Where can I find information about the Rockaway Township Sports Programs?
The majority of our sports programs have their own website and offer online registrations. Please go to our web link page to locate a description of the sport and their website address.
Recreation Web Links
If you are unable to locate a website for a particular sport, please go to our document page to complete the appropriate form to submit.
What Annual Festivities does the Recreation Department offer?
Annual Events
~~~ Dates, Times, Locations and Cancellations are subject to change ~~~
What Pools or Beaches are available?
Rockaway Township Residents are eligible to purchase Beach Tags for Mt. Hope Beach and Memberships for FROG FALLS – The Aquatic Park at Picatinny.
Pool and Beach Details
What happens if my child is injured while participating in a Recreation Program?
Information regarding recreation sports injuries can be found by clicking on the attached link.
Accident Report
Is there a Summer Camp in Rockaway Township?
Cash, Checks and Money Orders Only – No Credit Cards are accepted for this activity
Yes. Rockaway Township offers a Summer Playground which runs for 6 weeks. This day camp is for children entering the 2nd grade in September to children entering the 8th grade in September. The hours are from 9:00a until 12:00p. Parents are responsible to drop their children off and to pick them up. Registration for this camp will begin in May and the cost per child is $55.00. We offer 3 locations for your convenience. Katherine D. Malone School, Dwyer and Birchwood. A calendar of events are planned ahead of time. Rockaway Township supplies the transportation to the local field trips, which include Frog Falls, Mt. Hope Beach, Rockaway Lanes, and Clubhouse Golf Center - Randolph.
This program begins the first Monday after school ends and runs for 6 weeks.
What is the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic?
Sports Awareness for Educating Today's Youth
On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the "Little League Law" (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a "safety orientation and training skills program."
Since 1986, the Youth Sports Research Council, in cooperation with the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) has trained more than 200,000 volunteer coaches in New Jersey.
Objectives: In accordance with the stipulations in the Little League Law, the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic: helps coaches minimize the risk of injury to young athletes
provides information about fundamental coaching concepts which enhances volunteer coaches' effectiveness protects volunteer coaches from civil lawsuits
The curriculum for the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic is based upon the Minimum Standards for Volunteer Coaches' Safety Orientation and Training Skills Programs (N.J.A.C. 5:52).
The topics include:
ľ Legal Aspects of Coaching
ľ Psychological Aspects of Coaching
ľ General Coaching Concepts
ľ Training and Conditioning Athletes
ľ Medical/First Aid Aspects of Coaching
How and where do I get a certified copy of a vital statistic record?
A.The vital statistic record is on file in the municipality where the event took place, i.e. what town did you get married in? There is a $10.00 per certified copy fee, if obtained in Rockaway Township. You must produce a photo ID for proof of identity. You must also produce copies of documents proving your relationship to the person named on the record. The following are acceptable forms of ID: A current, valid photo driver’s license or photo non-driver’s license with current address OR a current, valid driver’s license without photo and one alternate form of ID with current address OR two alternate forms of ID, one of which must have current address. For further information or to print an application for a certified copy, please visit the State's Web-Site
When is the next public council meeting?
The complete schedule is listed on the Community Calendar page of this website.
Where do I get a copy of a public record?
You may submit an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request form to the Township Clerk. The form is located on the Township’s website. A request for access to a government record must be in writing and hand-delivered, mailed, transmitted electronically or otherwise conveyed to the Township Clerk’s office. A record request cannot be made verbally. The Township Clerk will fulfill a request as soon as possible but not later than seven (7) business days after the request is received, provided that the record is
currrently available and not in storage or archived. Day One is the day following the clerk’s receipt of the request. The fees for a government record are $0.05 per letter size page or smaller, and $0.07 per legal size page or larger. If the Clerk’s office can demonstrate that its actual costs for duplication exceed the foregoing rates, the Clerk is permitted to charge the actual cost of duplicating the record.
For further information, please visit Opra and then click on “OPRA for the Public.”
