culminated with a special performance of the Saint Elizabeth Mounted Drill Team.

The Environmental Education Center continues to stimulate awareness and understanding of the natural world through environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences. Series programs such as The Young Explorers Club, Tree House Gang, Kinder Nats, Swamp Kids, and River Rats remained popular. In these nature-based programs children infant to ten years of age explore their natural surroundings during all four seasons and throughout varying weather conditions.

Adults enjoyed hiking the trails as part of Forest Fitness or exploring the tristate area on day trips to go bird watching, on Garden Discovery trips, and to science museums. Paddling programs continued to be popular too. Canoe and kayak instructional courses took place on Branta Pond in addition to visiting off-site canals, rivers, reservoirs, and bays throughout the tristate area. Weekend adventures included the NJ Lighthouse Challenge, Sedge Island Getaway Weekend, and the Pine Barrens Escape Paddle.Summer programs pique children’s interest of all ages. Coyote Kids highlighted habitat and animal exploration through hands-on water play, crafts, and hiking for children ages 4-6. Eco-Explorers and AWESIM Kids provided watercraft instruction, hiking, fi eld trips, and science-based lessons for children ages 7-9 and 10-12 respectively. Xtreme Adventure challenged teens ages 13-16 with hiking, rock climbing, stand-up paddling, and kayaking.

The Family Program Series included ten presentations including topics such as Nip Invasive Species in the Bud by the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, Rare Herps by Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, and A Kaleidoscope of Images from Around the World by Creative Eyes Photography.

Recreation, leisure, and play are essential for health and wellness. Participation in recreation services offered to people with disabilities can help an individual develop skills, meet friends, improve social interactions, reduce stress, and have fun. Through

participation in various programs, the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) department is able to provide social and learning experiences, as well as community integration. Adapting or modifying activities based on each person’s ability allows for everyone to be a part of TR programs. This past year, children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities were able to choose from a variety of activities that promote an active leisure lifestyle; improve social, cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning; and enhance participant’s abilities. The activities offered help individuals develop the skills needed to enhance functional independence in the community and promote an improved quality of life. Programs are offered to four age groups; children ages 6-12, teens ages 13-17, young adults ages 18-30, and adults 31 and older.

New to the TR program in 2019 was Rec-Connect; a weekly recreation day program for adults ages 21 and older that provided leisure opportunities and fostered independence. Individuals participated in games, cooking, arts and crafts, and fi tness. A Saturday soccer program for children and teens was another new popular program. Movie Night continues to be the most popular program with a packed house on Friday nights, and the Dining Out programs always fi ll to capacity. Other favorites included Coffee House, Social Club, Pump It Up fi tness, Let’s Swing golf lessons, and Walking Club. Young adults and adult program offerings included activities that allowed for leisure skill development as well as socialization.

Camp Okee Sunokee is a six-week camp experience for children with learning disabilities, Asperger Syndrome, high functioning autism or a mild intellectual disability that provided lasting memories, friendships, and laughter. TR Travelers, a summer program for teens offered trips around New Jersey and surrounding states every day. Participants traveled to Dorney Park, Franklin Institute, Liberty Science Center, Yogi Berra Museum, Adventure Aquarium, and Sussex County Fair. They were all fun places for the teens to experience and create memories to last a lifetime. A new summer program, August Adventures was two weeks of fun that included in-house activities, swimming at Warrenbrook Pool, and multiple trips each week.

6 | Somerset County Park Commission

The dedicated volunteers who donate their time care deeply about the community

and are devoted to the Park Commission. During 2019, individual volunteers contributed 6,180 hours

of service throughout the park system. If converted into paid staff hours, this would be the equivalent of more than $178,100. Group volunteers consisting of corporations, non-profi t organizations, schools, churches, scouts, and interns donated a combined 1,691 service hours assisting Park Rangers and Environmental Education Center (EEC) staff in 2019. Volunteers representing individuals, businesses, and clubs from New Jersey’s climbing community tallied another 150 hours at the Sourlands Stewardship Day. When combined with group volunteers this equates to more than $53,000 in additional savings to the Park Commission.

The EEC was fortunate to have 15 different corporate, non-profi t, and school groups working on a variety of outdoor projects. Petra Cephas, Celgene, Kneipp Bath and Body, Alight Solutions, Allergen Pharmaceutical, AM Best, Ingredion, YPD Youth Group, GlaxoSmithKline, and students from Ridge High School, Pingry School, and Oak Knoll School removed invasive plants, weeded, mulched, conducted garden pruning, and planted native plant species. Johnson & Johnson painted a newly installed fence along with animal tracks in the Discovery Garden, and REI demolished and reconstructed the deck on the West Observation Tower. Our House helped organize the fairy garden and cleaned the Discovery Garden. These groups accounted for a total of 716 volunteer hours.

