There is an old maxim that Central Park is New York’s backyard, mostly due to the fact that so many people live in apartments and lack the resources for a real backyard. Well, after moving to the Teaneck Apartments, I can now proudly say that for me, Votee Park is Teaneck’s backyard. A visit to Votee Park, which lies between Palisade Avenue and Queen Anne Road. will offer you dozens of activities for all your outdoor needs.
Let’s start our journey on one end of the park by Court Street, walking through the grounds to the other end by Colonial Court. Upon entering the park, one glaring sight never fails to cause my mouth to drool: an ice cream truck. With the exception of chocolate treats, I love all frozen treats, so I frequently purchase vanilla soft serve (when kosher), Spongebob bubblegum ice pop, or a strawberry shortcake bar. The jingle of the truck never fails to call and hypnotize me, resulting in a purchase of at least a snack or two. To counteract this musical tone temptation, I can frequently be found wearing headphones when at the park.
Once past the ice cream trucks, first looms a gigantic playground set, stretching over 75 feet. Dozens of slides, games such as tic-tac-toe, monkey bars, mini-rock walls, and fun bridges to run across are in this vicinity, as well as several swing sets, including infant-accessible swings. The ground is padded with poured rubber to protect children from injury in case of an accident. With all of these different possible activities, it is truly a child’s dream play area.
Next to the playground are cute picnic tables for sitting. There are two sections of tables: a shaded section and an open section. Depending on the weather, each of the options has its own advantages. When the weather is pleasant, I enjoy taking to-go food from one of the many delicious nearby local restaurants and carrying it to Votee to enjoy my meal in the fresh air. There are more picnic tables deeper into the woodsy area of the park as well.
Behind the tables is an epic splash pad for toddlers. The splash area has dozens of colorful sprinklers spurting cool water to combat the summer heat. The tallest water contraption looks like the top of a castle, with a plastic flag waving in the air. Underneath the flag is a red bucket that has a hose filling it up with water; once it reaches maximum capacity, it tips over, soaking all its victims below!
On the right of the splash pad are two basketball courts that are open to the public. During the afternoon, there are often available spots on which to join a pickup game or even claim one-half of the court to play with friends. At night, it generally gets pretty crowded, so you may have to wait in line to join a game. The general rule is that the winning team stays on, while the losers have to wait at the back of the line again. Bleachers on the sides of the courts make it comfortable and fun for adoring fans to cheer on the competitors.
Votee Park also has an above-ground pool that is open to Teaneck residents. Originally, I grew up in Bergenfield, so I did not qualify to register for membership. Now that I live in the Teaneck Apartments, however, I enrolled this summer by visiting the Rodda Community Center which is next to Votee on Colonial Court, to join. I arrived after work at 5 p.m., only to see that the office had been closed for an hour, as the hours are between 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. I returned the next morning, paid the $30 membership fee, and got my Votee Pool ID.
My ideal time to go swimming is during adult swimming, which occurs three times daily between 11-11:30 a.m. (except on Fridays), 1:30-1:45 p.m., and 5:30-6 p.m. I usually go during the evening shift. I love the pool, which is not heated but is warmed nicely by the summer sun. At first, when I jump in, it feels a little cold, but after swimming a lap, I find the water refreshing. The deep area only goes up to 5 feet deep and much of the pool is shallow, making it an ideal spot for kids. There is grass alongside the pool, perfect for laying out towels and enjoying the free tanning salon offered by the sun’s rays.
Beyond the pool are four full tennis courts. Additionally, nearby are four separate baseball fields where the Teaneck Baseball Organization and TABC baseball and softball games are played in the spring. In the summer, the field is generally open for anyone to use. When I was a student at TABC, I worked at the canteen set up by one of the fields, selling ice cream, ices, pretzels, hot dogs, egg rolls, and candy. There are also pleasant, grassy areas on which to roll out a picnic blanket for a date or family outing.
In terms of recent renovations, beyond the baseball field is a brand new football field surrounded by a cement track. The football field looks like a mini-professional stadium with its stunning stone entrance and shiny metal gate. Giant bleachers are also set up for audience members to watch the meets being played. In the fall, the YU Soccer Team plays several matches there.
There is also a nearby field house with clean, modern bathrooms. Next to the tennis courts is an updated fitness area with dozens of workout machines.
Finally, at the end of the park by Colonial Court stands a second full playground. The major perks of this area are that there are a lot of available parking spots outside the Rodda Center, and it is often much less crowded due to it being at the less-used end of the park.
Personally, as much as I utilize all of the different services at the park, my favorite component of Votee is the 1.2-mile loop around the park. As a former member of both the TABC Track and YU Cross Country teams, I have used the track as a training area for my races and have run nearly 1,000 miles around it. (I can only name a handful of people who have possibly run more than I have: Ironman athlete David Roher might be one—see page 110.) Currently, as the coach of the TABC Track team, on Fridays I bring the runners for practice at Votee. Feel free to cheer us on if you see us! The circuit offers a great run on a mostly flat course with gorgeous scenery, including parts in the woods and segments passing the park’s different amenities.
On Tuesday nights this summer, during the first three weeks of August, the park is scheduled for movie nights under the stars, free of charge! This past week featured “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (2021)’ next Tuesday will feature “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021) starring Lebron James, and finally “Encanto” (2021) is scheduled for August 23. All three are rated PG. There will also be free popcorn handed out with kosher options upon request (according to the Rodda Center office). There are rain dates scheduled two days later in case of bad weather.
Often, special events are scheduled at the park, such as past performances of Shakespeare in the Park. This summer, on Wednesdays in July, concerts were performed each week by various musicians (see Jersey Family Fun’s website for more information). Recently, in the first week of August, a carnival was set up to help fundraise for the Teaneck Police Department, which had inflatables, VR machines, and even pony rides! On September 11, there will be a New Jersey Friendship Walk to raise money for Friendship Circle, an organization that pairs Jewish high school student volunteers to hang out and play alongside children with special needs. Be sure to always keep your eyes open for these types of events.
Overall, I am so thankful to have such a fantastic park nearby that is full of fun sports, beautiful Teaneck scenery, and opportunities for entertainment and charity events. I hope to continue visiting Votee and strongly encourage you to make the park part of your and your family’s everyday lives.
Admission: Pool: $30 for adults for new badges; $25 for adults renewing their badges; $15 for children ages 5-17 for new badges; $10 for children renewing their badges. Movie Under the Stars: FREE
Pool Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Unique Feature: Incredible park right by all of the kosher restaurants in Teaneck
Address: Palisade Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Zachary Greenberg is a health and benefits consultant analyst at Mercer and the TABC track coach. This past week, Zachary interviewed the cofounder of Major League Eating George Shea. Additionally, he recently watched the new movie “Elvis” in theaters. If you have any recommendations of fun places for Zachary to cover, please email him at
[email protected].