What is needed for a marriage license, domestic partnership or civil union?
You need to apply in person in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey. You need to bring birth certificate or passport; proof of residency such as a lease, tax return etc. If married before or previously in a civil union or domestic partnership a copy of the death certificate or divorce papers, whichever applies. The fee is $28.00 in cash, check or money order. The application may be obtained at your local registrar’s office. A minimum of 72 hours must elapse between the time of application and the time we issue the license.
How do I register to vote?
You can obtain a voter registration application at the Municipal Clerk’s office or print one from the State’s website at State Web Site Click on “How Do I” and this will lead you to voter registration information and the application for the county in which ou live.
What do you need if your organization wants to have a Bingo or Raffle?
Every organization interested in conducting bingo or raffles must first apply to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission for eligibility. The applicant must qualify as a bona fide charitable, educational, religious, patriotic, or senior citizen association or club. Once registered with the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission, the organization must file a license application for each separate type of game of chance it intends to conduct. The proper application, either Bingo or Raffle, must be filed in quadruplicate with the Township Clerk in the municipality where the games are to be held. There is a fee to the State of New Jersey, Legalized Games of Chance that must accompany the application. This fee varies on the type of game you wish to conduct. The application(s) are found on the Township’s website.
How do I dispose of electronic items?
Electronic items (televisions, monitors, radios, computer parts, etc.) can be brought to either of our Recycling Centers located at 540 Green Pond Road or adjacent to 65 Mt. Hope Road and deposited into the electronics containers. These items must be recycled and cannot be disposed of in the trash. They will not be picked up curbside.
With the new single stream recycling program, can I really deposit cans, bottles, newspapers, cardboard all together in one container for curbside pickup?
Yes! You no longer need to sort your recyclables! All materials can be put together in the same container for curbside pick. Please do not tie or bundle newspapers or cardboard. Cardboard that cannot fit into the same container as cans, bottles and newspapers can be flattened and placed next to the rest of your recyclables, or you may flatten and put cardboard in a manageable size box. No plastic bags please.
I am a little confused about the disposal of newspapers for curbside pickup. How can I dispose of them?
Newspapers, junkmail, magazines and pamphlets can be recycled in the same bin as your cans, bottles and cardboard. You no longer need to sort them out. Please do not tie or bundle. If your newspapers do not fit conveniently in with your cans and bottles you can put them out loose in a separate reusable container, in a small cardboard box or paper bag. No plastic bags please.
Are the Recycling Centers single stream like curbside pick-up?
No. When bringing your recyclables to the Recycling Yards please sort your materials.
How do I dispose of household batteries?
You can recycle alkaline and rechargeable batteries at either of our Recycling Centers by placing them in the electronics container (look for the designated area in the container). For rechargeable batteries – please place in a zip lock back or tape over the terminal.
Who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the sidewalk in front of my home?
Per Township Code 16-6.1 sidewalks are the responsibility of the landowner “The owner of any lands lying within the limits of the Township shall maintain and be responsible for the proper upkeep of that part of the street between the property line and the curb abutting his or her property, including corner areas adjacent to corner lots either within or without the property lines. Such upkeep shall include the proper maintenance and repair of the sidewalk in places where such sidewalk exists.”
Where does my responsibility stop for the water service to my house?
The homeowner is responsible for the water service from the curb box shutoff to the house. The Utility is only responsible for the actual water meter after the curb box shutoff
During a snow storm the snow plow damaged my curb. Will the Township repair it?
Yes, a DPW representative will come out to assess the damage and it will be placed on our schedule for repair. Please visit our Service Request to report damage or call 973-983-2891.
How do I get a copy of the water quality for the Rockaway Water System?
Annually the Utility sends copies of our water quality results to our consumers as Water Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR).
There is a copy of our latest CCR located on the website.
You may also go to the NJDEP website listed below to obtain all of our chemical analysis results
Drinking Water Watch
When do I need to call for an Underground markout, to locate different utilities? (water, sewer, electric, gas, telephone, cable)
Homeowners and all contractors that are going to dig whether it is 1inch or 12feet deep need to make notification tio the NJ ONE CALL CENTER.