Five Eagle Scout candidates completed their Service Projects at the EEC in 2019. Aiden Auer, Troop 28, constructed and installed fi ve bat boxes in Lord Stirling Park. Evan D’Aprile, Troop 90, resupplied nine existing pollinator boxes with

nesting material, constructed and installed four new boxes, and built new frames for pollinator signs. Andrew Noviello, Troop 46, constructed a new fl oating dock for Esox Pond. Luka Batljan, Troop 28, built six new benches and constructed an outdoor classroom area for Lily Pad Pond, and Nick Casey, Troop 351, demolished and re-built a partially collapsed section of footbridge along the blue trail. Seven Boy Scouts completed conservation service hours at the EEC. Brandon Mark, Troop 54, constructed a “Welcome to the Discovery Garden” sign. Owen Mays, Joe Doherty, and Michael Barth of Troop 54; Janak Munshi of Troop 351, Vivek Chakrapani of Troop 134; and Pragadeshwar Kalatheeswaran of Troop 88 removed invasive plant species, removed old piping, and planted native trees. Boy Scouts accounted for a total of 265 volunteer hours at the EEC this year. In addition, Girl Scouts Alisa Ferguson of Troop 60458, Jessica Groben of Troop 63009, Elizabeth Mercer of Troop 61076, and Jackie Taylor of Ambassador Troop 60986 baked and donated homemade desserts for the Festival of Trees Snowfl ake Café on weekends throughout December. Girl Scout Troop 60224 volunteered to perform holiday music at the Festival of Trees event as well.

One Eagle Scout, Abhiraj Srisairam Gokina, Troop 46 completed a stream restoration project in Skillman Park with the Park Ranger Department and accrued 103 hours of service. More than 300 hours were donated for trail maintenance and park beautifi cation projects by various volunteers including Jersey Off-Road Bicycle Association, additional scout groups, and the Volunteer Park Patrol.

Rutgers Environmental Stewards tallied 247 hours of service at the EEC in 2019. Raymond Croot, constructed 16 wood duck boxes and is actively monitoring each nesting season. Maureen Merrill created recycling signage for the Park Commission and conducted a recycling audit at the 4H Fair, and Lisa Weinstock monitored bluebird nest boxes and catalogued and identifi ed invasive plant species throughout EEC property. In addition, Ridge High School student intern,

PEOPLE

The dedicated volunteers who donatetheir time care deeply about the community

and are devoted to the Park Commission. During2019, individual volunteers contributed 6,180 hours

of service throughout the park system. If converted into paid staff hours, this would be the equivalent of more than $178,100. Group volunteers consisting of corporations, non-profi t organizations, schools, churches, scouts, and internsdonated a combined 1,691 service hours assisting Park Rangers and Environmental Education Center (EEC) staff in

Annual Report | 7

Allegra DeCandia, contributed 50 hours of volunteer service assisting with events, gardening, trail work, and invasive plant removal at the EEC.

Individual adult and teen volunteers from the local area contributed 1,128 hours throughout the year at the EEC. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including rebuilding bridges and boardwalks, program support, gardening, invasive plant removal, special event set-up and activities, hosting the front desk, assisting with paddling trips, and care of paddling equipment. These individual volunteers are key players to ensuring a positive experience for park visitors.

In November, 70 volunteers representing a combination of individuals, climbing clubs, non-profi t organizations, and corporate sponsors attended the fi rst Sourlands Stewardship Day, a climbing-focused day in Sourland Mountain Preserve. Together the group tallied 150 hours of washing boulders, lining trails, and picking up litter in an effort to support and preserve the Sourlands unique geology for future generations. Partnering organizations such as REI, Access Fund, The Gravity Vault of Flemington, and New Jersey Climber’s Coalition along with local climbers Chris Redmond and Brian Mancuso worked in harmony with the Park Ranger and Environmental Science Departments to plan and execute the stewardship day. Food, prizes, educational information, and sponsorship were provided by Access Fund, Gunks Apps, Rock & Ice, Organic Climbing, The Gravity Vault of Flemington, REI, and The Sourlands Conservancy.

Eagle Scout candidates completed their Service Projects throughout other parks in 2019 as well. Alexander Noviello, Troop 46, built a Sensory Garden and a multi-textured “Touch Center” station for Lord Stirling Stable’s Sensory Trail. Alex’s contributions are the fi rst installations on the Trail, which is a work in progress. It will benefi t students in the therapeutic riding program (“T.R.A.I.L.S.”).

Volunteers continue to contribute to the success of Therapeutic Recreation programs by providing assistance in many of the general programs, providing additional support at Camp Okee Sunokee and serving as lead line or side walker volunteers in the adaptive horseback riding program. Additionally high school students from area schools continued to assist at programs working with children and adults with a wide range of abilities. One thousand hours were contributed by volunteers in 2019.

Volunteers and corporate volunteer groups continue to help Colonial Park Gardens fl ourish. Seniors from the Rutgers University Outing Club helped prepare the Rose Garden for its annual Rose Day Festival. The Hillsborough Girl Scouts Unit 72 helped to enhance the festival’s décor by handcrafting dozens of paper roses, returning later in June to assist with spreading wood chips in the Arboretum. Buck Garden volunteers serve as docents to lead tours and help with plantings throughout the garden.

