Future Of Recreation Center Questioned In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — A proposal to rethink how Cranford’s recreation center operates — including turning it into a full-scale summer day camp — was raised during a recent Township Committee meeting as officials continue reviewing the facility’s performance and future use.

During the June 22 Township Committee meeting, resident Rita LaBruto brought forward concerns about the township-owned recreation facility at 375 Centennial Avenue, pointing to the level of public investment in the site and how it is being used.

LaBruto said the township has invested about $2.5 million in improvements to the property, not including the cost of acquiring it. She also raised questions about reported revenue tied to the facility’s operations, including limited income from open gym programs earlier this year.

Beyond the financial discussion, LaBruto offered an alternative direction for the space. She suggested combining programming at the recreation center with nearby facilities, including the Centennial Avenue Pool, to create a structured, full-day summer camp for local children.

Under her proposal, the program could run during working hours throughout the summer and serve families looking for consistent childcare options. She also said a program of that type could build on earlier township youth programming models and potentially create seasonal job opportunities for local teens as counselors.

“If you took 375 Centennial plus the Centennial Avenue Pool and created a full-day summer camp, it could serve working parents and provide a steady program for kids throughout the summer,” LaBruto said.

Township Commissioner Terrance Curren responded during the meeting, acknowledging the concerns raised about how the facility is being utilized and the broader question of generating more activity at the site.

“I agree that we need to look at how we generate more revenue and make better use of 375 Centennial,” Curren said.

The discussion did not include any formal decisions on changes to the facility, but officials indicated the topic will continue to be reviewed as part of ongoing conversations about recreation programming and township assets.

For now, the recreation center remains in operation as the township evaluates future options for the space.