Byram township celebrates fall...and its new skate park

Byram n Still summer-y weather greeted the opening ceremonies of Byram Day at C. O, Johnson Park on Saturday, Sept. 8. The first event was a 5K run and opening ceremonies began at noon with a parade led by the Lenape Valley Regional High School Color Guard and Marching Band. Lenape Valley sophomore Anna Citarella, “God Bless America” after the national anthem and flag salute, then, Mayor Skip Danielson ordered everyone to “have a great day.” The much-heralded dedication of the new skate park started at 1 p.m. Donna Griff, a former council member and a key player in the building of the park and Janet Meisner, Recreation Director, reminded kids about wearing helmets, then watched the first skaters take to the park. The park is open to both skaters and BMX bikers. Griff, noted the combination raises some safety concerns, but “I think the kids will work it all out. I’m sure they will work well together.” The skate park project began four years ago and plans for a half pipe are still in the works. “Don’t think you kids can’t make a difference” Griff shouted through a bull horn. She went on to say that it was really a core group of kids that made the park possible. Griff also thanked John Pappalardo, Recreation Chairperson, the Recreation Commission members especially Mike Flora, Meisner, Danielson and the Town Council including former members Earl Riley and Lou Esposito. For the ribbon cutting, Danielson turned the scissors over to Griff call her “the real person responsible for the park.” Jessica Stevenson, 4, was crowned Byram Princess and Vaughn Weber, 4, Byram Prince. “Every food vendor is a non-profit Byram based organization,” Janet Meisner pointed out. Some of the venders under tents included Mary Kay, Weichert Realtors and Tastefully Simple. Organizations including 4-H Take the Lead Dog Obedience, BARKS and the Byram Township Schools and sporting clubs were represented. The most noise came from the Byram Christian Fellowship Youth Fund Raiser Dunking Booth, while the potential dunkee hoped to taunt pitchers into giving him a refreshing relief from the heat. Community services such as finger printing were also available. Byram residents even got to meet Cobi Cronen who is running for Freeholder and Ed Selby who is a Senate candidate for the NJ Legislative 24th District. The day ended with a fireworks display.