Whether you enjoy sports competitively or recreationally, Westfield New Jersey offers breadth and depth with the many sports that are offered, and the chance to be a part of a team is something that all residents in this picturesque town can experience. Young and old, skilled or amateur, all are welcome as long as you’ve got the will to get your body moving!
Before we enumerate the many rec opportunities in town, we should mention that Westfield HS enjoys a long history of sporting excellence, having won more championships than any other high school in New Jersey history, and having sent athletes to collegiate, Olympian, NFL and MLB careers.
| Where to Go | Swim Information |
|---|---|
| Westfield "Y" Westfield (908) 233-2700 Distance from Downtown Westfield: In Town | Recreational Swimming: For those looking for year-round swimming opportunities, the Westfield YMCA is the place to be. There are numerous aquatic programs offered at the "Y", and every age group is welcome to participate. From instructional swim programs for those just learning (beginning as early as 6 months), to the "Active Older Adults" program, the YMCA provides the benefits of swimming to all those who wish to truly involve themselves. Come swim laps at your leisure, or get your heart rate pumping with one of the many Water Fitness classes. You can also train to become a lifeguard or even get your SCUBA certification right at the Westfield "Y". All staff members are trained in CPR/AED, so you may rest assured that you will have a safe experience here. The Water Fitness programs offered here are eclectic and approachable, with such innovative classes as "Yo Pi Chi"; a Yoga, Pilates, and Ai Chi fusion class which takes place in shallow warm water. You can also find all of the usual aquatic classes here such as "Aqua Cardio Blast" and "Aqua Sculpt" designed to sculpt and tone your body while blasting calories- all performed inside the pool. Of course, general swimming lessons are available for all ages. There are parent and child classes, where instructors work with parents in the water to teach their children how to have fun, but most importantly keep safe while swimming. There are even preschool classes, which take place in the Rooke Pool without the parent present in the water. This serves to aid the child in developing confidence in the water. |
| Competitive Swimming Westfield Aquaducks Devilfish Competitive Swimming | For youth and teens, the Westfield "Y" provides unparalleled opportunities for competitive swimming. There are two teams to choose from: the Aquaducks Synchronized Swim Team and the Devilfish Swim Team. Don't worry if you don't know anything about synchronized swimming but are still interested in joining the team. For those age 7-12, there is an Aquaducks class that will teach you the basics provided you have prior knowledge of the freestyle and backstroke. Similarly, the Synchro Clinic runs for six weeks and allows you to experience synchronized swimming before you make the decision to try out for the Aquaducks team. The team itself competes regionally and nationally, including at the U.S. Age Group Nationals and the US Juniors. There is a senior and junior team, each with its own set of criteria for joining. Some members have even gone on to compete in the US Open as well as the National Junior Olympics. The Westfield YMCA's swim team, the Devilfish, are also extremely talented and competitive members of the swimming community. The swimmers practice year-round, and compete in both invitational and championship style meets. They also participate in dual meets, when the team is divided into four separate parts: Girls A and B and Boys A and B teams. Each team is given the chance to compete in six dual meets, plus intramural meets and invitationals ensuring that the Devilfish have ample opportunity to grow in the sport. It is the philosophy of the Westfield "Y" competitive swimming program that each swimmer be encouraged to working towards and achieving their individual goals, while all the while functioning as a team. |
| Westfield Memorial Pool Complex Westfield (908) 789-4086 Distance from Downtown Westfield: 1 mile | The Westfield Memorial Pool Complex is a public swim club open to both Westfield and non-Westfield residents. The Pool Complex boasts a 50 meter, 165' x 75' pool as well as a 40' x 60' diving pool. In addition, there are also training and kiddie pools for those still learning the basics. There is limited pool enrollment each year, and priority membership is offered first to returning members by mail, then opened up to Westfield and area residents in person only. Be prepared to come early and bring your lawn chairs; it's a weekday 8am signup for available spots, and getting yours can be like scoring tickets to a Beatles concert! Summertime activities include the Marlins Swim Teams, lessons, movie nights, and teen swim nights. With an available concession stand and picnic area, it's easy to spend an entire day at a time at Westfield Memorial Pool. In the summer of 2008, Coach Judy Lee guided the Westfield Memorial Pool Blue Marlins "A" swim team to an astounding 25th consecutive undefeated season in the North Jersey Summer Swim League. Fees to join range in price from $180 for the single resident, to $940 for a non-resident family and nanny (au pairs and nannies are integral enough to Westfield life to have codified membership provisions at the pool as well as the "Y" and Union County Community College). |
