Wakelee Soccer Field

For residents of Demarest, New Jersey, and the surrounding Bergen County area, finding a dedicated space for active recreation and organized sports is essential for fostering community and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Look no further than Wakelee Soccer Field – a vital local facility that goes beyond just a soccer pitch. This expansive park serves as a central hub for various athletic pursuits, from thrilling soccer matches and exciting baseball games to casual tennis rallies and playful moments for younger children. Whether you're a budding athlete, a dedicated fan, or a parent looking for a safe and engaging outdoor environment for your kids, Wakelee Soccer Field is a cornerstone of Demarest's recreational offerings. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Wakelee Soccer Field a highly suitable and cherished destination for locals.

Wakelee Soccer Field, located on Wakelee Drive in Demarest, NJ 07627, USA, is a prominent and well-utilized athletic complex in the heart of the borough. While its name emphasizes soccer, it is a multi-sport facility that caters to a wider array of outdoor activities. Operated and maintained in conjunction with the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA) and the Borough of Demarest, Wakelee Field is a critical component of the local recreational infrastructure. It's not merely a patch of grass; it’s a designed space that accommodates both competitive play and casual enjoyment. The field is known for being well-maintained, a testament to the community's investment in providing quality sports venues.

Beyond the primary soccer and baseball fields, the broader Wakelee Field area also includes other recreational amenities, making it a comprehensive park destination. This thoughtful design ensures that the space can be enjoyed by various age groups and interests, fostering a vibrant community spirit. It serves as a home ground for numerous youth sports leagues, including soccer and baseball, throughout different seasons. It's a place where children develop athletic skills, learn teamwork, and build lasting friendships. The presence of such a dedicated and well-equipped facility right within the community is invaluable for promoting physical activity and providing organized opportunities for local youth. It stands as a testament to Demarest's commitment to active living and community engagement.

Wakelee Soccer Field is conveniently situated on Wakelee Drive in Demarest, NJ 07627, USA, placing it centrally within this picturesque Bergen County borough. Its location is highly advantageous for local residents, making it easily accessible from various parts of Demarest and neighboring towns.

For those traveling by car, Wakelee Field is straightforward to reach. It can be accessed from Hardenburgh Avenue, a significant thoroughfare in Demarest. If coming from the downtown area, you typically turn just prior to the railroad tracks onto the road that crosses a small wooden bridge, leading directly into the Wakelee Field complex. Ample parking is available, particularly near the Demarest Swim Club entrance, which shares a common access road with the fields. This dedicated parking ensures that visitors can comfortably bring their gear and find a spot, even during busy league days.

Accessibility from outside Demarest is also convenient due to the borough's location relative to major routes. For instance, detailed directions are available from the George Washington Bridge, Tappan Zee Bridge, Garden State Parkway, and New Jersey Turnpike, typically involving connections to US Route 9W and then local Demarest roads like Hardenburgh Avenue. While direct public transportation might not drop you right at the field's edge, NJ Transit bus routes serve the broader Demarest area, and the field is often within a reasonable walking or cycling distance from various residential areas. This excellent accessibility means that Wakelee Soccer Field is not just for Demarest residents but also a practical destination for youth sports leagues and individuals from nearby communities in Northern New Jersey looking for quality facilities.

Wakelee Soccer Field, as a key recreational asset in Demarest, offers a range of facilities and "services" designed to support various athletic and recreational activities for the community:

