Crystal Springs Readies for Opening Day

Summer's arrival will become even more apparent this week with the opening of Crystal Springs this weekend.

Opened in 1994, the park is celebrating its 20th anniversary of cooling down East Brunswick.

Michael Reissner, director of Recreation, Parks and Community Services, said Crystal Springs preparations begin in September.

Discussions begin in the fall and as the weather permits, crews empty and clean the pools, paint them and tend to the property, he said.

"Not a day goes by where we don't think about the park," he said.

Between 180-190 employees staff Crystal Springs, 110 of those staffers being lifeguards, Reissner said.

The lifeguards go through a three weekend training session to prepare, he said.

Crystal Springs' new offerings for this summer include a tented picnic area with a large grill that can be rented for large parties. Its comes with a cooler of ice and a number of free daily passes.

"No Camp Mondays" are being offered for members to come and spend time at the park without any visiting camps present, and two "Members only" nights will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. on June 14 and June 21.

"Discount Days" offer reduced rates on certain days to seniors, moms, township employees and other groups. View the Discount Days calendar here.

Military discounts are also available.

The park also seeks sponsorships to improve its offerings and facilities. Current sponsors include Coldwell Bankers and Freedman Chiropractic Center, Reissner said.

On Tuesday morning, maintenance crews were trimming grass, skimming the already filled pools, and doing maintenance around the property.

Preparations continue pretty much up to the last minute, Reissner said.

"You just don't open something like this by starting in April," he said.

Crystal Springs will open for the season at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25.

The park will open on weekends only from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through June 23.

It will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week beginning on June 24 and running through August 11.

On August 12, hours will change to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sept. 2.

For more information on Crystal Springs, including membership and daily rates, park offerings and reservations, click here.