PISCATAWAY, NJ – As the nation continues to make its way through COVID-19 restrictions and businesses are slowly reopening under watchful eyes, township officials held a dedication ceremony for the Piscataway Community Center on Saturday, July 25th, marking another step closer to being able to officially it open to the public.

“Our community center is a place for everyone,” said Mayor Brian Wahler. “Every member of every family can find something fun and worthwhile here. More importantly, we can enjoy each other as neighbors and friends under one roof.”

Wahler expressed regrets for having to follow state guidelines limiting the number of people who could attend the ceremony due to the coronavirus pandemic, promising an official grand opening celebration one day in the future.

“Unfortunately, the day when we can invite everyone here is not today. I assure you though, it will come,” he said before a small crowd. “While today is not a grand opening, it is a dedication.”

“Today, we rededicate ourselves to community,” said Wahler. “We rededicate ourselves to the belief that the basic well-being of everyone is all of our responsibility.”

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) was among the speakers to give remarks, as firefighters sprayed water from an aerial ladder truck over the center in a ceremonial ‘wet-down’.

Mandates from Governor Phil Murphy continue to keep gyms and indoor pools closed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, delaying when residents will be able to use the fitness and aquatics centers, basketball courts, meeting rooms and other amenities at the new community center.

However, some children have been able to participate in the YMCA’s summer camp program and others have been able to cool off outside in the Raritan Rapids spray park, all following social distancing and facemask practices.

After trial run operating Raritan Rapids over a recent July weekend, the spray park will officially open seven days a week beginning Sunday, July 26. Click here for hours and other information, including COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe.

Watch the dedication on You Tube here.