The Cranford Community Center

 

            It is during a week of dangerously hot and humid weather that we can be reminded of how very, very lucky we are to have a resource such as the Cranford Community Center.  While children in other communities are wearing out their thumbs playing video games, and wearing out their parents with complaints of boredom, Cranford kids can still attend playground camp, (normally held on the various town playgrounds, but moved indoors on inclement weather days), be with friends, watch movies, play table games, and get in some physical activity on the basketball court.  And this “luck” is not confined to the putridly hot days of summer.  In the winter, and, in fact, all year round, kids can, and do, walk to the Cranford Public Library to do homework together, and, when finished, walk through the connecting door to the adjacent “Rec Center” to enjoy supervised play and social time with their peers.  Parents never have to worry about their kids having nothing to do, or not being watched.  That basketball court has seen a gazillion sneakers on it in the last few years, the lounge area with the TV is a favorite spot for teens and tweens, and who doesn’t love a game room with, among other things, an air hockey table?  There is Teen Time, and even community dances.  Recently, the foyer was prominently featured on the Channel 7 Eyewitness News, when Cranford teens, under the supervision of the Cranford Teen Advisory Board, were entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for creating the world’s largest pyramid constructed of canned food, which was subsequently donated to those in need.  http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local/new_jersey&id=9095379

Honestly, that Rec Center has noooooooo shortage of youthful users!

And the facility is certainly not just for the young.  There is a constant stream of movies, lectures, presentations, and even concerts held there, most free of charge, to entertain the community and expand their horizons.  Classes on just about anything and everything are offered here, to learners of all ages.  Senior programs are held here, as well.  With a theater room for movies and presentations, and empty upstairs rooms for use by residents (free for many groups, a small fee for individual or party use), and a large gathering room on the first floor, this facility can fulfill just about any need.  Large groups or small, meetings to a chld’s birthday party . . . . it’s the perfect venue for all needs.

Residents can stop in at any time to the main desk of the Cranford Community Center for information on programs available.  Or, better yet, they can check out upcoming events at www.Cranford.com.  Residents need only show proof of residency to take advantage of the myriad of things offered here.  And there is SO much offered!  Truly, everyone can and should take advantage of this fabulous resource right in the center of town.