Mayor's Saturday Ski Event Turns into Walk Instead

If weather forecasts were accurate, and the Basking Ridge area got enough snow on Friday as predicted, then new Mayor Carolyn Gaziano said she would host her first Mayor's fitness event, cross country skiing, this Saturday morning.

Walk instead at 9 a.m. on Saturday at EEC

Even with too little snow, Gaziano said that all members of the public are invited to enjoy conversation with the mayor while exercising from 9 to 10 a.m. in the setting of the Somerset County Environmental Education Center at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge.

Gaziano said in an email that she will meet instead for a walk on the trails of the center.

Skiing is only allowed at the EEC when there is more than four inches of snow on the trails and only on trails in those areas identified for skiing, Gaziano noted.

"If we don't have snow Saturday then we'll try again next time there is a forecast for a couple of inches of snow," the mayor said on Wednesday.

There is no charge to join the event.

The Environmental Education Center has several miles of trails suitable for hiking, strolling — cross-country skiing when weather conditions permit, she said. "Those trails are mostly level and wide, making this beautifully rustic area particularly suitable for beginners or novice skiers," she added.

The EEC is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on certain holidays.

This would be the first fitness event of The Bernards Township Mayor’s Wellness Campaign for 2013, an initiative that Gaziano announced at Jan. 2's reorganization meeting.  

The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign is designed to promote active living and healthier lifestyles for the men, women and children of Bernards Township.  Various fitness and exercise events with Bernards Township Committee members will be held during the year, according to an announcement from the township clerk.

“I am very proud of the Wellness Campaign kick-off event and pleased that we will showcase this beautiful Somerset County facility located in Bernards Township," Gaziano said. She thanked the park commission and its staff for their cooperation.  

For further information contact Township Clerk Denise Szabo at 908-204-3014 or the EEC at 190 Lord Stirling Road.