Parks & Recreation

The Al Kalla Park Project represents a substantial investment of $2.3 million, specifically crafted to overcome the park’s previous limitations, particularly its reduced playability during inclement weather conditions. Previously, even relatively moderate weather events would frequently necessitate the suspension of activities for extended periods. To make this ambitious project a reality, the City of Linden was fortunate to secure a $2.1 million Legislative Grant from Senate President Nicholas Scutari’s office, which has been instrumental in making this transformative enhancement a possibility.

The core of this project involves the construction of a brand-new, official-sized multi-use football and soccer field. This modern facility will be fully fenced for enhanced safety and will feature protective netting on both sides to contain errant balls and ensure spectator safety. Crucially, state of the art direct lighting will be installed, enabling extended play into the evening hours and significantly increasing the field’s operational time. Click here to view a rendering of the project.

The project management responsibilities have been entrusted to Applied Landscape, a firm known for its expertise in such large-scale recreational developments. The design and engineering aspects were meticulously handled by Suburban Consultant Engineers, ensuring a robust and functional outcome.

Beyond simply providing a new playing surface, the AlKalla Park Project is expected to yield substantial benefits. It will lead to a dramatic increase in the park’s utilization, as the new infrastructure will eliminate concerns about play stoppage due to flooding. This resilience will ensure consistent availability for sporting events, practices, and community gatherings, regardless of weather fluctuations.

Barring any unforeseen work stoppages or delays, the anticipated completion date for this transformative project is set for Christmas 2025. This timely completion will offer a valuable new recreational asset to the community, enhancing local sports programs and providing a high-quality venue for athletic pursuits.

This project is the first of three phases established to rehabilitate Al Kalla Park.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, Uptown Linden Inc. and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to host 2023 Latin Festival.

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

• Who: Fun for all ages.
• What: Latin Festival, bringing the Latin Community together for one big event! Come and enjoy live music, food, vendors, the beer and mixed drink tent, DJ and Karaoke, a dance contest and more!
• Where: Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade, which is located at 400 North Wood Avenue.
• When: Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 11am until 6pm.
• How: For more information, call Mikki at 908-718-5831 or email here.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer a seven-week STEM program, hosted by Little Ivy Academy.

• Who: For ages 6 through 12 years old.
• What: STEM Program hosted by Little Ivy Academy. The STEM Program is created for elementary and middle school graders of all skill levels! The program opens the door to hands-on digital creation. This generates crafting functional plots and environments for game-play and story-telling.
• Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
• When: Monday, September 25 through November 13, from 4pm to 5:30pm.
  • No class on October 9, 2023.
• How: Free program. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call 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.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Crochet Corner. Hosted by BusyBee Crochet Corner.

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

• Who: Linden senior residents.
• What: Crochet Corner hosted by BusyBee Crochet Corner. Each participant will receive step-by-step photo instructions and one-on-one instruction as needed. Crocheting tips will be taught to make this adventure successful and fun.
• Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
• When: Tuesdays. October 3, 2023 from 1:30pm until 2:30pm.
• How: Free program for Linden senior residents. To view full class description and register online, click here. For more information, email here or call 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.

Pardon our appearance and sorry for the inconvenience. During the month of October and most of November, the gymnasium at the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (LMPC), located at 1025 John Street, will be temporarily closed for necessary renovations. The facility exercise and classrooms will remain open during this time. The City is replacing the gym floor, bleachers and safety wall padding. In addition, there will be other upgrades designed to serve our residents better. 

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Seat-ercise Chair Aerobics and Yoga. If you can sit, this is the workout for you!

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

• Who: For Linden Senior Residents.
• What: Seat-ercise Chair Aerobics and Yoga. Burn calories, build strength and increase your heart rate during Seat-ercise Chair Aerobics. Improve your flexibility, circulation, and concentration during Seat-ercise Chair Yoga. If you can sit, this workout is for you!
• Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
• When: Thursdays, from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.
  • Chair Aerobics (30min), Chair Aerobics and Yoga (60min).
  • No class on November 23, 2023.
• How: Free program for all Linden Senior Residents. 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 the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Seat-ercise Chair Aerobics. Seated fitness classes with instructor Kathy Jackson. If you can sit, this is the workout for you!

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

• Who: For Linden Senior Residents.
• What: Seated fitness classes with instructor Kathy Jackson. Burn calories, build strength and increase your heart rate in a Build A Body’s chair aerobics class executing functional exercises. If you can sit, this is the workout for you!
• Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
• When: Thursdays, from 11:30am until 12pm
  • No class on November 23, 2023.
• How: Free program for all Linden Senior Residents. 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 the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Seat-ercise Chair Aerobics and Yoga. Seated fitness classes with instructor Kathy Jackson. If you can sit, this is the workout for you!

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

• Who: For Linden Senior Residents.
• What: Seated fitness classes with instructor Kathy Jackson. Reduce stress and joint strain, all while boosting your mood in this chair yoga class. Improve your flexibility, circulation and concentration. If you can sit, this is the workout for you!
• Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
• When: Fridays, from 11:30am until 12:30pm.
  • No class on November 24, 2023.
• How: Free program for all Linden Senior Residents. 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 the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

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 Linden senior residents.
• What: An osteoporosis prevention, exercise, and education program for older adults. Balance and strength to stand tall.
• When: Mondays, September 11 through November 20, 2023 at 10am.
• Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
• 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 at the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration is available 24/7.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Fit 4 Life. Sign up today!

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

• Who: For Linden senior residents.
• What: Free program to promote a healthy lifestyle within our senior citizen community. This program includes a focus on warm-ups, balance, strength training and stretching exercises.
• When: Fridays, October 20 through December 22, 2023, from 9am until 10am.
• Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
• How: Free program for all Linden senior residents. To register or if you have questions, please call 908-474-8600.