From Our Offices
GET TO KNOW Making County parks safe and accessible for all Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation
Seeing the new Performing Arts Center at the Middlesex County East Brunswick Magnet School, one would never guess this state-of-the-art, 632-seat theater is housed in a public high school. With over $4.7 million invested in upgrades like new seats; fully digital audio, visual, and lighting systems; a modern green room with amenities including multiple changing rooms and restrooms; and a newly built scene shop adjacent to the stage — students are performing at a theater on par with renowned Broadway venues. “Our vision is to build a cultural hub for both our students and the broader community, aimed at creating more educational opportunities, improving accessibility, and creating a modern performance space that honors the arts while preparing students for careers in the performing arts industry,” said Middlesex County Magnet Schools Superintendent Jorge E. Diaz. From its Senior Showcase to Spring Dance Performance, the school also envisions presenting Broadway-level productions, with its first full-scale, sold-out performance of Mama Mia this past February. “With a student-first mindset, the Performing Arts Center at East Brunswick Magnet School offers students, families, and the community unique access to extraordinary arts and cultural experiences. This is life-changing,” said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of Economic Development Chanelle Scott McCullum. And while East Brunswick Magnet School’s arts programs are helping students hone their craft, the lessons they are learning go far beyond technical skills. “I’m helping my students build self-reliance, not necessarily to become professional dancers, but to be successful human beings in this world,” said Dance teacher Cleo Mack, a 16-year veteran at East Brunswick Magnet School. To learn more about East Brunswick Magnet School of the Arts or Middlesex County Magnet Schools and their specialized education, visit mcmsnj.net . Renovated East Brunswick Magnet School Performing Arts Center Elevates Arts and Culture LIGHTS CAMERAS. GLOW UP!
The dedicated employees in the Office of Parks and Recreation have a huge job. They are tasked with keeping the County’s park system — which includes 19 developed and active County parks and recreation facilities encompassing over 3,000 acres — safe and accessible for County residents and visitors. The Office maintains and protects the County’s parks and open spaces, conserves natural resources, and facilitates and supports numerous indoor and outdoor programs, events, and activities — including the County’s Bark Rangers program for residents and their dogs.
In total, the Middlesex County park system includes: • Facilities for concerts, picnics, and summer and winter sports programs • More than 8,200 acres of conservation areas and preserves From live theater and summer concerts to picnic groves, sports fields, and special events like walks, runs, festivals, fireworks, and celebrations — Middlesex County’s parks offer something for everyone. For more information or to find a County park, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/parksandrec .
East Brunswick Magnet School of the Arts offers specialized educational tracks for County high school students, including:
SPRUCING UP FOR AMERICA’S 250TH In 2025, the County is
For young residents interested in earning money while helping protect and preserve open space, Middlesex County’s Youth Conservation Corps may be the perfect fit. Founded in 2006 under then Freeholder Director David B. Crabiel, the Youth Conservation Corps offers teens and young adults aged 16+ the chance to help protect and preserve lands and natural areas acquired by the Middlesex County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. Youth Conservation Corps members are paid $16 per hour during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and all training is provided. Tasks vary depending on season and work location, but typically focus on three main areas: Trash clean-up, debris, and brush removal Trail maintenance and construction Habitat restoration, including pulling invasive species and reforestation For information about the Youth Conservation Corps, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and type “Conservation Corps” in the search bar. YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS HELPS PRESERVE COUNTY’S OPEN SPACE
participating in the Great American Cleanup to get ready for America’s 250 th birthday on July 4, 2026! Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/250 to get involved.
ARTS TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN
DIGITAL FILMMAKING
MULTIMEDIA ARTS AND DESIGN
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AND TECHNOLOGY
GRAPHIC DESIGN
DANCE AND THEATRE
“When I first walked into this high school, I knew this was home! The education I’m getting here prepares me well for my future as an actress.” Miriam Reyes School of the Arts Theater student
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12 Your Middlesex | 2025 Issue 1
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