The Westwood Recreation Department is on a heartfelt mission to serve its diverse community through exceptional experiences, unique services, and special events. The programs at the Westwood Community Center celebrate everything wonderful about Westwood, particularly its beautiful local parks and vibrant residents. Recreation Director Gary Buchheister explains, “Our center allows residents and visitors to fully appreciate the town’s natural beauty.”
A Center with a Rich History
“The building itself dates back to 1896!” This historic space has served various purposes, starting as the Blauvelt Blacksmith and later becoming a grocery store in the 1930s. It was home to McLaughlin Motors during the 30s and 40s, selling Plymouth and Dodge automobiles. Following that, the building housed borough hall and later included the ambulance corps around 1961. In the 1990s, the Borough of Westwood built a new borough hall on Washington Avenue, transforming the space into what is now the Westwood Community Center.
A Center with a Purpose
At the community center, the focus has always been on serving the public. It features two large multipurpose rooms seating up to 200 people, a full-court gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, and a small meeting room for 16. The center also hosts a popular preschool and the recreation department offices. Meeting rooms and the kitchen are available for rent, making it an ideal venue for parties and events. More than just a building, it’s the people who bring it to life, creating a true heart for the community. They cater to everyone—children, adults, and seniors alike. “We sometimes have three, four, or five programs happening simultaneously. It’s fantastic,” Buchheister shares. He also notes that funding from the Bergen County Municipal Alliance enables the department to create essential programs, including drug abuse and suicide prevention initiatives.
Variety is Key
The Westwood Recreation Department offers a rich variety of programs year-round. From basketball, volleyball, and indoor soccer to pickleball, there are countless options for children. For seniors, the “Forever Young 55+ Program” provides fitness activities such as tai chi, chair yoga, and cardio fitness classes. Seniors can also engage in creative pursuits like Mahjong, writing, and fine arts. The program includes wellness seminars led by local professionals in health and nutrition.
Buchheister is especially proud of the department's special needs program, which offers a range of activities that promote engagement and skill-building in a fun, supportive environment. The center encourages independence through arts and sports programming for both children and young adults.
Summer Highlights
Summer brings a lively atmosphere to the center with its “summer playground” camp for children, employing many locals and providing a fantastic experience. Families can enjoy “Movies in the Parks” on warm evenings, as well as performances by the “Westwood Community Band.” The outdoor “Summer Concert Series” is particularly popular, attracting large crowds each year, with schedules posted in May.
Holiday Festivities
Holidays are filled with fun in Westwood, thanks to the recreation department’s wonderful offerings. Events include craft activities like pumpkin decorating, the “Halloween Parade,” and a beloved “Easter Egg Hunt” featuring over 10,000 eggs for children. November highlights include a much-anticipated day trip to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. This December, don’t miss the “Home For The Holidays” extravaganza on December 7th, featuring a sponsored parade that attracts over 15,000 attendees. This year’s theme is “Twinkle, Shine & Glow,” showcasing community floats, classic cars, live music, and, of course, the Tree Lighting in Veterans Park, complete with photos with Santa!
The Heart of the Community
The Westwood Recreation Department truly provides programs and services for everyone, infused with heart. Collaborating with local businesses and individuals, they create incredible opportunities in sports, arts, and fitness for all. “I have such a great staff that is very passionate about the programs they teach and offer,” Buchheister says. With two full-time staff, 20-30 part-time instructors, and around 50 seasonal summer staff members, the Westwood Community Center is a hub of community spirit. “We take pride in the fact that we're here for the entire community,” Buchheister emphasizes, “not just one single group. We've transformed what was once a car dealership into a true community center.”
For more information, contact:
Gary Buchheister - Recreation Director and Municipal Alliance Coordinator
Email: gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov
Website: www.westwoodnj.gov/436/Recreation
“Our center allows our residents and visitors to fully appreciate all of the town’s natural beauty.” - Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director
“We take pride in the fact that we're here for the entire community, not just one single group.” - Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director