Please call 811
How much will a permit cost?
Construction permits are priced according to the type of work being performed. The price of a permit for new construction and additions is based on the volume of the proposed structure. Alteration permits are based on the estimated cost of building construction plus the plumbing, electrical and fire protection fees, as applicable.
Whose responsibility is it to obtain the permit?
Application for permit shall be made by the owner, or his agent, a licensed engineer, architect or plumbing, electrical, or other contractor employed in connection with the proposed work. If the application is by a person other than the owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by the affidavit of the owner or the authorized person making the application that the proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee, and that the applicant is authorized to make such application. All issued permits shall remain the property of the owner even if the application was made by the contractor or authorized agent.
Can I start the work without first obtaining a construction permit?
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure, or change the occupancy of a building or structure requiring greater strength, exit way or sanitary provisions, or to change to different use group, or to install or alter any equipment for which provision is made.
How long does it take to get a permit?
It depends on the type, size and complexity of the project. When submitting an application, the time of year is also an important factor. According to State law, the department has 20 working days for the initial review (approval or denial) of an application. A complete application will include proof of prior approvals, plans that are clear and indicate compliance with the current applicable codes and regulations.
As a homeowner, which portion of the work can I do myself?
By law, homeowners can perform any and all work on or in the dwelling they own and occupy, including plumbing and electrical work. A homeowner must hire a licensed plumber and/or electrician for any and all installations involving a property other than the single-family dwelling he or she occupies.
What requires a construction permit?
Below is a list of the most common construction projects for which a permit is required. There may be other situations not listed which may also need a building permit. It is always best to call the Construction Department to check before you begin work.
NEW HOUSE
ADDITION
ROOFING
SIDING
KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS
FINISHED BASEMENTS
SHEDS
FENCES
POOLS
FURNACE/BOILER
OIL TANKS/REMOVAL
LP TANK
GAS PIPING
GENERATORS
DEMOLITIONS (BOTH PRIMARY RESIDENCE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES) DRIVEWAY
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT
NEW SERVICE/SUBPANELS
SEWER/WATER CONNECTIONS
WOOD STOVE/FIREPLACE (GAS)
DECK
Who is able to use Dial-A-Ride?
Dial-A-Ride is available to Rockaway Township Seniors 55 years old and up. It is also available to the disabled residents 21 years and older.
Where does Dial-A-Ride take people?
Dial-A-Ride provides residents transportation to doctor’s visits, nutrition, dialysis, grocery shopping and the mall.
Grocery Shopping and Mall Schedule
White Meadow Lake Area:
1st Monday of Every Month – Rockaway Townsquare Mall
Every Tuesday – Grocery Shopping
Southern Area:
2nd Monday of Every Month – Rockaway Townsquare Mall
Every Wednesday – Grocery Shopping
Northern Area:
3rd Monday of Every Month – Rockaway Townsquare Mall
Every Thursday – Grocery Shopping
Senior Housing Complex:
4th Monday of Every Month – Rockaway Townsquare Mall
Every Friday – Grocery Shopping
When is Dial-A-Ride available for transportation?
• Destinations, Times and Schedules are subject to change. No service provided during severe inclement weather.
• Appointments must be made through the Dial-A-Ride Office at 973-983-2839 Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
• Clients must call at least 2 weeks prior to appointment date. Same day reservations will not be accommodated.
• Clients cannot schedule appointments with the drivers.
• Medical appointments should be made between 10:00a and 1:00p for all Morristown appointments.
• Medical appointments should be made between 9:00a and 2:00p for local appointments.
What information is needed to set up my ride?
• When calling to schedule an appointment, please have ready…
• The day of the appointment, the date of the appointment and the time of the appointment
• We will need the doctor’s name, address and telephone number.
• We ask that the resident is ready 1 hour before their scheduled appointment.