More than 100 individuals contributed 3,000 hours of their time to Lord Stirling Stable in 2019. Stable volunteers assisted staff in caring for the horses and facility, completing daily tasks such as mucking, sweeping, and grooming. This allowed staff to attend to responsibilities requiring more advanced equine knowledge and expertise. Volunteer class assistants helped novice riders acclimate to their fi rst lessons, providing technical and morale support as new students learned to prepare to mount their horses. Special event volunteers brought their talent and enthusiasm directly to the public at various annual festivals and programs, and especially to the Stable’s 50th Anniversary celebration in September.

Annually, the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable host events and then donate proceeds to the Park Commission to help maintain the horses and facility. In 2019, a gift of $13,792 was presented. An additional $7,060 was provided for the purchase of a new horse ($3,000) and equipment and equine supplies ($4,060). The total of the funds received from the Friends in 2019 was $20,852.

Somerset County Park Commission is also proud of its staff, 172 fulltime and 350 part-time employees who bring creativity to programs, dedication to their job, and offer unparalleled service to the public. Their efforts result in year-round programs and special events, as well as acquisition, development, and maintenance of parkland, gardens, playgrounds, golf courses, and trails.

The Park Commission appreciates these endeavors, and recognizes employees for their dedicated service. Service awards were presented to 24 employees for their years of service to the Commission ranging from fi ve years to 35 years. Five Park Commission employees retired in 2019; Information Technology Manager Alex Mathew with 33 years of service, Park Ranger John Hance with 25 years of service, Golf Shop Manager Michael Zoda with 22 years of service, Golf Project Crew Foreman Jeff Benson with 16 years of service, and Greensworker Umberto Pecoraro with 12 years of service.

8 | Somerset County Park Commission

Several publications to market programs and events are printed including park and

special event brochures and fl yers, the quarterly volunteer newsletter, the park program guide, and the

Park Commission website. The seasonal program guide, Parks, Programs, and People, details programs, facilities, and special events. The Park Commission website also continues to provide information about upcoming programs and events. Each of the fi ve golf courses also has a website to promote their use to the general public.

Social Media continued to be an important method to communicate with the public about programs, facilities, and events. Several options exist depending upon one’s interests, including the main Facebook page, as well as Facebook pages specifi cally for the various parks, facilities, gardens, departments, and athletic fi eld inclement weather playing conditions. There are also Instagram and Twitter accounts for the EEC, Colonial Park Gardens, JJ the Pony at Lord Stirling Stable, and the summer concert series.

The EEC continued to provide school programs that align with the New Jersey Next Generation Science Standards. The program guide for school groups features the updated standards to assist teachers to select programs specifi c to their classrooms.

The Park Commission’s sustainability group, entitled the ‘Go Green Committee’, through the EEC, joined a partnership with Hunterdon and Mercer Counties (HSMC) Tri-County STEM Ecosystem which collaborates on ways to improve STEM-based education within the community. Naturalists also hosted a table presenting hands-on STEM activities related to baseball during the Somerset Patriots “STEM Days at the Stadium” event. In addition, the affi liation continued with the Great Swamp Partners, a group of organizations within the Great Swamp Watershed that collaborate to preserve local environmental resources, and offer a variety of free educational and recreational activities in the watershed region.

Customer service for the golf courses was enhanced with the installation of the upgraded GolfNow point of sale system in 2019. Golfers now have a faster, streamlined check-in process. Also, the Starters are now equipped with iPads that immediately display all pertinent information to speed along and enhance the customer experience.

The Therapeutic Recreation Department promotes inclusive recreation opportunities so that services are welcoming to everyone. This past year TR staff assisted four municipal recreation departments with inclusion of people with disabilities in their summer camps and sport programs. After conducting an assessment on the individual with a disability,

TR staff made recommendations for program modifi cations and behavior management support based on an individual’s needs. On the fi rst day of the activity/program, the TR Manager assists with the transition of the individual into the program and will provide inclusion training as needed.

Horticulture Supervisor Shauna Moore was a guest on the WDVR 89.7FM live radio show “Into the Garden”, where she discussed growing roses and promoted the gardens at Colonial Park. A feature article about Leonard J. Buck Garden entitled “An Unusual Rock Garden Just a Stone’s Throw Away” by Patricia Taylor was published in Princeton US1 magazine. Buck Garden Interpretive Gardener Patricia Scibilia was interviewed and quoted in the piece. Somerset County Tourism aided the gardens’ marketing efforts with an article entitled “Somerset County Gardens Provide Blooms and Horticulture Year ‘Round for Eco-Tourists and Gardening Buffs” in May 2019.