• Soccer Fields: Multiple well-maintained grass fields dedicated primarily to soccer, accommodating various age groups and league play (e.g., "Wakelee Field Large," "Wakelee Field Mini," "Demarest Soccer Field- Small"). These are the core offering, providing ample space for practices and games.
• Baseball Fields: In addition to soccer, Wakelee Field also accommodates baseball, serving as a practice and game venue for local youth baseball teams. This makes it a multi-sport complex.
• Tennis Courts: The park features two tennis courts with a hard surface, providing opportunities for tennis enthusiasts to play matches or practice. While lighting may not be available, they offer a serene outdoor setting for the sport.
• Imagination Playground: A dedicated playground area for children, featuring climbing structures and other play equipment. This makes the park family-friendly, allowing younger siblings or non-playing children to enjoy their time.
• Public Restrooms: While specific details can vary, public parks of this nature typically offer restroom facilities for visitors, especially during organized events and league play.
• Parking Facilities: Ample parking is available on Wakelee Drive, often near the Demarest Swim Club entrance, ensuring convenient access for those driving to the facility.
• Field House: There is a Wakelee Field House, which likely serves as a meeting point, administrative office for the Demarest Athletic Association, or possibly offers basic amenities like shelter or changing areas.
• Trash Receptacles: Maintained by the borough, the presence of trash cans helps keep the park clean and enjoyable for all users.
• Organized League Support: The fields are utilized by the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA) for their youth soccer, baseball, and softball leagues, providing a structured environment for children's sports development.

Wakelee Soccer Field stands out in Demarest, NJ, due to several key features and highlights that make it an exceptional local recreational space:

• Premier Multi-Sport Facility: Its primary highlight is its versatility. While named a "Soccer Field," it clearly accommodates both soccer and baseball, making it a true multi-sport complex. This flexibility allows for diverse athletic programming throughout the year, serving a broader segment of the community's sports enthusiasts.
• Well-Maintained Playing Surfaces: The fields are consistently described as well-prepared and maintained by the Demarest Department of Public Works, often with support from local sports organizations like Vikings Soccer. Quality playing surfaces are crucial for safe and enjoyable athletic activities, distinguishing Wakelee Field as a top-tier local venue.
• Dedicated Youth Sports Hub: Wakelee Field is a cornerstone for youth sports in Demarest, serving as the home ground for the Demarest Athletic Association's soccer, baseball, and softball leagues. This fosters community spirit, healthy competition, and skill development for children of all ages, directly benefiting local families.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The inclusion of the "Imagination Playground" is a significant highlight. This dedicated play area ensures that the park is enjoyable for the entire family, allowing younger children to play while older siblings participate in sports, or simply providing a fun destination for an afternoon out.
• Tennis Courts: The presence of two hard tennis courts adds another layer of recreational opportunity, catering to tennis players looking for a local spot to practice or play. This expands the park's appeal beyond team sports.
• Convenient Parking and Accessibility: With ample parking available, even during peak times, and its easy-to-find location on Wakelee Drive, the field is highly accessible for residents, reducing stress associated with finding parking or navigating complex routes.
• Community Gathering Place: Beyond organized sports, Wakelee Field naturally serves as a community gathering space. It’s where neighbors connect, parents cheer on their children, and local events (like the DAA's Opening Day) take place, strengthening community bonds.
• Regular Maintenance and Community Support: The ongoing upkeep by the DPW and the volunteer efforts from organizations like the DAA ensure that the facilities remain in excellent condition, demonstrating a strong community investment in the park's quality.

As a publicly accessible park and sports facility managed by the Borough of Demarest and utilized by local athletic organizations, Wakelee Soccer Field does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its value lies in providing high-quality, accessible recreational infrastructure to the community. However, "special offers" can be interpreted as unique benefits, programs, or opportunities that arise from its function within the Demarest community:

• Youth Sports League Enrollment: The primary "offer" is the opportunity to enroll children in various sports leagues (soccer, baseball, softball) through the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA), which uses Wakelee Field as a key venue. These programs provide structured sports development, team play, and healthy activity for local youth.
• Free Public Access: The fields, tennis courts, and playground are generally available for public use when not booked for organized leagues or events. This free access is a significant "offer" for individuals or families looking for a place to play catch, practice soccer, or enjoy the playground without a fee.
• Community Events: Wakelee Field often hosts significant community events, such as the DAA's annual Opening Day. These events are "special offers" for community engagement, offering entertainment, camaraderie, and a celebration of local sports culture.
• Coaching and Volunteer Opportunities: The DAA actively seeks volunteer coaches and support staff for their leagues. Becoming a volunteer is a unique "offer" to contribute to youth development, gain coaching experience, and become more deeply involved in the community, often with associated benefits like free training or recognition.
• Access to Lessons/Clinics: Organizations like Soccer Shots sometimes run paid programs at Wakelee Field, offering specialized coaching and skill development. While not free, these can be seen as "special offers" for targeted athletic improvement for specific age groups.
• Field Permit Applications: For organized teams or groups looking to utilize the fields, the Demarest Recreation Department offers a "Demarest Parks Field Permit Application Package." While this involves a fee, it provides guaranteed access and scheduling, which can be seen as a structured "offer" for organized play.
• Seasonal Accessibility: The fields are prepared by the DPW for different seasons (e.g., baseball in spring, soccer in fall), ensuring optimal conditions for play throughout the year, which is a continuous "offer" of high-quality facilities.