• If your appointment with the doctor is scheduled for 10:00a, we ask that you are ready by 9:00a. A driver will be there any time within the hour.
• Dial-A-Ride will give each resident 1 hour for their appointment unless specified differently.
• If your appointment is for 11:00a we will automatically come back for you at 12:00p.
• If you need more time, this information should be given at the time you set up your appointment with the office.
• ALL appointments much be finished by 2:00p in Morristown and 3:00 locally.
• If your time should go beyond the time scheduled, we may not be able to give you a return trip home.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the schools are closed because of the weather, then Dial-A-Ride is closed. The Dial-A-Ride coordinator or such representative will call you to cancel the appointment. We ask that you contact your doctor immediately to cancel and then reschedule with both the doctor and Dial-A-Ride.
What if I need to cancel my ride?
If you need to cancel your ride for any reason, we ask that you call Dial-A-Ride immediately. If there is no answer, PLEASE leave a message telling us that you need to cancel along with the date of your appointment.
Is there Alternate Transportation available to Rockaway Township Residents?
Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance – 866-527-9933
Medical Appointment Transportation – Logisticare of New Jersey
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00pm
Vehicle Operation – Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Reservations require 2 days in advance – Must have name and address of Doctor
Must have valid Medicaid Number
Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs
Seniors, Veterans and Low Income in Morris County – 973-366-4770 x 117
Office Hours – Monday – Friday – 9:00am – 11:00 am
Vehicle Operation – Monday – Friday – 7:30am – 3:30 pm
Reservations required 48 hours in advance – Not handicapped accessible – No Emergency Services – Curb to Curb Service
American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey
Veteran Transportation – please contact Mary Levis - 973-538-2160 x 203
Free – Non Emergency transportation to medical appointments for Veterans of the Armed Forces who reside in Morris County. Trips to VA facilities in Lyons and East Orange as well as local doctor’s offices Monday through Friday; morning appointments are preferred and should be scheduled two (2) weeks in advance. Vehicles are not quipped for wheelchairs, so clients must be ambulatory.
Morris on the Move (M.O.M.) – 973-829-8501 or 973-347-3144
Free community transportation service for low income individuals
Vehicle Operation: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 8:00 pm
Seating is limited to 20 – Handicapped Accessible (two wheelchair limit)
This is a modified fixed route running between Dover and Mt. Olive with stops including; St. Clare’s, Ledgewood Mall, Netcong Railroad and Wal-Mart, etc. Schedule is subject to change without notice; call ahead for details.
What is Rockaway Township Clean Communities – Help Keep Our Community Clean!
Rockaway Township’s Clean Communities program is part of a statewide strategy to prevent the accumulation of litter on roadways, beaches, waterways, parks and recreational areas. The Clean Communities grant mandates a three-facet approach to litter control – enforcement, community clean up and education.
Rockaway Township satisfies its requirement for clean up by sponsoring two “Public Clean Community Days” each year, which are held in the spring and fall. The Township encourages participation from Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, civic groups, volunteer organizations, church groups, residents and businesses. Mini grants are available to groups and organizations that continually help to clean up public properties.
The Public Clean Community Days are scheduled on a Saturday, and all participants meet at a central location in the Township. Refreshments are served and litter bags, gloves and promotional items are provided to all who participate. Clean-up assignments are provided according to the volunteer’s age and the safety of the area to be cleaned. Residents may check the Township’s website and local newspapers for information regarding the clean-up days, or may call the Division of Health at 973-983-2848.
The Clean Communities program also enables the Township’s six schools to sponsor pre-approved educational programs, which provide students with awareness regarding the effects of litter on our environment.
Please consider volunteering for the next Public Clean Community Day.
Let’s work together and keep Rockaway Township beautiful!
Does the Township provide health services for children, and if so, how may I enroll my child or find out more?
Rockaway Township provides a regular Child Health Conference, which includes a vaccination program and exams by a licensed physician. Eligibility requirements include the following:
• Participants must be between the ages of two months and 18 years
• Participants must be eligible for the federally funded Vaccines for Children program,
• Participants must have no health insurance, or health insurance that does not cover immunizations
For more information on child health services, please call the Division of Health at 973-983-2848.
