Swim Pool Utility

One of the township's most used facilities is the 18-acre Cranford Recreation Complex off Centennial Avenue. It has an indoor pool and fitness center, two baseball diamonds, a football field and a sports track. Through its Recreation and Parks Department and its Swim Pool Utility, Cranford offers a wider variety of recreational facilities and programs than the average community of its size.

Individual and family pool memberships are available to residents and, on a limited basis, to non residents. At the Memorial Park Recreation Complex, located off Centennial Avenue, there are a 25 yard indoor pool, and Olympic size outdoor pool, a diving pool, a 3-foot learner's pool, and a baby pool. Another Olympic size outdoor pool with a diving area and a baby pool are located off Orange Avenue. There is parking at both sites, and picnic tables, bath houses, and playgrounds are available.

The outdoor pools are open for 13 weeks a year, all day, seven days a week. The indoor pool is open for 49 weeks, but during the summer for planned programs and lap swimming only. The early riser can take advantage of an early swim at the indoor pool almost any weekday year-round. In non-summer months the indoor pool is open for family swimming at scheduled hours. Pool areas are always staffed by fully-certified American Red Cross lifeguards. The indoor pool/field house facility offers a baby-sitting service during non-summer months.

There is a wide range of recreational and sports programs organized by the Swim Pool Utility staff. Throughout the year, swimming lessons from Tiny Tots through Red Cross Life Saving are given for a nominal fee. Cranford residents age 65 and over may join the pools at a reduced rate, and there is a recreation and fitness program designed especially for them. In summer, a Pool Recreation Director organizes evening adult swim parties, children's story and games, day camp arts and crafts, bridge and volleyball tournaments, tennis lessons, and basketball and baseball camps. For those members interested in competitive swimming, there are winter and summer swim teams. The indoor pool offers closely supervised swim classes for the handicapped and periodically hosts events such as the Special Olympics and the Tournament of Champions,

At the Memorial Park Complex, adjacent to the indoor pool, a Field House contains racquetball courts (non-regulation), a universal gym weight room, a sauna, and a gymnasium for aerobic dance classes, basketball, kindergym, and other activities. For information about the Fitness Center and pools, call 908-272-9595.

Bicycle Paths

Cranford's Bikeway System was completed in 1978. The bike paths were constructed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation under the Federal Highway Act of 1974 with no cost to Cranford. Ten miles of Bike Route sign-designated, low-traffic streets interconnect at twelve locations with a total of 1.5 miles of specially constructed, 8-foot wide bike paths. This continuous 11.5 mile bikeway system leads to schools, mass transportation, shopping and recreational areas. Free Bikeway maps are available at the Police Department and the Community Center.

Sports

There is also an extensive offering of tennis activities including instruction for all ages, league and tournament play and open tennis for all residents. Cranford contains three lighted clay courts, five all-weather lighted courts and three all-weather courts. Little League, Cranford Baseball League, Girls Soft Ball League, Police Athletic League, Pop Warner Football, and the Soccer Club are among the programs available for Cranford youth. Teams are supported by businesses, public subscriptions, and funds raised by parent groups.

Other Recreational Opportunities