About Us
Our 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 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.
Jenn DeJesso - Co Director
Ms. DeJesso attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where she earned her BA in Psychology and minored in Elementary Education. She resided in North Plainfield for 22 years, went to East End Elementary School and graduated from our very own North Plainfield High School.
Ms. DeJesso has worked with the NP Recreation Department since 2009 in many different roles. She began as a camp counselor while attending the HS, has site supervised for all of our recreation sports, was our secretary, volunteered many hours at our events, she is our Summer Camp Director, became our Assistant Director in June of 2021, and is now our new Co-Director. She has volunteered many hours to our program and hopes to bring back the Pride in our little NP Community. Ms. DeJesso has managed multiple successful daycare centers as an Assistant Director and Director, and has dedicated most of her free time teaching as a Colorguard and Winterguard Instructor for multiple school districts.
Ms. DeJesso is passionate about the children in our town and strives for their growth and success. Those who have been apart of her Summer Camp Program know that her door is always open and they will always be treated as if they were one of her own kids. During the summer she provides an extensive recreational and educational program for our children and it is her favorite time of the year. The memories, connections, and growth that she builds with our youth is her favorite part of her job!
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