11-28-2023 6:21pm

Community Spotlight: Manville Recreation in Somerset County

Donnella Tilery Editor

Elf on the Shelf and the Grinch with Friends at the Manville Library with Santa's Mailbox

Manville, located in Somerset County, is a fast-growing, diverse community with a Main Street that is gradually becoming a center for retail, shops, and restaurants. Recreation in Manville contributes to growth by offering events and programming for all ages. Several well-attended events have created buzz and positive engagement, making Manville a great place for future events. Raritan Neighbors NJ took a few moments to hear more about Manville Recreation from Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director about the history of the recreation and what's next for the town and the team of Manville Recreation

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: Tell us a little about Manville Recreation - the history and how it began.

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: Manville Recreation started as a Commission in 1954 with little funding and mostly volunteers running all programs and activities. In 2008, our Mayor and Council voted to replace it with a Manville Recreation Department & Committee. The Department currently consists of myself (full-time Recreation Director) and Kim Monto (full-time Sports Coordinator). We also have a part-time Recreation Assistant who comes in the afternoons. Along with the employees, our Department is lucky to partner with our Recreation Committee. There are 9 energetic and dedicated volunteers who are appointed by our Mayor. Our mission is to provide programs for all residents (10,000+) in town.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: You came up with some great events for Manville residents - can you share some of the feedback you received from residents?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: Thank you for the compliment! We are very excited to be able to provide Manville with the programs, events, and contests that we have. The response has been very positive. I believe people are very appreciative of what we do and know that we are willing to listen to ideas and suggestions on ways to improve or expand the ideas that we come up with. I recently met with two residents who have a great idea on how to expand our Halloween events for next year and I’m very excited to work with them to see if we can make it happen.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What have been a couple of challenges of running a recreation for the community since the pandemic and how have you overcome it?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: One of the biggest challenges that we have seen since the pandemic is the turnout of people taking advantage of our programs, especially kids. While it is improving, it has been hard to get people out of their homes to participate. One of the ideas we had to get people excited about our programs was to start a marketing campaign on social media to promote the current activities. We are currently in a Grinch / Elf on the Shelf campaign to promote all of our holiday activities.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What are you planning for the holidays and how can vendors get involved?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: We have a LOT happening right now in town for the holidays! We just had our 1st Annual Turkey Bowl on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and now we are getting ready for our annual Letters to Santa & Soldiers on November 30 and the Tree Lighting on December 1. Our final event of the season is Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9. We also have two contests running through December 6 – a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest and a Mischievous Elf Photo Shoot. Residents will have a chance to vote on their favorites and choose the winner at our Breakfast with Santa. We always welcome vendors to participate as much as possible – whether it's with sponsorship, volunteering, or taking part in one of our events. They should contact us directly @ (908) 725-9478 Ext 121 or recinfo@manvillenj.org.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What do you enjoy most about running Recreation with your team and local partners?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: My favorite part of my job is getting to work with some really great people – whether they are residents or people who work in town. Manville is a small town, and we have a lot of amazing and dedicated people who care and want to help make it the best it can be.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What's next for recreation for the holiday season and into 2024?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: We are already excited about 2024 and are hoping to bring a couple of new events with a possible Street Fair and Halloween Parade. Maybe a new friend for the Grinch in the 2024 holiday season too!

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: What would you want people to know about Manville Recreation?

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: The one thing I would want people to know about Manville Recreation is that our door is always open, and we are here for the residents and want to hear from them - I consider us to be a constant work in progress and willing to amend / change as needed for what best suits Manville.

Donnella, Raritan Neighbors NJ Editor: What do you enjoy most about living and working in Somerset County?

Stephanie Cornelson, Recreation Director: As a resident and employee of the Borough of Manville my favorite thing about this town and Somerset County is again the people. I have made lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing people of all ages!