Recreation Department

Community BBQ – Thursday, July 2 at Island Beach. Enjoy a traditional American BBQ. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and listen to some music from local band Tourne at Island Beach. Registration is required. Check back for registration info by the end of May. Registration will open the beginning of June.

Photo Contest: What America Means to Me

In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we invite residents to tell their story through the lens.

 What America Means to Me is a photo contest celebrating the people, places, moments, and ideals that define our nation – seen through your eyes. Whether it’s a quiet neighborhood scene, a powerful symbol, a family tradition, or a snapshot of everyday life, your photo can capture the spirit of America at this historic milestone.

How to Enter

• Digitally submit up to three (3) original photographs to MLPLsubmissions@mountainlakeslibrary.org
• Photos must be taken by the entrant, and the entrant must be a Mountain Lakes resident
• All ages and skill levels are welcome
• Black and white and color are accepted
• This is a family-oriented contest, so all submitted images must be appropriate for viewers of all ages

Exhibit

Selected entries will be printed in an 8 x 10 format, matted, and proudly displayed at Borough Hall, creating a community gallery that reflects our shared history, diversity, and hopes for the future. There is no cost to you for printing and matting.

By entering, you give the Borough of Mountain Lakes and the Mountain Lakes Public Library permission to display the photo(s) in their publications, public displays, websites, and social media.

Dates and Details

• Submissions accepted May 15- June 1
• Selections will be made by the Recreation Committee by June 15
• Photos will be displayed at Borough Hall from June 29 – July 17

Questions: contact Mountain Lakes Recreation Director, Laurie Stepper at recreation@mtnlakes.org or 973.334.3131×2004. This contest is in partnership with Mountain Lakes Public Library and Mountain Lakes Recreation Department.

Beach Tags 2026 Application Beach Tags are available for purchase starting Friday, May 1st at Borough Hall and must be purchased in person, as proof of residency is required.

Mountain Lakes Swim and Dive Summer Programs

2026 PRE-TEAM

2026 SWIM DIVE FLYER

2026 HIGH SCHOOL FLYER

Youth Sports Programs provided by USA Sports Group– click HERE for more information and to register for squirts soccer, flag football, multi-sport, and tennis programs. Programs available for ages 1.5 to 14 yrs old

TJD Sports Academy Programs – clink to register TJD Sports Academy registration site

• TJD Basketball Clinic Spring 2026
• TJD Volleyball Clinic Spring 2026
• TJD Speed & Agility Training Spring 2026
• TJD Mountain Lakes Basketball Summer Camp 2026
• TJD Mountain Lakes Basketball Summer Clinic 2026
• TJD Mountain Lakes SpeedAgility Training Spring 2026

Summer Recreation Program at Wildwood Elementary School

Monday-Friday, June 29-July 31 (no program on Friday, July 3) from 9am-12pm for rising Kindergarten through 5th graders. Fridays are at the beaches Weeks 2, 3, and 4. Mountain Lakes Recreation – rSchoolToday Class Registration v3.0

• Week 1: $136 – Red, White, and Blue (June 29-July 2, no program July 3). Thursday, July 2 will be at the beaches.
• Week 2: $170 – Olympics (July 6-10) – field trip to Boonton Lanes on Wed, July 8 (tentative). Transportation not provided.
• Week 3: $170 – Water Fun (July 13-17)
• Week 4: $170 – Animal Lovers (July 20-24)
• Week 5: $170 – Beach Week (July 27-31) The program will be held at Island Beach and Birchwood Lake every day this week.

Extended Day Program provided by USA Sports Group

Monday – Thursday, June 29-July 23 from 12-2:30pm (lunch is 12-12:30pm)
Please note – If your child is registered for the Summer Recreation Program, you are responsible for bringing them to Wildwood Elementary School on Thurs, July 2 as we will be at the beaches that day. 

Back by popular demand. USA Sports Group will provide a Multi-Sports Camp gives players the opportunity to experience over 10 different sports across a fun-filled week of camp. Camp is coached by USA Sports Group professional and energetic coaches who are trained to encourage maximum participation, good sportsmanship, and above all – FUN!

This Multi-Sports Camp is a must for children who are either new to playing sports and want to experience many different forms, or for the sports enthusiast who just can’t get enough! Sports Typically Played: Soccer, Lacrosse, Handball, Flag Football, Pillo Polo and many more! This year, registration is through ML Recreation platform, NOT directly with USA Sports. Mountain Lakes Recreation – rSchoolToday Class Registration v3.0

Skills covered at camp:

• Rules of each sport
• Skills and techniques for each sport
• Teamwork and sportsmanship
• High energy environment.
• Development of coordination, balance, agility, and speed.
• Fun activities, competitions, and scrimmages

Groups are separated by age and ability to ensure all players flourish in an optimum positive environment. Please go to Parent Class & Camp Information | USA Sport Group for information on what to bring and required documentation.