Can my child receive multiple vaccinations at the same time safely?
Yes. Scientific studies have shown that even a newborn baby’s immune system can safely handle several immunizations at one time. Combination vaccines, which have been used for decades and may offer several scheduled vaccinations in one shot, may protect your child from a number of different diseases.
Why did I receive a call from the Division of Health after I an illness I suffered?
In New Jersey, there are stringent laws that require laboratories and physicians to report a number of infectious diseases to the local health authority. Health officials, in turn, must investigate each reportable disease and may contact a sick or previously sick individual to complete State-mandated reporting requirements. These investigations are always done by the health authority responsible for the geographic area where a sick individual resides. Such investigations are performed to comply with State law, but also are done to ensure that proper control measures may be put in place, outbreaks may be averted, and disease trends may be monitored. Local public health nurses, health officers and environmental health specialists may become involved in this mandatory reporting, and are always grateful when residents cooperate with these requirements, as outlined in State Statute.
Why did the school nurse call and say my child will be excluded from child care or school if I do not get a certain immunization?
Per New Jersey law, a child must receive a number of immunizations to attend child care or school. The Division of Health’s public health nurse audits the records of each child care center and school located in Rockaway Township. If a child is found to be deficient in meeting these State requirements, the child’s parents are given two weeks to obtain the vaccine. If the child is not immunized within two weeks, laws state that the child is to be excluded from school. The State established these vaccine requirements both to protect the unvaccinated child from contracting a communicable disease, and to protect other children with religious or medical vaccine exemptions from receiving a potentially serious disease. New Jersey does permit legitimate medical and religious exemptions to these vaccination requirements, so some children may be vulnerable to serious infectious diseases.
How can I receive a flu or pneumonia vaccination?
The Division of Health provides influenza and pneumonia immunizations to residents during the fall and early winter months. Some age and medical restrictions apply, so please be sure to call the Division of Health at 973-983-2848 with any questions or for more information.
Does the Township offer adult exercise programs?
The Division of Health, through the Department of Community Services, sponsors Yoga, Tai Chi, Arthritis Exercise and Therabands programs for older adults. These exercise programs are offered in the spring and fall. Class size is limited and registration is required. Registration packets may be obtained at the Division of Health, located at the Rockaway Township Municipal Building. For information, call 973-983-2848.
I don’t have health insurance. Where can I go for health care or more information?
There are some health screenings and programs that are available for free or at a substantially reduced cost to Rockaway Township residents. In addition, the Division of Health can provide information on some State-sponsored services addressing the health needs of underserved or uninsured residents. For more information, please contact the Division of Health Office at 973-983-2848.
My must I produce evidence that my pet’s rabies vaccination is valid through the following November 1 when I’m licensing my pet on January 1?
State law requires that any pet with a rabies vaccination expiring before November 1 of the licensing year will require an updated vaccine prior to the issuance of a new license. Every municipality in New Jersey must abide by this statutory requirement, and it assures that your pet will be protected from rabies for the majority of the year. The Rockaway Township Division of Health offers a free rabies clinic at the Public Works Garage, 540 Green Pond Road, twice per year. In 2012, the clinics will be held on Saturday, March 3, from 9:00am – 11:00am, and on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00am – 12:00pm.
My pet’s rabies vaccination doesn’t expire until later this year. Is it okay for me to have my pet vaccinated several months early?
It is generally okay and of no risk to your pet if an early vaccination is obtained, but please be sure to ask your veterinarian if this will be okay. Please remember that the Township offers two free rabies clinics each year. Details for the 2012 clinics may be found in the entry above.
Who may I call if I observe an injured domestic or wild animal?
