Oakland Recreation Counts It's Blessing from 2020
Although it doesn’t need to be said, everyone knows what we all went through in 2020. One of the biggest sources of pride this year was that Oakland Recreation ran most of their programs, allowed our youth to leave the confines of their home, enjoy some outdoor activity and did so SAFELY.
In the spring, neighboring towns and recreation programs across New Jersey were cancelling their youth activities. Oakland did not act rash, rather delayed all their spring programs. By June Oakland Recreation began their baseball, softball and lacrosse sports. To the surprise of many, Oakland also started their summer camp program, and ran it for 5 weeks. The same for the fall programs; football, cheerleading and soccer all returned. This winter the roller hockey program has set new records for registration and we are all hoping the state allows for the return of indoor basketball and wrestling.
When other town recreation directors were calling Oakland’s commissioners and asking “how are you running these programs?”, the Commission unwavering answered that it was due to the hard work and diligent dedication of our coaches, directors and parents. Unlike most other towns, Oakland is run 100% by volunteer efforts. In June when it was announced that the commission would be holding a zoom meeting to discuss the opening of the programs there were over 90 participants on the call and everyone with a question was given time to ask. Running grass-roots programs such as Oakland truly allows for a “program by and for the people”. The people of Oakland wanted some semblance of normalcy for their children, and were willing to roll up their sleeves, follow the safety guidelines and create programs that allowed recreation to open.
As we count our blessings from this difficult year, the Recreation Commission wants to thank all those that donated their time, efforts and support to the recreation programs and to Oakland’s youth. It has been a trying year, but what we all accomplished together demonstrates the triumph of spirit that makes us Oakland Strong!
Photo Credit: Caron McCormick