Teaneck–The Richard Rodda Community Center has survived the controversy and the budget cuts that have taken up much time on social media and many column inches for the last few weeks. In the end, the town council voted to keep the budget intact for the Rodda Center, instead cutting costs for police department, fire department, and public works projects.
They are now back to offering programs like Mad Science Camp and Camp Kindercraft for kids aged nine months to 17, along with sports, fitness and dancing classes. Adults from 18-54 can enjoy a number of activities including Zumba, golf lessons, and kickboxing. Seniors 55 and up also have a variety of choices ranging from ballroom and Latin dancing to Tai Chi.
The huge turnout at the August 12th council meeting showed, the residents of Teaneck strongly support the Rodda Center. “Recreation is important to these residents,” said Glenna Crockett, Teaneck’s superintendent of recreation. Indicating that the Rodda Center is an integral part of the Teaneck community, Crockett told JLBC that 15,000 people participate in activities at the Rodda Center each year, which comprises an astounding 90 to 95% of Teaneck.
Adults and seniors from outside communities have been able to participate in programs at the Rodda Center for an additional fee for many years. For children from other communities to be included, the town council would need to vote in favor of it.
A program that Crockett is especially proud of is Zumba, for both kids and adults, but she says that every program is popular and well-attended.
A “great thing” in the works for the recreation department is a water playground in Teaneck called a ‘splash park,’ said Crockett. This splash park may have different multicolored elements that look like flowers or animals that water shoots out of, which can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Learn more about the Richard Rodda Center here: http://www.teanecknj.gov/Richard-Rodda-Community-Center/
Sushi Kaplan is a JLBC intern, an incoming sophomore at Frisch, and a huge sports fan. Check out his sports blog at SushiOnSports.wordpress.com.
By Sushi Kaplan