Teen Adventure Travel Program – July 6-31, 2026

The Mountain Lakes Teen Adventure program offers different fun excursions each week – Dorney Park, Point Pleasant Beach, Camelbeach Water Park, roller skating, bowling, Broadway, and more! Open to teens going into 6th-9th grade in August 2026. The times vary for different trips and generally depart at 9am and return between 3-7pm from Briarcliff Middle School. More information, including specific times, will be sent by the Teen Adventure Director after registration. Week 4 is Surf Week, where teens travel each day to Asbury Park to learn to surf.  Mountain Lakes Recreation – rSchoolToday Class Registration v3.0

• Week 1: $460 – July 6-10 – 7/6 Branchburg Sports 9:30a-3p, 7/7 Point Pleasant 9a-5p, 7/8 Dorney 9:30a-7p, 7/9 Camelback 9:30a-6p, 7/10 Bowling + Roller Skating 10:30a-3:30p
• Week 2: $550 – July 13-17 – 7/13 Camelback 9:30a-6p, 7/14 Point Pleasant 9a-5p, 7/15 Broadway 10a-6p, 7/16 Dorney 9:30a-7p, 7/17 Dave + Busters and Roller Skating 10a-3:30p
• Week 3: $460 – July 20-24 – 7/20 Camelback 9:30a-6p, 7/21 Point Pleasant 9a-5p, 7/22 Branchburg Sports 9:30a-3p, 7/23 Dorney 9:30a-7p, 7/24 Roller Skating and Bowling 10a-3p
• Week 4: $550 – July 27-31 – Surf Camp at Summertime Surf in Asbury Park 10:30a-6p

The Mountain Lakes Sailing Association Summer Program – June 22 – July 23, 2026 at Island Beach

Summer sailing instructional camp for Mountain Lakes youth ages 8 and up. The camp runs for 5 weeks, Monday through Thursday, with Fridays reserved for make-up days for inclement weather (except Week 2, no make-up on Friday, July 3). Campers younger than 13 years old must pass the Mountain Lakes swim test prior to participation.

Campers must have a Sunfish Sailboat. Boat Rental is available for $50/week if you do not own a Sunfish. Please add this option to your cart when you register.

Mountain Lakes Swim Test

The swim test is given to children 12 years and younger for them to:

1) Swim in deep water areas (past their shoulders)

2) Use diving boards (if open)

3) Be on docks (if open)

4) Be on swimming or diving team (if open)

• Children who pass this test may come to the beach alone if they are at least 10 years old.
• The test is only administered at Birchwood Beach, 11am-4pm every day from the day after schools out through Labor Day but gives the child privileges at both Birchwood and Island Beach.
• A child may only take the beach test once per day.
• To pass the swim test:
  • The child must be able to swim the designated distance using the front crawl stroke with good rotary breathing.
  • His/her face fully submerged in the water.
  • They must be visibly exhaling into the water.
  • They must swim the entire distance without stopping.
  • They must show the endurance to be able to swim the distance without total exhaustion.
  • They must also have an acceptable back crawl and be able to tread water.

The lifeguard administering the swim test will explain the test and what is necessary to pass before the child makes their attempt. They will then provide feedback regarding the reasoning behind the pass/fail after the test. Both children and parents are encouraged to ask the lifeguard questions to know what needs to be improved in order to pass.

Mountain Lakes Rules and Enforcement for Birchwood Lake and Island Beach

• Recreational facilities are open dawn to dusk. Volleyball is open until 11pm.
• Lifeguards are in full charge of the beach
• Beach is open to residents only
  1. Beach tags are required for residents 2 years and older when lifeguards are on duty
  2. Proof of residency is required at all other times
  3. Beach tags are non-transferable
• Beach tags and privileges attached may be withdrawn for misconduct or using a tag not registered to you
• Children who must be accompanied by a person 16 years of age or older:
  1. All children under 10 years of age
  2. Children 10 years through 12 years who have not passed the swim test and received a swim badge
• Swim badges must be worn on the suit
• Children 12 years and under without a swim badge are restricted to shallow water areas
• Swimmers over 12 years of age and those who are wearing swim badges:
  1. May use deep water areas (swim lanes, rafts, and diving boards)
  2. Swim Pre-Team members may utilize the swim lanes during Swim Practice only.  Must be supervised by Swim Coach
• No personal floatation devices (bubbles, vests, floaties, lifejackets, etc.) of any kind except in swim classes
• No running, pushing, or roughhousing on beach, rafts, or docks
• Ball playing only at the far end of the beach
• No glass containers on the beach
• No alcoholic beverages permitted
• No dogs permitted on the beach
• Special events require permits
• No fishing allowed on the docks at Birchwood Lake any time during the summer

• No fishing allowed on the beaches while beaches are open
• No sitting or waiting on the floating docks
• Restrooms will be open during beach hours and will be maintained

PUBLIC PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND FIELDS:

ALL Borough parks, playgrounds and fields are currently open.  Please adhere to all posted rules and regulations.

For further details, contact the Recreation Department through email at recreation@mtnlakes.org

Tennis Court Rules

1. Courts are for the sole use of Mountain Lakes residents, Mountain Lakes High School students, and their guests.
2. Courts are for tennis only. All other activities are prohibited.
3. No pets, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, glass containers, or alcoholic beverages allowed.
4. Players must yield to waiting players after one hour.
5. Courts reserved by MLHS and ML Recreation Department have priority over other users.
6. All group tennis lessons must be approved by ML Recreation Department.
7. Teaching professionals who are Mountain Lakes residents have the same court rights as any ML resident. Other teaching professionals may only use the courts to instruct ML residents.
8. Courts must be left clean with trash and recyclables placed in the appropriate containers.

Tennis court privileges may be revoked for misuse or misconduct. Individuals using the courts who are not ML residents and not accompanied by an ML resident are trespassing and may be fined accordingly.

MLHS Tennis Teams typically have all courts reserved in the Fall and Spring on Monday-Friday 3-6pm and Saturdays 8-10am. Recreation Programs typically have one set (3 courts) reserved on Sundays from 8:30am-4:30pm, the other set of courts are open for resident use.