Residents who observe a sick or injured animal, regardless of species, should call Rockaway Township’s Animal Control Officer or the Rockaway Township Police Department. Animal Control may be reached at 973-983-2849 from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. At all other times, please contact the Rockaway Township Police Department at 973-625-4000. For your safety, please remember to never handle a sick or injured animal – always contact Animal Control or the Police Department!
We just introduced a puppy/kitten to the family. When must I have our new pet licensed?
In accordance with regulations, a dog/cat of licensing age refers to any dog or cat that has attained the age of seven (7) months, or that possesses a permanent set of teeth. You may get more information on licensing your pet by calling the Division of Health at 973-983-2848 or by checking the Township website. Please remember that dog and cat owners must provide evidence of a current rabies vaccination when licensing their pet.
Who may I contact if I observe a bat or other wild animal in my living quarters?
If you observe any wild animal in your home or apartment (i.e., bat, raccoon, skunk, etc.), please call the Rockaway Township Police Department at 973-625-4000. The Police Department will dispatch an Animal Control Officer and/or a Patrolman to your residence. Some animals are at risk of carrying rabies, so please remember to never attempt to handle an unfamiliar or wild animal.
Can I sell food I prepare at home, such as cupcakes?
Food prepared at a kitchen in a private home may not be sold to the public. Food product sold to the public must come from a licensed retail food establishment that is inspected by the local health authority or, in the case of wholesale/distributed foods, by the state health department.
I am planning a one day or multi-day event, in which food is going to be sold or given to the public. Do I need to obtain a food license?
Yes. A temporary retail food license is necessary for any event where food is sold or otherwise made available to the public. An application must be obtained from the Division of Health, completed and remitted with the appropriate fee. This license, once approved, will be usable for a period of up to three (3) days. A temporary food event application may be printed directly from the town’s website.
I am thinking of opening a restaurant. How do I obtain for a retail food license?
To serve food to the public in Rockaway Township, you must first complete an application to operate a retail food establishment (available to print/download from the town website), and the application must be accompanied by professionally prepared plans. The plans must include the proposed layout, and all mechanical components, materials and finishes to be provided. Applicants must also provide all equipment specifications, the name of the exterminator that will be providing monthly service, plus evidence any State-mandated food handler/manager training that is required, depending on the type of food establishment. Applicants also must advise the Division of Health of the restaurant’s water source (i.e., private well/public) and the type of sewage disposal system that will be used, in the event a septic design must be submitted and reviewed along with the application.
Per N.J.A.C. 8:24, the State’s retail food code, the Division of Health then has thirty (30) days to review the application. If the application and accompanying plans are in compliance with code and if any other necessary approvals are obtained from other Township departments (i.e., Planning, Zoning, Construction), approval will be granted by the Division of Health. Approximately two (2) weeks prior to opening, the Division of Health must be contacted to schedule a preopening inspection.
I have a septic system and have heard a repair could be expensive. What can I do to maintain my septic?
To help assure that your septic system doesn’t malfunction and require expensive repair or alteration, be very careful what goes into it. Don’t pour cooking oils, fats, greases, toxic substances or non-biodegradable items down drains, sinks or toilets. Avoid using multiple water sources at once, such as the shower, laundry and/or dishwasher. Don’t drive vehicles over the septic disposal field, and don’t construct or install accessory structures that may encroach upon the septic system. Perhaps most importantly, please remember to pump your septic tank regularly. For a family of four, it is recommended that you have a professional septic pumping company service your septic tank a minimum of once every three years.
I’m concerned about the quality of my water and I have a private well. How may I have my well sampled?
Safe potable drinking water is extremely important, and many of Rockaway Township’s residents derive their drinking water from private wells located on their property. It is ultimately the responsibility of homeowners to contact a certified laboratory if they wish to have private well water tested. The Division of Health will be happy to help interpret your water quality results, and can provide information if any results exceed standards. Please contact the Division of Health Office at 973-983-2848 if you have questions about your private well.
Where can I find information regarding Parks and Hiking trails in Rockaway Township / Morris County?
There are many Parks and Trails in the Morris County area. Please click on the attached link for details.
Parks & Trails
