Grab The Kids And Touch A Truck

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ --The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite families with children of all ages and adults alike to climb aboard a variety of public safety vehicles at this year’s “Touch A Truck” event on Sunday afternoon, May 1.

The event will run from noon until 5 p.m., rain or shine in the Lower Loop Parking Lot of the Watchung Reservation. There will also be a quiet hour, from 11 a.m. until noon where children sensitive to noise will be able to enjoy the vehicles on display.

“Once again we are happy to host Touch A Truck at the Loop in Watchung Reservation to give youngsters an opportunity to not only see these magnificent machines, but to actually climb abroad and experience the excitement of being behind the wheel,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Among the vehicles on display at this year’s event will be the Union County Police Department’s

SWAT vehicle, nicknamed “The Bear.” The department will also have a patrol SUV on site.

Hazmat will offer its big rig, and the Union County Department of Public Works will return with its mammoth white milling machine which is used to strip the top off of roads to prepare them for paving. The companion vehicle, the paver, will also be there, along with a bucket truck used for high tree trimming.

Attendees can also see multiple trucks with snow plows, payloaders, backhoe, and hook/flatbed tow. And of course, fire truck department equipment from the Mountainside Fire Department is also planned for display.

Admission to the Touch A Truck event is $4 per person, with children 6 years old and under admitted free.

The Loop Area is located just off Tracy Drive in Mountainside, in between Glenside Avenue and Summit Road. It features a very popular playground area for the kids, and the concession stand will be open. Visitors may also visit the Watchung Stable and the Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park. Also, Lake Surprise is just a short walk where residents can see the new damn.

For more information on Touch A Truck, or any event in the Union County Parks System, please visit our website at ucnj.org/parks.

--By Sebastian Delia