The staff of the Park Commission also believes strongly in working collaboratively with other non-profi t agencies, whose mission and goals parallel those of the Park Commission. In 2019, the agencies to which staff volunteered their time include the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration, Basking Ridge Business Alliance, Bernards Township Adopt-A-Road, Garden State Gardens Consortium, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Jersey Shore Rose Society, Manhattan Rose Society, Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association, National 4-H Horse Round-up, National Golf Foundation, National Recreation and Park Association, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Association, New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, New Jersey State Golf Association, New Jersey Turfgrass Association, North American Rock Garden Society-Watnong Chapter, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Professional Golfers Association of America, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners of Somerset County, Rutgers Equine Science Center, Somerset County 4-H Association, Somerset County Business Partnership, Somerset County Library System, Somerset County Police and Fire Training Academy, United States Golf Association, and United States Golf Teachers Federation.

INFORMATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

Several publications to market programsand events are printed including park and

special event brochures and fl yers, the quarterly volunteer newsletter, the park program guide, and the

Park Commission website. The seasonal program guide, Parks, Programs, and People, details programs, facilities, andespecial events. The Park Commission website also continuesto provide information about upcoming programs and events.Each of the fi ve golf courses also has a website to promote their use to the general public.

Social Media continued to be an important method to communicate with the public about programs facilities and

Annual Report | 9

During 2019, parcels were acquired from three property owners totaling 51.19 acres. The total Open Space Inventory now exceeds 14,751 acres.

Almost 42 acres were acquired in the Katimbang property; which forms a connection to a previously isolated open parcel and continues the expansion of the Sourland Mountain Preserve west to the County boundary. Preservation of contiguous wooded land within the Sourland region helps to protect critical habitat for local fl ora and fauna, as well as migratory birds. The County is pursuing a 50% reimbursement for the acquisition through a Planning Incentive Grant with the NJDEP Green Acres Program.

Following several years of negotiation, parcels were preserved that comprise the 8.8 acre Muckenhoupt property. The acquisition of this property preserves more than 1,200 linear feet of frontage of the South Branch of the Raritan River and continues the South Branch Greenway west connecting to previously preserved land at the County boundary. The area will revert to its natural state to continue to serve as a natural greenway/buffer and provide for storage of fl ood waters during storm events.

A 0.44 acre parcel of land along Orlando Drive was donated to Raritan Borough by Duke Farms for open space purposes. Raritan then donated the property to the County since the property is adjacent to other County-owned open space and in a location where the County is pursuing preservation of the Raritan River Greenway. The property will remain as open lawn for passive use within the Greenway.

During 2019, a joint license agreement was executed between the County and Raritan Borough for approximately 40 acres of Borough-owned land along the Raritan River at Orlando Drive. The County will maintain the properties as part of the Raritan River Greenway and will be able to continue the development of the Raritan River Greenway Bikeway.

The Park Commission and the County Planning Board continue to work with the consultant group Heritage Strategies to update the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, along with the development of Farmland and Historic Preservation Master Plans. Individual plans will be developed for each of the three entities, as well as an overall plan that coordinates the goals of each, as they overlap for preservation purposes.

Somerset County Park Commission continued to manage farming rights licenses on 28 parcels with acreage of 1,706 acres. Fourteen hunting license agreements were managed on parcels containing 1,916 acres. Revenue from these two programs total $185,564.

PLANNING AND LAND ACQUISITION

10 | Somerset County Park Commission

Several Park Commission programs and parks are acknowledged each year for their

contributions to the community as places to play, socialize, and become healthier. The most prestigious

accolade received in 2019 was the USTA naming the Somerset County Park Commission as its Community Partner of the Year. The USTA recognizes groups that share its vision of tennis and programs.

Five Park Commission facilities were recognized by the readers of the Courier News, and bestowed with their “Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Awards”. Colonial Park and Duke Island Park both received the distinction of Best Park. Duke Island Park was also recognized as the Best Place to Listen to Music, because of the popularity of the Free Summer Concert Series. Colonial Park Putting Course and Paddle Boats won for Best Outdoor Amusement. Lastly, Quail Brook Golf Course was honored as the Best Place to Play Golf.The Therapeutic Recreation Department received the Community Partners of the Year award due to its collaboration with the ARC of Somerset County.

National Garden Clubs, Inc. awarded the Basking Ridge Garden Club a runner-up award in the civic projects in the native plants category for a rock garden the club maintains at the EEC.

Gary Freuler, Leisure Services Maintenance Supervisor, was honored as the Employee of the Year by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association.

Stable Manager Marge Margentino received recognition from the Somerset County 4-H Horse Leaders Association for her continued support of the 4-H Horse Program. Part-time Stableworker Claudia Mott was presented with a distinguished service award from the Boy Scout Council.

Leonard J. Buck Garden was featured on the cover, as well as on the July and August pages of the 2020 Calendar published by Town Planner Express for Bedminster, Bernardsville, Peapack/Gladstone, and Far Hills.

