Piscataway was recently awarded the great distinction of being ranked 23 in a list of Best Places to Live in America. This list was compiled by Money magazine. The distinction is due to the Town Council and Mayor recognizing the importance of providing quality services, along with special programs to all Piscataway residents.
Residents may assume that all towns provide the same services and programs that Piscataway does. That is far from true. The services and programs provided here in town are offered to make life a little easier and also to provide programs and recreational sports to all residents, especially those that may otherwise not get the opportunity to experience or enjoy them.
Infrastructure Repairs
Maintaining the town's infrastructure is a service that Mayor Wahler feels strongly about. What may seem mundane to some is extremely important to him. Mayor Wahler understands that potholes are not just unsightly, they are potential hazards. For this reason, the town maintains a list of street repairs. These repairs range from filling potholes to completely resurfacing a street. One particular street in town was widened to provide adequate room for emergency vehicles to respond to the residents on that street. The safety of the residents on this street was greatly improved with this widening. Now emergency vehicles are not impeded by the road width.
Community Setting
Pocket parks have been created in various areas around town. These parks create the feeling of a small town. Sit outside Westergard Library, reading or just watching the day go by and you will feel like Piscataway is small when in fact it is quite large spanning 19.1 miles, with over 50,000 residents.
Attend a free concert on a summer evening at Columbus Park and you will most likely run into friends, neighbors or casual acquaintances. You may not have seen these friends if this park had not been improved and if the gazebo area wasn't designed with the forethought of what the park could provide its residents. The park is such a beautiful setting, that many married couples have their wedding pictures taken there.
If you are considering hosting a reunion or large event the town has two parks that may be reserved. There is a fee for the use of the park for your private event, but each park offers a wonderful setting. The two parks are Riverside and Possumtown. Sports equipment, such as, Horseshoes, Frisbees, Softball and Wiffle Ball and even a tug-of-war rope are available. A $25.00 cash deposit is required. The deposit is refunded once the equipment is returned.
Trash & Recycling
Any resident that feels that they have accumulated too many items in their home that are no longer used or needed, will definitely appreciate the curbside bulk trash service that is provided free of charge by the town. Each resident is permitted two trash pickups during a calendar year. This type of service is for large bulk items that are difficult to bring to the Township Recycling/Mini-Dump Center.
In the fall anyone who has trees on their property knows the amount of work it takes to rake and bag the leaves that seem to fall at an endless rate. The town provides bio-degradable bags for the leaves. They also provide free removal of the bags. The town begins the leaf pickups in October and end usually in late December.
At Christmas time, those who purchase real Christmas trees should bring their tree to the closest firehouse in their area. The town will then dispose of the trees.
The Recycling/Mini Dump Center is open most days of the week. The center is available for residents to bring their recycling items if they choose. It also is available for disposing non-recyclable items such as: bagged brush, lumber, household debris, carpeting, and furniture.
Senior Programs
Piscataway offers numerous programs for the seniors in town. The Senior Center is a great place for seniors to gather, take classes, and enjoy all the various programs offered at the Center. For exercise, the center has many classes, such as - Tai Chi, Video Fitness, Yoga and Qi-Gong classes.
For entertainment there are trips to Atlantic City, Ballroom Dancing, Tea Parties, Garden Clubs, Karaoke and much more. During the various holidays, the center holds parties to celebrate the season.
The Center also looks after the health of the seniors who reside in Piscataway. There are monthly blood pressure checks for those who wish to participate. Flu vaccinations are offered. Wellness clinics are held at various times during the year. These clinics cover topics that relate to senior living.
The Senior Center is run by the Township under the Office on Aging. There is no fee required to become a member. The only restrictions are that you must be at least 60 years of age and reside in Piscataway. Members are provided transportation if they are unable to drive themselves to the Center.
Piscataway Township also provides seniors with affordable independent living facilities. Sterling Village is a 150 unit apartment complex for seniors 62 years and older. The complex is intended for seniors who need an affordable place to live where they can lead a happy, independent lifestyle.
Recreation Programs
For the athletes in town, Piscataway's Recreation Department provides a comprehensive recreation and sports program for all residents of all ages and gender. Every youth program is offered free of charge. Free youth programs are what set Piscataway apart from other towns in New Jersey. It allows the programs to be totally inclusive - no one is denied participation. This was an important point that the Sports Illustrated judges considered when they decided that Piscataway should be New Jersey's Sportstown USA.
Entertainment
Each year Piscataway holds a Street Fair on the front lawn of the municipal building. Local vendors and crafts people are welcome to display their items. This is just another way that the Township creates a small town feeling.
Parades are just like apple pie - they are an American tradition. Every Memorial Day, the town holds a parade that begins at Arbor Firehouse and ends at the American Legion. Residents line the parade route waving flags and cheering for those who participate. One highlight of the parade is the group of veterans that march each year. There is nothing that says "Proud to be an American," then honoring those that have served to protect our country.
On the 4th of July there is a spirited parade in the Lake Nelson section of town. Children and adults dress in red, white and blue. Bikes and strollers are decorated to celebrate the holiday. To finish the day off, there is a fireworks display held in and around the high school. There is nothing better than watching colorful, booming fireworks. Mayor Wahler gets the credit for improving the fireworks display each year. He begins planning for the next year's event on July 5th. The town also needs to thank the local businesses who fund this great event each year.
During the Christmas and Chanukah season, the Christmas tree in front of the municipal building is lit. A ceremony is held that involves the Piscataway High School choir singing Christmas carols and Santa making an appearance. A menorah is displayed on the Municipal lawn, during Chanukah, which is lit each night during the eight days of observance.
The Recreation Department also runs Theater Trips. For those residents who would love to see a play in New York, but don't want the hassle of driving and parking in the city, the town provides a bus trip several times a year to various plays in the city. The cost varies for each trip.
These programs and services are offered by the town to provide the residents options to participate in whatever activity they are interested in. Some programs are free; all youth programs are definitely free. Others programs are provided for a fee, but without the organization of these programs the residents would be missing out on the opportunity to enjoy various forms of entertainment and recreation. If you are a parent, with children participating in any one of the sports offered, you know the community feeling you get sitting amongst the other parents cheering your child on to do his or her best. As a parent you can't help but smile when you see your child feel that sense of accomplishment when they learn the fundamentals of a new sport and the feeling of being part of a team! These are lessons that will stay with your child throughout their adult life.
The Town Council and Mayor will continue to support the special programs offered to all Piscataway residents. From the youth to the seniors, Piscataway's Mayor and Town Council know how important these special services are and how they help to promote a healthy, safe lifestyle.
