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Author: City of Linden

Message to the Community from Linden Police Chief Hart

Over the past several days our community has been ravaged by three separate shooting incidents. While these recent incidents have been isolated to one or two areas of our city, this violent crime is a problem for all of us. There have been 14 confirmed shooting incidents to date this year, and while that is down from the highs that we saw just a few years ago, it is still unacceptable in every possible sense.

I want to assure the members of our community that this is our number one priority; nothing that we do is more essential than protecting our community from violent crime. Detectives have been working around the clock to identify those responsible for this senseless violence, and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners at all levels to identify any potential links to criminal activity across the county and state.

People have a right to feel safe and secure in their homes and in their neighborhoods. Recent events have, understandably, had a devastating impact on our sense of security, and we recognize that in addition to stopping these crimes we also have an obligation to restore the feelings of safety that our residents deserve.

In response to these events we have deployed additional personnel, and residents can expect to see saturation patrols in designated areas. In addition, we have deployed a street crimes interdiction unit specifically focused on deterring this kind of violent crime. They will be on our streets every single day for as long as they are needed to reverse these trends.

Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that results in an indictment and conviction in these shootings. Tips can be submitted anonymously by phone 24-hours a day at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online.

Despite these steps, and whatever other steps we may take, we cannot solve this problem alone. I urge each and every member of our community to come forward and cooperate with our investigations; if you see something, say something. If something looks off, say something. If you know information about criminal activity, say something. Through partnership, we can stop this trend and restore the community that we want and deserve.

Father’s Day Tournament

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks and Recreation presented a Father-son/Parent-child basketball tournament on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023 at Wilson Park.

Fathers and guardians were partnered with sons and/or nephews and other young men (grades ranging from 5th to 8th grade) to compete for the grand prize trophy in each division.

The day’s event was filled with fun, fellowship, competitiveness, and lots of loving and expressive moments, as depicted in the photos below. Thank you to all of the families and community residents that participated and supported our first annual Father-son/Parent child basketball tournament. The event was a huge success, and families are already looking forward to next year’s Father’s Day competition.

  • Click here to view the photo gallery from the event.
  • Click here to view the photos from the event on Google Drive.

Father’s Day Tournament

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks and Recreation presented a Father-son/Parent-child basketball tournament on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023 at Wilson Park.

Fathers and guardians were partnered with sons and/or nephews and other young men (grades ranging from 5th to 8th grade) to compete for the grand prize trophy in each division.

The day’s event was filled with fun, fellowship, competitiveness, and lots of loving and expressive moments, as depicted in the photos below. Thank you to all of the families and community residents that participated and supported our first annual Father-son/Parent child basketball tournament. The event was a huge success, and families are already looking forward to next year’s Father’s Day competition.

Click here to view the photos from the event on Google Drive.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Board of Health and the Linden Public Library, in partnership with the County of Union are providing a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome.

  • What: Covid-19 vaccinations and Covid-19 Bivalent vaccinations.
  • When: Monday, March 26, 2023 from 6:30pm until 8:15pm.
  • Where: Linden Public Library, which is located at 31 East Henry Street.
  • How: No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome. With questions or concerns, please contact the Linden Health Department at 908-4740-8409.
  • Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

Summer Tennis Lessons

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and USTA Certified Pro tennis instructor Tony Labonte are pleased to present Summer Tennis Lessons. Youth and Adult sessions will be offered.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Ages 5 and up.
  • What: Summer tennis lessons with games, contests and prizes! Classes will run for six (6) weeks. The classes are designated by age range. Click here to view program flyer detailing class times for various age groups. Loaner racquets provided.
  • Where: Wilson Park, which is located at 1113 Summit Terrace.
  • When:
    • Tuesday classes: July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8 and 15.
    • Saturday classes: July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 and 12.
    • Click here to view program flyer detailing class times for various age groups.
  • How: Youth Session is $75. Adult Session is $85. Additional $10 fee for non-residents. Loaner racquets provided. To view full program description and register online, click here. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. All first time registrants are required to call during business hours to have an account set up. For more information, email us here, or call 908-474-8600. The following original documents are required for first-time registrants:
    • Parent ID (i.e. Drivers License).
    • Proof of Residency (i.e. utility bill).
    • Birth Certificate of child.

