Monday, August 18, 2014

West Orange Roundup: Tutor Time, New Playground, STOP for Nikhil


A new playground opened in West Orange on August 14. The playground is located next to the Orange Reservoir at the South Mountain Recreation Complex on Cherry Lane. Construction of the playground was completed in approximately two months. 

“The natural beauty of the reservation, the walkway around the reservoir, paddle boating and picnic pavilion have attracted people from all walks of life to our South Mountain Recreation Complex", said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. "The new playground promotes physical fitness and provides a free activity for children to enjoy when they visit. It complements our other attractions and maximizes the usage and enjoyment of this magnificent open space". 

The playground is located next to the picnic pavilion and reservoir walkway, and features 24 pieces of play equipment. 

A new learning center will open soon in West Orange. Tutor Time of Livingston owner Stephanie Gargiulo told Essex County Place that her Tutor Time franchise is scheduled to move from South Orange Avenue in Livingston to Northfield Avenue in West Orange in the fall. Tutor Time will be located in the former Ekko Restaurant at 491 Northfield Avenue, which is currently being renovated. "It is closer for a lot of our families", said Gargiulo, who added that the South Mountain Bus Park and Ride is just down Northfield Avenue from the new location. Tutor Time will offer child care, preschool, private kindergarten, and summer camp programs. The location will be one of five Tutor Time centers in New Jersey. 

The fourth annual STOP for Nikhil Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, September 21 at West Orange High School. The course will run through a residential neighborhood near the school. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners in each age group, as well as to team captains who either raised the most funds or had the most team members. There will also be a kids run and activities for those 8 and under. The run will raise money for the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, whose goal is to promote traffic safety and help children pursue music and academics. The foundation was created to honor Nikhil Badlani, who was an 11 year old Edison Middle School student when he died in a car accident in South Orange. Those interested in participating can register here

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