Description

The Somerset County Park Commission, with support from the Somerset County Park Foundation, has extended a special invitation to Santa Claus to visit the Therapeutic Recreation Activity Center at Park Commission Headquarters, 355 Milltown Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. The Therapeutic Recreation staff has arranged a peaceful and sensory friendly experience that is conducive to having Santa visit with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. As opposed to the mall, the TR Activity Center will be devoid of crowds, music, and the chaos of the holiday season. While waiting for the opportunity to meet with Santa and have a photo taken, children with a disability will engage in a game, crafts, and other fun activities under TR staff supervision and not have to stand in line.  If a child is not ready to visit with Santa when it is his or her turn, an opportunity will be provided when he or she is ready. “The sensory-friendly environment that we have created for the children has been well accepted in past years,” commented Dina Trunzo, CTRS, Manager, Therapeutic Recreation.  “We are providing families an opportunity to capture a holiday portrait and memories of a child visiting with Santa that many families take for granted.” Photos may be individual or the entire family providing one member has autism or a developmental disability. Each family will receive a 4 x 6 photo with Santa.  The TR department will keep all photos on file and email upon request.  Fee for photos with Santa is $10 per family residing in Somerset County and $15 per family if residing outside of the county. Registration is required and may be made by calling the TR Department at 908-526-5650 or Relay Service 711 for speech and/or hearing impaired. Registration deadline is Monday, November 26, 2018. Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.