2023 Linden Tigers – Summer Baseball Camp

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer the 2023 Linden Tigers – Summer Baseball Camp.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program

  • Who: For boys ages 5 through 14.
  • What: Baseball Camp for boys, with instructors Brandon Czajikowski (LHS Varsity Baseball Head Coach), Frank Hasenauer (LHS Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach) and the Linden High School Varsity Baseball Players.
  • Where: Memorial Field (next to the P.A.L. Fields), which is located at 46 Lower Road.
  • When: 8:30am until 1pm, from July 10 through July 12.
    • Rain date: Thursday, July 13.
  • How: Registration fee is $30 per person. To view full program description and register online, click here. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street), or at the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. Community Center Building is the only center to accept exact cash. Make checks payable to: Linden Recreation Baseball. All first time registrants are required to call during business hours to have an account set up. For more information, call 908-474-8600 or email here.
  • What to bring to camp: Water, baseball glove, baseball bat, baseball cleats, hat, lunch, sunscreen, and shorts and towel for slip-N-slide

2023 John T. Gregorio Basketball Camp

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer the 2023 John T. Gregorio Basketball Camp.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer and permission slip for the 2023 John T. Gregorio Basketball Camp.

  • Who: For 3rd through 8th grade, Linden residents only.
  • What: Basketball Camp. Campers with learn basketball fundamentals, ball handling skills, footwork techniques, rebounding, shooting skills, dribbling skills, and offensive and defensive strategies.
  • Where: Linden High School Gymnasium, which is located at 121 West St. Georges Avenue.
  • When: June 26 through June 29.
    • Monday through Wednesday – 9am until 2pm (bring lunch).
    • Thursday – 9am until 12pm.
  • How: Free program, registration required. Registration deadline is June 23, 2023. To view full program description and register online, click here. Please return the permission slip with your child on the first day of camp. Bring lunch for camp dates June 26 through June 28. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street), or at the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. All first time registrants are required to call during business hours to have an account set up. For more information, call 908-474-8600 or email here.

Mixed Martial Arts

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Mixed Martial Arts, a six week youth program.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Ages 5 through 17. Classes are grouped by age range, ages 5 through 10, and ages 11 through 17.
  • What: Mixed Martial Arts, an effective form of self defense. Marital Arts is an art form that tests not only physical strength and endurance, but mental perseverance, determination and patience. This is all through a positive attitude, discipline, and respect towards others and ourselves.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Six week program. Every Wednesday from July 12 through August 16.
    • Ages 5 through 10, from 5:45pm until 7pm.
    • Ages 11 through 17, from 7pm until 8:15pm.
  • How: Program cost is $50. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, call the Department of Parks & Recreation at 908-474-8600 or 908-474-8639. In-person registration is available 9am – 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street), or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Summer XC – Track Conditioning Program

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer the Summer XC/Track Conditioning Program.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for Summer XC/Track Conditioning Program.

  • Who: Open to all incoming Linden High School students, freshman through seniors.
  • What: Summer XC/Track Conditioning Program. The focus of this program is to begin conditioning for the upcoming athletic year. There will be a docus on drills, stretches, training and running. Be sure to bring sneakers, athletic clothing and water!
  • When: 8am until 10am, Monday through Thursday (weather permitting) from July 12 through July 31.
  • Where: Linden Field House at Tiger Stadium, which is located at 700 West Curtis Street.
  • How: To view full program description and register online, click here. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street), or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. All first time registrants are required to call during business hours to have an account set up. For more information, call 908-474-8600.