Through funding from a Whole Foods Market grant received by the Park Foundation in 2018, a Mobi-Mat was purchased and installed at Lord Stirling Park (EEC) from Fisherman’s Parking Lot to the Passaic River. This created an accessible point from the parking area to the riverfront for fi shing and paddling activities. In addition, the EEC hosted two guest speakers who presented Growing Beautiful Food and Everyone Can Grow Vegetables.The Recreation Department hosted fi ve wellness events funded by the grant, including self-defense, Japa meditation, aqua Zumba, and women’s health classes and seminars.

The Park Foundation supported the TR Program by awarding scholarships to TR program participants to enable families who can’t afford the program fees. The Foundation supported

Photos with Santa in which a sensory-friendly environment helped calm anxieties for children with Aspergers who can’t visit a large crowded mall and wait in line. This program allowed families to capture the memory of the holiday season. The Foundation also sponsored the plants to be donated on Arbor Day in the spring, as well as sponsored activities at the Annual Rose Day Festival in Colonial Park.

The Somerset County Park Foundation served as the offi cial sponsor of “Autograph Sundays”, a Somerset Patriots program featured at all home games played on Sundays throughout the 2019 season. The reverse side of the autograph poster listed all of the Park Commission spring and summer special events, programs, lessons, and tournaments, reaching an audience of 5,000 children. Throughout the past 16 years, the valuable fi nancial assistance

provided by the Somerset County Park Foundation to enhance Park Commission programs, services, and facilities totals more than $1.5million.

AWARDS ANDHONORS

Several Park Commission programs and parks are acknowledged each year for their

contributions to the community as places to play, socialize, and become healthier. The most prestigious

accolade received in 2019 was the USTA naming the Somerset County Park Commission as its Community Partner of the Year. The USTA recognizes groups that share its vision of tennis and programs.

Five Park Commission facilities were recognized by thereaders of the Courier News, and bestowed with their “Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Awards”. Colonial Park and Duke I l d P k b th i d th di ti ti f B t P k D kk

Annual Report | 11

Academy of St. ElizabethAccess FundAdult Day Care Center of Somerset CountyThe American Chestnut FoundationAudubon InternationalBasking Ridge Business AllianceBasking Ridge Garden ClubBernards Township Adopt-A-RoadBernards Township Protective AssociationBernards Township School DistrictBoy Scouts of America, Conservation Awards Michael Barth, Troop 54 Vivek Chakrapani, Troop 134 Joe Doherty, Troop 54 Pragadeshwar Kalatheeswaran, Troop 88 Brandon Mark, Troop 54 Owen Mays, Troop 54 Janak Munshi, Troop 351Bradley Gardens Rescue SquadThe Camera NaturalistsCancer Support Community – Central New JerseyCentenary University – Equestrian StudiesCentral Jersey Stream Team Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New JerseyCountry Hills Volunteer Fire DepartmentDuke FarmsDunellen High SchoolEagle Scouts Aiden Auer, Troop 28 Luka Batljan, Troop 28 Nick Casey, Troop 351 Evan D’Aprile, Troop 90 Abhiraj Srisairam Gokina, Troop 46 Andrew Noviello, Troop 46

Friends of the Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate Friends of the Great SwampThe Friends of Lord Stirling StableGirl Scouts Alisa Ferguson, Troop 60458 Jessica Groben, Troop 63009 Elizabeth Mercer, Troop 61076 Jackie Taylor, Ambassador Troop

60986 Troop 72 Troop 60224Girl Scouts Camp OVALGirl Scouts Heart of New JerseyGreat Swamp National Wildlife RefugeGreat Swamp Watershed AssociationGroundwater FoundationHelen R. Buck FoundationHunterdon Somerset Mercer County (HSMC) STEM EcosystemInvestors Bank FoundationJersey Off-Road Bicycle AssociationLord Stirling SchoolMendham Country Day SchoolMorris County Park Commission Great Swamp Outdoor Education CenterMorristown National Historic ParkNational Audubon SocietyNational Park ServiceNew Jersey 4-H Horse Advisory CouncilNew Jersey 4-H Horse Round Up TeamNew Jersey Audubon SocietyNew Jersey Climber’s CoalitionNew Jersey Forest Fire ServiceNew Jersey Water Supply AuthorityNorth America Butterfl y AssociationNorth American Rock Garden Society – Watnong ChapterOak Knoll SchoolOur HousePingry School The Raptor Trust

Ridge High School student Allegra DeCandiaRobert Wood Johnson University HospitalRutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment StationRutgers Cooperative Extension, Offi ce of the New Jersey State ClimatologistRutgers Cooperative Extension, Wildlife Conservation and Management ProgramRutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County, Master Gardeners Program Rutgers University Environmental Stewards Raymond Croot Maureen Merrill Lisa WeinstockRutgers University Equine Science CenterSaint James SchoolScherman Hoffman Wildlife SanctuarySomerset County 4-H Horse Leaders AssociationSomerset County Association of Chiefs of PoliceSomerset County Business PartnershipSomerset County Park FoundationSomerset County Volunteer ServicesSomerset Hills School DistrictSomerset Signal SendersThe Sourlands ConservancyUnited States Department of Agriculture – APHISUnited States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation ServiceUnited States Fish and Wildlife ServiceUnited States Golf AssociationUnited States Tennis AssociationVillage Elementary SchoolVolunteer Park PatrolVolunteers of America, Delaware ValleyYoung People’s Division

