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Parks & Recreation

Black History Poster Contest

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the Black History Poster Contest. This year’s theme is Black American Superhero Characters. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be prizes for first place winners only.

  • Who: Linden students from grades K through 5.
  • What: Black History Poster Contest, this year’s theme is Black American Superhero Characters. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be prizes for first place winners only.
  • When and How: All posters must be submitted to the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) on or before February 18, 2026. The John T. Gregorio Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Posters will be judged on Thursday, February 19, 2026. First place winners from each school will be contacted. First place prizes will be available for pick up at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center with a photo taken on Thursday, February 26, 2026 between the hours of 3pm through 5pm.
    • All posters must be 9″x12″. All entries must have full name, school, teacher, grade, and parent/guardian cell phone number printed on a blank index card taped to the back.
    • The poster can be made from any drawing paper material, ie. construction paper, sketchbook paper, poster board paper, etc.
    • Any drawing material can be used on the poster: chalk, color pencils, crayons, pencils, markers, paint, etc.

Self Defense Clinic

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Department of Parks & Recreation and Optimum Human Performance are pleased to offer a seven-week Self Defense Clinic with Shihan Rasheed and assistant instructors.

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

  • Who: Linden residents only ages 5 through 17.
  • What: Seven-week Self Defense Clinic with Shihan Rasheed and assistant instructors. The Self Defense Clinic will teach martial art strikes, blocking, tumbling forward, back rolls, and various techniques.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Seven-week program. Every Monday, from January 5 through February16, 2026.
    • Youth (5 through 12 years old) – 5pm until 6pm.
    • Teens (13 through 17 years old) – 6:30pm until 7:30pm.
  • 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.

Senior Chair Yoga

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Senior Chair Yoga.

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

  • Who: For Linden Senior Residents.
  • What: Senior Chair Yoga. This program is designed to help loosen stiff joints and muscles, increasing flexibility and making daily activities easier. In addition, you will be strengthening your core muscles to be able to improve your balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Thursdays, January 8 through March 26, from 9am until 10am.
  • How: Program for Linden Senior Residents. The fee for this program will be $9 (mats will be provided). Non-members must register and pay the $6 insurance fee. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call (908) 474-8600. In-person registration is available from 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center, 330 Helen Street or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center, 1025 John Street. Online registration is available 24/7.

Project Healthy Bones

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Project Healthy Bones.

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

  • Who: For older adults.
  • What: Project Healthy Bones is an osteoporosis prevention, exercise, and education program for older adults. Balance and strength to stand tall.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Mondays, January 5, 2026 through March 23, 2026 from 10:30am until 12pm.
  • How: To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call 908-474-8600. In person registration is available 9am – 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or 9am – 7pm at the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Adult Pilates

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Adult Pilates.

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

  • Who: 21 and older.
  • What: Adult Pilates. Provides stability, mobility, and flexibility through concentrated movements. Improves postural alignment and helps correct muscular imbalances.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Tuesdays, January 6 through March 10, 2026 from 6:30pm until 7:30pm.
  • How: $50 plus $6 insurance fee. 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. For more information, call 908-474-8600.

Senior Citizen Line Dancing

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Senior Citizen Line Dancing.

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

  • Who: For Linden Senior Residents.
  • What: Senior line dancing classes. Line dancing for seniors is a fun and healthy exercise. Dancing styles incorporated into the class include salsa, ballroom, and country western.
  • When: Thursdays, January 8, 2026 through March 26, 2026 from 10:30am until 11:30am.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • How: Free program for all Linden Senior Residents. 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. If you have any questions, please call the Recreation Department at call 908-474-8600.

Kids Canvas Paint Class

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Kids Canvas Paint Class.

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

  • Who: For kids ages 5 through 12.
  • What: Kids canvas paint classes. All supplies included. The painting classes are guided with the instructor showing every step. Small color copies of the painting will be handed out to the children for reference. Background music will be available to create a more creative and tranquil atmosphere for the young artists.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: January 13, 2026 from 6pm until 7:30pm. Also on the following dates with the same time…
    • February 10, 2026
    • March 24, 2026
    • April 14, 2026
    • May 12, 2026
    • June 2, 2026
  • How: $15 fee per class. Registration is limited to one class per month. To view full class 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.

Knitting for a Cause

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Knitting for a Cause.

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

  • Who: Linden senior citizens.
  • What: Knitting and crocheting classes. A basic knowledge of knitting or crocheting is required. The club will teach you the rest! Majority of items that are created are distributed to local hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street. Location of class is Activity Room #1. at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Tuesdays, from 9:30am to 12pm starting January 6 through June 30.
  • How: Free program. To register, call 908-474-8600. Registration is required upon joining, please speak to Nancy Falkowski.

Senior Zumba Gold

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Senior Zumba Gold.

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

  • Who: For Linden Senior Residents. Participants should consult with a physician prior to participation.
  • What: Perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class. This program recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity, easy-to-follow pace. The main focus is on balance, range of motion, and coordination.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Fridays, January 9 through March 27 from 9:30am until 10:30am.
  • How: Free program. Participants should consult with a physician prior to participation. 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. If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Department at 908-474-8600.

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee present the Holiday House Decorating Contest! Let’s light up Linden with holiday spirit!

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

All homes in Linden that have their holiday lights on from December 12 to December 20 will be judged. No registration required. Winners to be announced on December 28, 2025. Winning homes will be on the City of Linden website, and pictures will be shared on Linden’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages. Gift cards will be delivered to the winning homes. Homes that have won in the past two years will not be eligible. Email here to have your home judged.