Scotch Plains Purchases Highland Swim Club for Recreational Use

To expand recreational offerings in Scotch Plains, the Township has purchased the five-acre property of the former Highland Swim Club, 1235 Martine Avenue. 

The next step is to decide the best use of the open space, which connects to Kramer Park Manor. The township’s Recreation Commission is planning to hold public meetings in the upcoming weeks to discuss the possibilities for the site and hear from residents about the best uses. The land is deed restricted and can only be used for recreation.

Scotch Plains purchased the land on Oct. 17 for $3.35 million, with $1.8 million in state grants used to offset the cost. Funds from the municipal capital budget were used to cover the balance.

“We have focused in recent years on creating more recreational amenities in Scotch Plains,” Mayor Josh Losardo said. “The municipal parks have steadily been upgraded with new equipment and fields. However, there still remains a significant need for more parks and nature preserves to accommodate the demands of our residents. By purchasing the swim club, the Township can greatly expand its recreational offerings, directly responding to the need.”

In the spring, the Township learned the swim club would be closing after the summer season. Fortunately, the Board of Governors of the swim club deemed Scotch Plains as the preferred purchaser, as other entities expressed strong interest in the land.

As soon as Scotch Plains was contacted about the opportunity, informal meetings were held by the Township Manager’s office and legal counsel with the swim club’s leadership. At the moment it was decided the swim club would be willing to sell the land to the municipality, the proposed ordinances were drawn up and presented at the first available council meeting on March 11.

Scotch Plains then underwent a “due diligence period” to ensure it is in the best interest of the municipality to own the land. Township leaders also met with the Recreation Commission to discuss possible uses for the property to expand recreational capacity.

“Scotch Plains has very limited open space opportunities, as we are a community that is considered built out,” said Deputy Mayor Matt Adams, the council’s liaison to the Recreation Commission. “If we are to expand the number of recreational fields and other amenities, we must aggressively seek opportunities. The availability of Highland Swim Club happens only once in a lifetime, and the municipality was fortunate to be in the position to acquire the property.”

Township leaders are eager to hear from the community about proposed uses and move forward with a plan in 2026.