2019 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

12 | Somerset County Park Commission

Pamela Ackert

AJ Santye & Company *

Deborah Alexander

All Risk Property Damage Experts *

Alight Solutions

Allergen Pharmaceutical

Allied Beverage *

AM Best

Senator Kip Bateman *

Dawn and Gary Bernstein *

Bridgewater Marriott *

Bridgewater Nissan *

Nancy Brown and Mark Mele

Cafe Emilia *

Callaway Golf

Celgene

Chimney Savers *

The Cigar Room *

Vince Cirianni *

The Law Offi ce of William T. Cooper *

Courier News

Crave Events Group / Landmark *

Dameo Companies of Bridgewater

Dameo Trucking *

Dean’s Natural Food Market

Deep Eddie Vodka*

Della Pello Paving *

DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum *

Epona Financial Solutions

Ethicon

F & G Mechanical *

Fedway Associates Inc. *

Finch Services *

Kathy and Al Fischetti *

Flemington Car and Truck Country *

Fulton Bank of New Jersey *

GlaxoSmithKline

The Gravity Vault of Flemington

GUESS *

Gunks Apps

Chuck Hackel/Northwestern Mutual Financial *

Walt Hansen *

Herr’s Snack Foods *

High Grade Beverage *

Hillsborough Irrigation *

Hionis Greenhouses and Garden Center *

The Horse Institute

Horsemen’s Outlet

Mark Hughes *

Ray and Christine Hughes *

The Hughes Family *

Hughes-Plumer & Associates *

Hyatt House of Branchburg *

Ingredion

Investors Bank *

Johnson & Johnson

Maria and Ray Kenwell *

Dave Keogh *

KeyScripts *

Kneipp Bath and Body Care

LaFontaine & Budd Insurance Co.*

Mike LaValva *

Jim Leonard *

Lowenstein Sandler Law Firm *

Magyar Bank *

Brian Mancuso

Melick’s Town Farm

Metro Exhibits *

MillerCoors *

Mophie*

Morris Animal Inn

Munich Reinsurance America *

Natirar *

New Jersey Risk Managers & Consultants *

Northeast Lock Corporation *

Organic Climbing

Peapack Gladstone Bank *

Petra Cephas

Pfi zer

Louis and Teri Piancone *

Dan Puntillo *

Purcell, Mulcahy, and Flanagan *

Qual-Lynx *

Raritan Valley Community College and Foundation *

Chris Redmond

REI

The Reitman Group *

Riverwalk Chiropractic

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital/Somerset *

Rock & Ice

Running S Equine Veterinary Services

Sa and Sons Construction *

Saul Ewing LLC *

ShopRite of Bernardsville

Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police *

Somerset County Business Partnership *

Somerset Patriots Baseball Club *

Somerset Savings Bank *

SSP Architectural Group *

Rick St. Pierre *

Dr. Fred Sterritt/Raritan Valley Orthodontics *

Storr Tractor Company *

Suplee, Clooney & Company *

T & M Associates *

The Torpey Family *

Unity Bank *

Stella Valle *

Van Cleef Engineering *

Vanderbeek Family Foundation *

Anthony Ventola *

Verve Restaurant and Bar *

Villa Plaza @ Bridgewater *

Visionary Art *

Wegmans Food Market

Whole Foods Market of Bridgewater

Wild Birds Unlimited

Willis Towers Watson *

Wine Central *

WithumSmith + Brown *

WMGQ Magic Radio

Zeus Scientifi c *

* Somerset County Park Foundation event sponsor of a program that directly benefi ts the Somerset County Park Commission

2019 CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL PARTNERS

Annual Report | 13

Glenn AchesonPamela AckertTori AckertSarah AdamGary AhrensDeborah AlexanderJose Daniel AlfaroNikita AnhilLiz AnthonyJennifer ApiceMaxmillian ArangoPeter ArmingtonDan ArnsteinRoberta “Birdie” AuerbachFred AufschlagerAl AugustaJose AyalaManuel AyalaJohn BagertCatherine BakerElizabeth BakerBrigido BaralomaAshwin BaramaTheresa Ann BaranAmelia BarclayMonica BarclayBarbara BarkleyRon BarkleyJohn BeavinLainie BeavinJohn Benvent George BergerSophia BergerJennifer BermudezDave BertramMartin BigattiJason BogtoffBill BollwageJorge BonillaJulio BonillaMarvin BorcehesEric BoulterJacqui BoulterBaylie BravermanChris BrawleyJulia BrennanChristine BridgeLouise BridgeNancy BrownLeah BuccinoA. BurzadrizlloKate BuzzachielloArmando CaballeroOnan CabelleroMark CabloEmily CafaroMark CannizzaroAndrea CarrollDarien CartaxoJoe CartaxoLinda CarterJoe CarusoNico CarusoVincent CastagnoNoemi CastanedaJordi Castells

