Westwood, New Jersey (February 2, 2023) — The Westwood Recreation Department is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newly renovated commercial kitchen at the Westwood Community Center, 55 Jefferson Ave. The renovation was funded through the Borough of Westwood’s capital account and the Westwood Recreation Department’s trust account. Westwood residents, Architect William J. Martin and Chef Ross Goldflam, provided complementary oversight and professional services for the project. Photos of the kitchen can be viewed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation.
The completed renovation of the commercial kitchen at the community center enables residents to plan events that may require onsite food preparation. The kitchen features a six burner commercial gas stove and oven, triple basin sink for cleaning and sanitizing, stainless steel countertops and prep island as well as two large refrigerator/freezers. The kitchen now also includes important safety features including a dedicated handwash station, an upgraded commercial exhaust hood and a new fire suppression system.
According to Westwood Recreation Director Gary Buchheister, the renovation was an important part in department’s long-term facility improvement plan. “Having a safe and fully functional kitchen in the community center creates many new event and programming opportunities,” Buchheister said. “We look forward to exploring the creation of new life-skills classes for all ages such as nutrition, cooking and baking, as well as working with local chefs and caterers on private events and programs.”
Buchheister added that another benefit of the upgraded kitchen is that when the community center is pressed into service as an emergency shelter, volunteers and emergency services providers can prepare hot meals and other comforts on-site creating a more welcoming environment during times of need.
As part of the grand opening, Westwood Recreation Preschool students were given the honor of being the first to cook in the new kitchen. Teachers Natalie Boes and Kim Quill worked with their “little chefs” to prepare a spaghetti lunch as part of their study of the Caldecott award-winning children’s book Strega Nona which features a kindly witch with a magic pasta pot who helps feed her village.
Residents and neighbors who participate in Westwood Recreation programs will receive information on upcoming cooking classes in programs guides, emails and on social media. In addition, those interested in learning more about facility rentals with use of the kitchen for private events or for use by professional chefs and catering companies are encouraged to contact Gary Buchheister, Recreation Director at 201-664-7882 or email gbuchheister@westwoodnj.gov. Westwood Recreation programs and forms are listed at westwoodnj.gov/recreation.
