RED BANK REC HOSTS FUN FOR TATERS, TOTS

Zoo_trip_flyerEven as the Easter Bunny preps for the fast-paced frolic that is the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Red Bank’s Eastside Park (going on at high noon this Saturday, March 19), the folks at Red Bank Parks and Recreation have a couple of other springtime goodies for the finding, if local residents know where to look.

The hours are counting down for the March 15 deadline to register for a Spring Break Family Trip, to Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. Scheduled for the morning and early afternoon of Wednesday, March 30, the bus excursion offers local children and their adult caregivers an opportunity to visit the park and nature center that’s been a favorite of New Jersey families for generations. A per-person cost of $22 includes round trip transportation (attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch, as the park’s food facilities are currently closed due to renovations). Space is limited and time is running out, so click the graphic for details on signing up — and read on for more.

Grownups who are having trouble keeping pace with the kids as they dash for the cache of colorful eggs can benefit from a new introductory running program for adults, offered by Red Bank Parks and Rec under the name “Couch Potato to 5k.” Designed for “those of us who have not been exercising very much in recent history and need a little motivation,” the twice-weekly course offers a fun, positive and non-intimidating environment in which to spring into a new attitude of activity — starting at a slow pace and short distances, then building safely and comfortably to a point in which participants can take part in a local 5k race.

Advance registration ($30 per person) is required for the sessions that take place at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning March 21. Classes meet at East Side Park (Mechanic Street at Harrison Avenue), and participants can register in person during regular business hours inside Borough Hall (90 Monmouth Street), or call (732)530-2782 for more info.