Wilfredo CastroAnthony CavagnaroTracy CavallaroDiane CawleyJedwin CelestinoOwen CesaranoGareth ChilcoatPeter ChilcoatTrysta ChilcoatHyogan ChoiIsabella ChouequetAnnie ClappKelly ClarkRuth ClausLee ClearyMadison ClowesJeanne CocuzzaFrank CocuzzaJeff CoenKrista ColwellSarah ConnellNancy ConnerShanna CookBrianna CookmanJohn CoriglianoCharlie CorrieroJoe CorreiroDenise Hancock Cove Margaret CroninJuan Carlos CuevasDanielle DabollWillow DangleAllegra DeCandiaKaren D’EgidioMarian DeSimonePatricia DexterAida DiazAimee Dimeo-FineChristian DizonLaura DoeringerEd DohertyMarilyn DotegowskiAidan DuffyEmmett DuffyMike DunbalRobin DunnSheila DurmaAbraham EapenKathleen Tille EmmertJack EngdahlMerrill EppedioOlivia EriksonSteve EstokCarol FalconeJackie FergusonNancy FeusseGabby FitchJoseph Florentine Natalie FontanaDeborah FonteixWayne FooseSusan FotiDylan FrostButch FutrellCarly GaebeleAbigail Gallic

Dana GallionNora GallionMarguerite GargiulaJoan GarvinHeidi GatschJulia GehringerRobin GehringerPaige GilbertiMary Charlotte GitlinTom GockelPeter GononPaul GoodwinRhonda GoodwinMarion GordonKelly GrassiDebbie GravesIan GrayMarjorie GrillAbbey GrilliBen GrossmanAlex GruberChristina GrummonAlaina GustDiana HackettBev HahnMatthew HallKeke HammellJanet HaniakNancy HarmsKaren HawkinsTerry HeideLaura HeldKimberly HellerJose HenriquezAnnabel HeppellBenito HergertBrad HieberEthan HoffmanEthan HolcombRyan HollingsworthDeidre HollockHeidi HorvathJohn HosmerGianna Hriczo Maggie HsuAngela HuangLeroy HunninghakeChristopher HustonJames HwangPeter IngrahamMahesh IyerVarun IyerDylan JayEd JayTobey JayKim JensenCheryl JewellJeff JohnsonJennifer JohnsonVanessa JonesElaine KaeserKendall KalustyanCatherine KazelKevin KeeganCindy KeoghSusan Klein

Anne KleinleJason KlettDane KlewsaatClark KokengeAndres KondratoviozAnna KondratoviozCrista KowitskiEvan KraftGlen KraftWalter KuJohn KuhnNathan KupusEric LearnKristin LeeRachel LicataBeth LipmanRobert LippeCyndy LosannoFrank LouvisMadeline LovelsmithKarissa LucaGillian LustenbergerTeri LymanJames MaherSherie MaltJames MalterBrian MancusoNancy MantoneChristine ManyakAllen MarakovRenee MareskiPatrick MarianiIzzy MarksGeoday MartinezJoan MasinoRyan McCloskeyDana McConekeySandra McConekeyShannon McCraySean McGuireMary McHaleAnna McLernonBrady McNamaraKristine McNamaraKaylie McNeilBailey McPhersonMichael MebenSecondino MejiaMark MeleJamie MelilloAlexandra MelnykEdenilson MenjivarGerrie MessbergerKirt MillsCheri MilosJames MilwardAnna MinakhinaStephen MirskyAllegra MitchellNorma MolyneuxEduardo MoragaFrances MoralesChristian MorrisSammy MorrisMaggie MorrisonChristian Morize

Isabelle MorizeFernando MozChristian MuiseneBrynne MurphyErin MurphyGautam NamjoshiYann NemboMichelle NoesnerJose NolascoAdrienne OrlicTim OsifchinLeah OssiBen PainterRyan PaladinoCollin PappErika PappMichael PastorPavan PatelRaj PatelMariel PeczakGrace PeraltaMarian PerezHannah PerniaSamantha PerniaBelinda PondNatalie PostAngel QuintaroKirt RaferSatish RahiKim RahnerWilfredo RamirezLouis RandriatsimialonaPooja RangarajanSameena RaoDavid RatajackChristopher RedmondJames ReillyFrederick ReiterJim RichardsonAriel RiveraBarbara RocheColleen RocheJeremy RogersMichelle RomeroIan RooneyCharles RosenBrian RuaneChristian RussoKatie RyanTommy RyanBreda Ryan-BlakeShaant SachdevaSumit SachdevaRose SalakiEmma San FilippoElmer SanchezWilliam SandersRandy SantoroAlexander SargenBarbara SarsonySandi SchafferEric SchmalzreidGail SchummFrank ScibiliaElaine SecklerJoy Selnick

