Newark, NJ – January 5, 2012 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Tharien Karim Arnold, and Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation Executive Director Linda Watkins-Brashear announced today that the City of Newark’s Division of Recreation/ Cultural Affairs and the Newark Watershed are partnering to offer free Saturday ski trips to Newark residents aged 7 to 20 starting Saturday, January 7, 2012, and continuing to Saturday, March 10, 2012. The free day trips to the Hidden Valley Ski Club, in Verona, New Jersey, will leave from different recreation centers each Saturday at 8:30 a.m., and return back to the City of Newark by 5:30 p.m. A list of departure sites and dates is given below.

“Our Skiing Program is another wonderful recreational activity, which gives Newark youth an opportunity to expand their mental and physical horizons by learning a new sport, making new friends, and discovering their own personal excellence,” Mayor Booker said. “I urge all Newark youth to strap on their skis and join us at the slopes at Hidden Valley Ski Club.”

The program operates for two age groups: ages 7 to 14 and ages 15 to 20, teaching age-appropriate techniques and skills, in a setting that fosters cooperative peer group skiing.

Persons going on the program are required to bring gloves or mittens, and a hat. They should also wear long underwear, a turtleneck or fleece sweater, ski socks, ski pants, and a neck gaiter or muffler. They should also bring hand and foot warmers, lip balm, and sunscreen/wind block. Ski pants and jackets should be insulated and waterproof. It is recommended that all participants dress in layers.

The program is funded in large part by the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation, which is covering the costs of two additional staff members and the fees for the costs of the classes at the Hidden Valley Ski Club.

“The Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation is proud to continue its management efforts for all of the Camp Watershed programs, and we are particularly proud of those that provide our urban youth with opportunities to gain new skills and broaden their horizons,” said Executive Director Watkins-Brashear.

The program is open to Newark residents only, and they should apply two weeks in advance of a given trip to be able to get on the bus. Applicants must provide completed application forms, immunization records, and proof of residency to the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs, located at 94 William Street, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, or to any City Recreation Center. Application forms are available at all Recreation Centers and at the office of the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. Applications are also available by calling the Newark Camp Watershed Office at (973) 697-9018 or by e-mailing Camp Director Valerie James at

For more information, contact the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs at (973) 733-6454.  For information on all other City of Newark programs and policies, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:         Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at

2012 SKI TRIP SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 7                Central            JFK Center, 211 West Kinney Street

Saturday, January 14              South               St. Peter’s Center, 378 Lyons Avenue

Saturday, January 21              West                Boylan Street Center, 916 South Orange Ave.

Saturday, January 28              North               Rotunda Center, 75 Clifton Avenue

Saturday, February 4              East                 Ironbound Recreation Center, 226 Rome Street

Saturday, February 11            Central            JFK Center

Saturday, February 18            South               St. Peter’s Center

Saturday, February 25            West                Boylan Street Center

Saturday, March 3                  North               Rotunda Center

Saturday, March 10                East                 Ironbound Center