To learn about specific league registration dates, community events, or any available public programs, it is best to check the official Demarest Athletic Association (DAA) website or the Demarest Borough's Recreation Department website.

Wakelee Soccer Field is a public park and athletic facility managed by the Borough of Demarest and heavily utilized by the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA). Therefore, direct contact for information, permits, or league inquiries typically goes through these official channels rather than a direct phone number for the field itself.

Address:

Wakelee Dr,
Demarest, NJ 07627, USA

For general inquiries about park amenities, field conditions, or public access, and especially for information regarding permits for organized use, you should contact the Demarest Borough's Recreation Department.

Demarest Borough Recreation Department:

Phone: (201) 768-0167, ext. 130
Email: recreation@demarestnj.gov

For information specific to youth sports leagues (soccer, baseball, softball, basketball) that use Wakelee Field, contact the Demarest Athletic Association (DAA):

Demarest Athletic Association (DAA) Official Website: www.daarec.org
Their website often has information about league registrations, schedules, and specific contact details for board members or sports commissioners. They also post news regarding field status and events like Opening Day.

It is always recommended to check the official websites of the Demarest Borough and the Demarest Athletic Association for the most current information, including meeting schedules, field closures, and program details.

For residents of Demarest, New Jersey, and neighboring communities in Bergen County, Wakelee Soccer Field stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued local amenity. Its design and operation cater directly to the needs and interests of an active community, making it much more than just a place to play sports.

Firstly, its central location on Wakelee Drive ensures unparalleled accessibility for locals. Whether you're driving, walking, or cycling, reaching the field is convenient, eliminating the need for long commutes often associated with larger regional sports complexes. This ease of access encourages frequent use, from casual pick-up games to regular league practices, integrating physical activity seamlessly into daily life. The ample parking further enhances this convenience, ensuring that parents can easily drop off and pick up their children, and spectators can comfortably attend games.

Secondly, Wakelee Soccer Field is a true multi-sport hub, catering to a wide range of athletic interests. While soccer is prominent, the inclusion of baseball fields and tennis courts means that diverse age groups and skill levels can find an activity that suits them. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for families with multiple children involved in different sports, or for individuals looking to try various outdoor activities. The well-maintained playing surfaces, a testament to the efforts of the Demarest DPW and local sports organizations, ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

Perhaps most importantly, Wakelee Soccer Field serves as a vibrant community anchor. As the primary venue for the Demarest Athletic Association's youth leagues, it's a place where children develop critical athletic skills, learn sportsmanship, and forge lasting friendships. The presence of the "Imagination Playground" ensures that younger siblings and non-playing children also have a dedicated space to enjoy, making it a truly family-friendly destination. It’s where community events like Opening Day bring residents together, fostering a strong sense of local pride and camaraderie.

In essence, Wakelee Soccer Field is a prime example of a community-focused park that delivers on its promise of providing quality recreational opportunities right in the neighborhood. Its suitability for locals stems from its convenience, diverse amenities, and its role in fostering a healthy, active, and connected community. For anyone in Demarest seeking an engaging and accessible outdoor space for sports and recreation, Wakelee Soccer Field is undoubtedly the perfect place to go.

Wakelee Soccer Field

Wakelee Dr, Demarest, NJ 07627, USA