About Us
North Plainfield Recreation's Mission
The North Plainfield Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to the service and greater good of the community. Our mission is to provide sound athletic, recreational and community programs for all ages within the community of North Plainfield and the immediate vicinity. North Plainfield Recreation provides programs and charities that contribute to the betterment of the Borough. Our goal is to create and maintain a cohesive and synergistic environment for residents of North Plainfield.
Meet the Recreational Program Staff
“A successful program isn’t based on the hard work of a single person or even just a few people. A successful program is the result of the positive hard work of the community that the program serves. Everyone should play an active part no matter how big or small. In this case it would be the community of North Plainfield”.
Dennis Jackson - Director
Mr. Jackson attended Stockton University where he earned his BA in Psychology. He has an extensive background in youth development programs. His experience in working with youths began at Stockton as he participated in the Universities first ever Youth Mentorship Program which served high schools and Junior High Schools in the Atlantic County Area. After college Mr. Jackson worked for the Essex County Chapter of The Urban League as the Youth Coordinator then the Black United Fund of Plainfield as the Summer Camp Director and Director of the After School Program.
He subsequently took a different career path and went into real estate sales where he holds a Brokers license in New York and New Jersey and has managed several sales teams during that time. While practicing real estate Dennis has served on the North Plainfield Board of Adjustments and has always continued to remain involved with the North Plainfield Recreation Department for the last 17 years. He has served as a coach for baseball, softball, basketball and soccer where he holds an F license and is a certified youth football coach. He has also served as the President of the Jr. Canucks Football Program, a Site Supervisor and served on the Recreation Committee where he was instrumental in bringing The Harlem Wizards to town on the behalf of the Rec Department.
Joe Irovando - Assistant Director
Mr. Irovondo is originally from Plainfield, NJ and relocated to North Plainfield immediately after graduating high school. He has over 40 years of dedicated service in the North Plainfield Recreation Department and has served under several Directors performing multiple roles within the department. He oversees all operations which includes equipment, supplies, team organization and scheduling. Mr. Irovando also coordinates our annual 4th of July Parade, Community Day and Outdoor Summer Concerts. He has run a Men’s Softball league for over 35 years and has worked as an Official for Track and Field, Baseball and Softball for the last 25 years. Joe is an avid sports enthusiast and is a die hard Giants fan and member of the Big Blue Barbecue tailgating group.
Meet the Committee
All positions are appointed by the Mayor, and do not require Council confirmation. All terms are 3 years. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please complete a Talent Bank form and submit it at Borough Hall.
Meetings are public and are held on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:30 pm. Meetings are held at The Vermeule Center, 614 Greenbrook Rd, North Plainfield, NJ 07063