Bridgewater, NJ

The township of Bridgewater, New Jersey, is an affluent community located in the north-central region of the state. While historically a farming town, Bridgewater has recently become a hub for disaffected urbanites who want to flee the clamor and commotion of the city in search of a quieter, more tranquil lifestyle. Today, Bridgewater is populated primarily by white-collar workers, many of whom are either employed in town or commute daily to nearby cities. Bridgewater has a population of approximately 43,000.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The city's economy is mainly dependent on agriculture. The Somerset County Board of Agriculture is based in Bridgewater. The board promotes sustainable agriculture throughout Somerset County.

In recent years, industrial development has picked up in the city. Drug manufacturers, such as Ortho Biotech Products, Sanofi-Aventis, and Pfizer, represent some of the largest employers in Bridgewater Township. Other top employers include AT&T, Met Life, Johnson & Johnson, Phillips-Van Heusen, and Alpharma Inc.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Bridgewater contains a number of communities and sections, many of which do not have officially defined boundaries. They include:

• Bradley Gardens: Located in southwestern Bridgewater, bordered on the east by Raritan and Branchburg to the west. This is one of Bridgewater's older residential areas but also includes some newer developments as well as a commercial area along Old York Road.
• Eastern North Branch: Most of North Branch is in Branchburg, but a portion lies to the east of the North Branch of the Raritan River, in Bridgewater Township.
• Finderne: Located in southeastern Bridgewater between Bound Brook and Somerville. This is a diverse area with older neighborhoods bordering Foothill Road, newer developments, multi-unit housing near the Raritan River/Manville border, as well as commercial and industrial areas. The Middlebrook Crossing industrial park, the Promenade shopping center and Commerce Bank Ballpark, home to the Somerset Patriots, are located here.
• Thomae Park: In the extreme eastern portion of Bridgewater, bordering Bound Brook and Middlesex. Residents there have a Bound Brook ZIP code. One of their main attractions is Thomae Park, which has a playground, basketball court, baseball field, and hiking trail.
• Green Knoll: Located in central Bridgewater, this is a residential area with many major commercial developments and government facilities, including the Bridgewater Commons Mall at the intersection of U.S. Route 22 and U.S. Route 202-206, a large office park just west of the Commons across 202-206, the municipal building and police station, and Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
• Country Club/Meadow Road: This area is referred to by some as the "Country Club-Meadow Road area" or similar names, after the major north-south streets there. Some also refer to "the Van Holten area" after the elementary school located there. It borders Bedminster and Branchburg. It is Bridgewater's most "rural" section, although it is comprised almost exclusively of residential communities.
• Milltown/Vanderveer Road: This area is known to some as the "Milltown-Vanderveer" area. The area is northeast of Bradley Gardens bordering Raritan and Branchburg. It is mainly a residential community with many new homes built in recent years.
• Martinsville: Located in northeastern Bridgewater near Warren Township and Bernards Township. This is a predominantly residential area, though it does have its own commercial center along Washington Valley Road, and its own post office and ZIP code. This also is a very hilly area as it is the portion of Bridgewater through which the Watchung Mountains pass.
• Sunset Lake: Built around a manmade lake in the extreme northern part of Bridgewater, near the interchange of Interstate 287 and Interstate 78. Some of the residents there have the Basking Ridge ZIP code 07920.

FAMILY FUN

• Duke Island Park is a popular destination that encompasses approximately 340.5 acres along the historic Raritan Power Canal. It offers biking trails, fishing, picnic areas, two playgrounds for younger and older children, and a softball field. In the winter, visitors can enjoy ice-skating and cross-country skiing.
• Green Knoll Golf Course is an 18-hole course with a lighted nine-hole pitch-and-putt course. The course also features a pro golf shop, and concessions are available for purchase.
• Green Knoll Tennis houses numerous all-weather tennis courts. Visitors can play for the day, take lessons, and participate in tournaments.
• North Branch Greenway spans approximately nine acres and offers a lighted in-line skating rink, basketball courts, a multipurpose field, and fishing.
• North Branch Park sits on roughly 189.5 acres of land and is the site of many community events. In addition, it is equipped with a large picnic area, softball and soccer fields, and fishing access. A unique flying field allows visitors to test out model airplanes.

EVENTS

• Big Apple Circus comes to Bridgewater for one week each year, allowing families to enjoy the sights and sounds of the big top.
• Fourth of July Family Fun Fair is held annually at North Branch Park and offers residents live music and performing arts, kid-friendly activities, food, and Independence Day fireworks.
• Drive-in Movies are screened in Duke Island Park. The family-friendly, '50s-style drive-in event features a large screen and a popcorn stand.
• 4-H Fair is held annually at North Branch Park. This free festival celebrates the efforts of the 4-H club, and features a wide range of animal shows, along with various competitions and performances.
• Commerce Bank Ballpark Concerts showcases top performers from around the country.

SHOPPING

• Bridgewater Commons, a local shopping mall, includes the upscale department stores Macy's, and Lord and Taylor, as well as numerous boutiques, an array of specialty stores, and a movie theater.

FOR VISITORS

• Commerce Bank Ballpark hosts the practices and home games of the Somerset Patriots, three-time Minor League Baseball Atlantic League Champions. This park also hosts various special community events throughout the year.
• Middlebrook Trail winds through Bridgewater. Thanks to the help of the local Eagle Scouts and assorted other volunteers, the trail has undergone significant developments, including the addition of boardwalks, bridges, and stairs.

BEST BETS

• Van Veghten House currently houses the Somerset County Historical Society. During the Middlebrook Encampment in 1778 and 1779, the house was Quartermaster Nathanael Greene's headquarters. This brick, Dutch-style structure now holds a library, and is open to the public once a month during the spring, summer, and autumn months.
• Washington Camp Ground served as George Washington's army camp during the winter of 1778-1779.

COMMUNITIES

In recent years, the mayor of Bridgewater has launched the Mayor's Wellness Campaign, or MWC, a program designed to promote healthier lifestyle choices among the township's residents. The campaign sponsors various outdoor exercise programs, including hiking and walking events, while offering education on such topics as nutrition, physical fitness, the relationship between mind and body wellness, and other important health issues. The campaign is especially aimed at children, with the aim of combating obesity and other health problems relating to poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles among young people.

EDUCATION

Bridgewater is home to the Somerset County Technical Institute, a technical school spread out across an expansive campus of roughly 80 acres. The school offers associate's and bachelor's degrees in technology, allied health, office administration, and art technology. The college also offers general education and continuing education courses to students and local professionals.

The Rutgers University Cooperative Extension of Somerset County is also based in Bridgewater. The extension brings educational programs to local residents, providing leadership training and practical information on agriculture and the environment, natural-resource management, nutrition, food safety, health, and 4-H youth development.

SPORTS TEAMS

Bridgewater residents root for the Somerset Patriots, a minor league team belonging to the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. A highly successful franchise, the Patriots won championships in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2008.

FUN FACTS

Bridgewater is the home of the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame, a private organization formed to preserve and promote the sport of cycling. Bridgewater is also the setting for a concept album by the band the World/Inferno Friendship Society. Titled The True Story of the Bridgewater Astral League, the album talks about a gang of young people who like to get together and create all sorts of mischief.