So Many Options

Union is blessed with public and private facilities that cater to the recreation needs of the community, and the options will satisfy the sports and leisure preferences of the entire family.

Union’s recreation department facilities include 23 playgrounds, 14 tennis courts (eight of which are lighted for night play), 10 softball fields (three of which are lighted for night play), two picnic grounds, two roller hockey facilities, 19 tot lots and two bocce courts.

The area also has magnificent golf courses. Galloping Hill (27 holes), a public course operated by Union County, routinely challenges the area’s best golfers, while Suburban Golf Club (18 holes) offers its members and guests the beauty and challenge of a championship course. During the off-season, Galloping Hill is home to sledding, cross-country skiing and ice-skating. The Shackamaxon Golf & Country Club located in nearby Scotch Plains is also a member of our Chamber. A private golf driving range — with bunker practice and a miniature golf course — is also located in the Township of Union.

There are numerous activities available at the Watchung Reservation, including parks, Union County’s Watchung Stables (with bridle paths, lessons and rentals) and the well-known Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park — a historical park and home to Union County’s Operation Archeology.

The Trailside Nature & Science Center features exhibits on reptiles, geology and the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. The facility also features floor to ceiling windows to view Trailside’s bird feeding station, the Natural History Gift Shop and an auditorium. Exhibits at the Natural History Museum include the Mammals of the Watchung Reservation and Birds of the Watchung Reservation. There is a Discovery Room for young children, featuring hands-on exhibits and live animals in the summer months.

Private facilities in Union include the YMCA of Eastern Union County on Tucker Avenue, Image 2000/Planet Fitness, the Boys and Girls Club (with an Olympic pool, gym, game room, sauna and fitness center), batting cages and the Union Sports Arena, featuring an ice hockey rink.

The Meadowlands complex — home to two NFL football teams, professional soccer and hockey and NBA basketball — is a mere 20-minute drive from Union. The complex also includes the Meadowlands Race Track for horse racing at its best.