Benjamin SeloverEllyn ShainCory ShairJoan ShaughnessyKatya ShchukinSamantha ShimskyErika SirabianSamantha SirabianJim SlamonRyan SmerdonBarbara SmithJean Stamey WhitmoreAnne StandleyBrian SteinerAndrew StillufsenSharon StrandskovBarbara SullivanMike Tafi lJoel TarantinoElaine TaubScott ThompsonAlexandra TimoneyBrianna TitusBridget TorciviaBeck Toro-GordonAna Sofi a TorresLuca TottongMarianne TrentStephen TsaiHenry ValenzuelaTerri ValleDominique VerlaanPatricia VerratiMegan VetterJody VillaJake VitalianoStacey VolantoEric VreelandEthan VreelandJim VreelandRyan WadleSean WalshMingian WangEsther WarnerLisa WegnerCarol WeingaertnerJoe WeissMartha WellsMike WellsColleen WhiteDiane WilkinsonGabe WilliamsNancy WilliamsNancy WillisAlex WindremSamantha WolfeSkylar YarterDennis YiAllison YinOdi YoyatilaLeslie ZarnowskiSusan ZienkiewiczJoseph ZurawskiNorm Zurawski

2019 VOLUNTEERS

14 | Somerset County Park Commission

FINANCIALS

ASSETS BALANCECurrent Fund: DECEMBER 31, 2019

Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,104,291.05Change Funds $ 8,000.00Petty Cash Funds

$ 1,112,291.05

Receivables and Other Assets with Full Reserves:Inventory $ 16,916.94

$ 1,129,207.99

Grant Fund:Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,168,161.38County Grant Accounts Receivable 6,000,000.00

$ 7,168,161.38

LIABILITIES, RESERVES, AND FUND BALANCECurrent Fund:Liabilities:

Accounts Payable $ 3,041.29Appropriation Reserves $ 462,652.00Encumbrances Payable $ 176,287.48

$ 641,980.77

Reserve for Receivables and Other Assets $ 16,916.94Fund Balance $ 470,310.28

$ 1,129,207.99

Grant Fund:Encumbrances Payable $ 1,937,037.21Reserve for County Grant Appropriated $ 5,231,124.17

Fund Balance $ 7,168,161.38

$ 8,297,369.37

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION / CURRENT FUNDBalance Sheet as of December 31, 2019Regulatory Basis

Annual Report | 15

YEAR 2019REALIZED

Miscellaneous Revenue: County $ 11,188,382.00

Other Anticipated Revenues:Green Knoll Golf Course/Pitch and Putt $ 864,065,29Neshanic Valley Golf Course $ 2,388,797.60Quail Brook Golf Course $ 1,007,891.65Spooky Brook Golf Course $ 1,040,295.72Warrenbrook Golf Course $ 660,427.00Neshanic Valley Performance/Learning Center $ 556,828.60

$ 6,518,305.86Colonial Park Paddleboats/Putting Course $ 77,763.97Colonial Park /Green Knoll Tennis Center $ 58,757.31Environmental Science $ 180,814.12Lord Stirling Stable $ 689,286.53Warrenbrook Pool $ 199,011.51Therapeutic Recreation $ 85,015.74Concessions $ 30,000.00Licenses/Leases $ 250,726.37Interest on Investments and Deposits $ 101,878.08Medical Reimbursements $ 17,430.86Miscellaneous $ 21,206.94Reservations $ 297,236.99General Capital Fund Balance $ 137,000.00Trust Fund Reserves $ 244,000.00

Other Revenues $ 8,908,434.28

Budget Totals $ 20,096,816.28Non-Budget Revenue $ 55,410.36

$ 20,152,226.64

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION / CURRENT FUNDStatement of Revenues - Statutory BasisYear Ended December 31, 2019

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN FUND BALANCE - Statutory BasisYear Ended December 31, 2019

Revenue and Other Income Realized: YEAR 2019Miscellaneous Revenue Anticipated:County of Somerset $ 11,188,382.00Other Revenues $ 8,908,434.28Miscellaneous Revenues Not Anticipated $ 55,410.36Other Credits to Income:Unexpended Balance of Appropriation Reserves $ 114,231.69Canceled Accounts Payable $ 655.00Canceled Trust Reserve $ 40,000.00County of Somerset Contribution of Pension Costs $ 1,248,704.00

Total Income $ 21,555,817.33

ExpendituresBudget Appropriations:

Operations $ 19,846,210.00Refund of Prior Year Revenues $ 200.00Employers’ Share of Pension Costs 1,248,704.00Total Expenditures $ 21,095,114.00

Excess in Revenue $ 460,703.33Fund Balance, January 1 $ 9,606.95Balance, December 31 $ 470,310.28

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Post Offi ce Box 5327North Branch NJ 08876

908 722 1200 • Fax: 908 722 6592 • www.somersetcountyparks.org