| Nomahegan Swim Club Cranford (908) 709-0225 Distance from Downtown Westfield: 3 miles | Over the course of the past 47 years, thousands of families have enjoyed both the spirit and tradition of Nomahegan Swim Club. The pool itself was once considered the largest poured concrete pool in the world, has been the recipient of architectural design awards, and was once even featured in Life Magazine. With such credits to its name, it is no wonder that Nomahegan has only seen continued success as a place of respite for those looking to beat the summer heat. While many come to relax, still more come to involve themselves in the many activities available at Nomahegan. This Swim Club offers children ages 5-18 the chance to join the Dive Team, which holds regular practices and participates in numerous meets. Depending on the age of the child, he or she will have to compete in anywhere from 3 to 5 dives per season. Additionally, the Nomahegan Swim Team welcomes all and participates in League Championships. In addition to competitive swimming, Nomahegan provides all of the amenities a good swim club should. There's a water slide and jungle gym for the kids, cabanas and ample seating for the adults, and the Five Star Pool Café for when everyone gets hungry. Swimming lessons are provided free of charge to all and are catered to all skill levels. Every weekday, members from 3 to 12 years of age can create different arts and crafts while adults enjoy social events such as Casino Night. With water aerobics and six tennis courts, Nomahegan is truly the one-stop family entertainment spot. Be advised that there is a current waiting list of 3-4 years, so if Nomahegan sounds like the place for you, best to let them know as soon as possible. |
| Highland Swim Club Scotch Plains (908) 889-4804 Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2.0 miles | The Highland Swim Club has served the community since 1952, and with all of the recent renovations that have recently shaped the property, it shows no signs of stopping. This private club is situated on approximately five acres of land in Scotch Plains, and surrounds itself around a refinished L-shaped pool, perfect for separating its adult lap lanes from the diving area. As a private club, it offers numerous perks such as an onsite playground, volleyball and basketball courts, a game area complete with ping pong and knock hockey tables, and a concession stand. Children can enjoy swim lessons in their very own fenced in kiddie pool, while the adults can participate in a masters swim class, all free of charge. An onsite gym and the nearby Kramer Park ensure that members of the club can come cool off in the pool after a workout or long walk (after a shower of course!). There are numerous social events held at Highland throughout the season for both children and adults enabling members to interact, make new friends, and enjoy the days of summer together. For those looking to swim competitively, you will be happy to know that the Highland Swim Club Sharks Team has the impressive history of remaining undefeated from 1979 to 2007! |
| Willow Grove Swim Club Scotch Plains (908) 232-2101 Distance from Downtown Westfield: 2 miles | Right around the corner from Highland is Willow Grove. A popular spot with 275 families, members enjoy beating the heat with friends and neighbors at this charming club. The younger crowd loves to cool down by diving in, and splashing around with all their new friends made at the club. Willow Grove features an L-shaped, 25-meter main pool. With six lap lanes for the serious swimmers and two diving boards, there is plenty of room (and fun) for everyone. This swim club also has two shuffle boards, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes, and a large sand box for the little ones. Like many swim clubs, Willow Grove has its own swim team, the "Barracudas" who have gone undefeated in both the 2007 and 2008 seasons. For those "Barracudas" in training, there is also a kiddie pool for the much younger set. Membership fees include a non-refundable application fee of $50 and, upon approval for membership, the purchase of a $480 non-transferable, interest-free bond along with annual membership costs. |