Recreation Commission

The Recreation Commission is responsible for maintaining, improving and controlling the use of all public playing fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, and associated buildings. 

The Recreation Commission creates and manages various educational, sports, and fitness programs as well as town events such as concerts in the park, parades and the tree lighting.  We work in conjunction with our partners: BH Board of Education, BHPAL, BHYSC and other local sports organizations.

Meetings

  • 7:30 p.m.
  • Via Zoom or Lower Level Municipal Building

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings.
Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Ed Gallitelli, Chairperson
    Term expires: December 31, 2026
  • Bill Faxon, PAL Representative
    Term expires: December 31, 2024
  • Debra Varnerin
  •  Term Expires: 12/31/27
  • Mark Dahn
    Term expires: December 31, 2026
  • Christine Geertsma
    Term expires: December 31, 2025
  • Rebecca Acheson
    Term expires: December 31, 2024
  • Sean McDonnell
    Term expires: December 31, 2023

Apply to Become a Recreation Commission Volunteer

Submit an application to become a volunteer on the Recreation Commission.

The Township welcomes and encourages residents who have specific experience applicable to each Committee, Board and Commission to apply for available positions. Please note that there are only a few volunteer opportunities available each year as there are staggered terms for members of each Committee, Board and Commission. However, many committees are always in need of extra volunteers for various events throughout the year.

Volunteer Application

Board Overview

The Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission was formed on May 1, 1957. The responsibilities and duties within the recreation commission shall be defined as follows:

  • A recreation commission facilities supervisor will be responsible for maintaining, improving and controlling the use of the following:
    • All public playing fields within the township, including grass areas and children’s playgrounds and grassed areas in the immediate proximity and normally frequented by playing field users or spectators
    • All public tennis courts constructed and operated by the township
    • All public ice rinks constructed and operated by the township
    • All appurtenances, sheds, restrooms, out-buildings, fences, bleachers, lights, parking areas, water fountains, etc, associated with the items listed in subsections (A)(1) through (3)
    • The recreation commission building and grounds
    • The community center building and grounds
  • With regard to the playing fields on board of education property, the facilities supervisor shall coordinate with the secretary of the board of education to assure that the playing fields are maintained and kept in a playable condition
  • The facilities Supervisor will be responsible for maintenance and storage of equipment utilized in meeting his or her responsibilities.
  • Those public buildings and grounds not specifically itemized above remain the responsibility of the Department of Public Works.
  • The recreation commission shall establish a special events subcommittee. The recreation director and at least one member of the recreation commission shall be members of the special events subcommittee. The subcommittee shall administer the special events activities trust fund and the bandstand improve fund

The board shall have full control over all lands, playgrounds, and recreation places acquired or leased under the provisions of NJ.R.S. 40:12-1 to 40:12-9 and may adopt suitable rules, regulations and bylaws for all use thereof and the conduct all persons while on or using the same, and any person who shall violate any such rules, regulations or bylaws shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person.

(Ordinance Number 2-2010, and 2, March 9, 2010)