UPDATE 6/7: Essex County says that because of the inclement weather in the forecast, the June 7 presentation of “How to Train your Dragon” has been cancelled. Although a rain date of Saturday, June 8 has been advertised, that also is being cancelled. The film presentation will be rescheduled at a later date.
Neighbors and other friends of Essex County Kip’s Castle Park are invited to bring their work gloves and help clean up the grounds for spring from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4.
Led by members of the Kip’s Castle Park Conservancy, volunteers will remove downed limbs from the woods, pick up trash, and plant flowers. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves and any of their favorite yard tools.
Essex County Kip’s Castle Park is a 10-acre gem located on the First Mountain ridge shared by Verona and Montclair. The serpentine drive to access the park is located at 33 Crestmont Road in Verona. The park grounds are perfect for strolls in all seasons and provide excellent vantage point for views of the New York City skyline.
Programming for the community occurs throughout the year, including free Friday night open-air movies in June on a big screen on the lawn. This year’s featured films, which are sponsored by Essex County and start at dusk, are: “How to Train Your Dragon” on June 7; “Singin’ in the Rain” on June 14; Disney’s “Enchanted” on June 21 and “Casablanca” on June 28. Guests at these events should feel free to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Popcorn, candy and beverages are available for purchase at the movies, with all proceeds to benefit the works of the Conservancy to restore the historic site.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 23, Essex County will bring an evening of “Oldies” music to the grounds with a live performance. Everyone is invited to this free event.
The Kip’s Castle Estate was purchased in 2007 by Essex County with generous Green Acres grants and Open Space Trust funds. The County, under the leadership of County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, recently announced plans to launch extensive repairs to the roof and windows, and to make the Castle building accessible for those with disabilities. The County is seeking to transform the building into a cultural arts center and place for special events.
The Kip’s Castle Park Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and New Jersey-registered charity is a community group that supports the County’s efforts to restore the estate and provide programming for the community. For more information about the Conservancy or coming events, please visit www.kipscastle.org.
