Pompton Lakes is a wonderfully unique place to live. Everyone is friendly, kind and cares for one another. Pompton Lakes is a small town, with a three-mile square radius. The town is a borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, and was formed as a borough on February 26, 1895. The borough was named for the Pompton people who lived in the area. There are so many reasons to love my quaint, happy, small town. Here are just a few.
1. We are HUGE Pizza Fans
Pat’s, Tony’s, Frank’s, and at least 10 other great pizza places are home to Pompton Lakes. Everyone has a favorite, and will defend their favorite slice when challenged by their friends. The truth is, though, they’re ALL delicious.
2. We are known for our Amazing Food.
For Lunch, grab a delicious sandwich at Town and Country, or The Ice Cream Station. In the mood for fast food? Try Wendy’s, Starbucks, or Subway. Then there is the Cardinal Café, which is an especially friendly and homey café specializing in breakfast and lunch. Mmmmm...
For dinner, we have Monica’s Italian Food, Selenita’s Mexican Cuisine, and Thatcher McGee’s Irish Food and Bar. These are all notable restaurants that cater to their customer's needs, and really care about their food quality, and business.
3. Schools
We all remember going to either Lincoln, or Lenox Elementary. (Unless you were a Riverdale, St. Mary’s, or Winsor kid.)
These elementary schools were all so different so when we melded the classes together in Middle School we all had some adjusting to do.
Then there is Pompton Lakes High School where the Riverdale students mixed in with the Pompton Kids.
PLHS is a great school and was born around 80 years ago, so generations of families have had the same teachers, and classrooms, which is not something that is very common. Students get a lot of one-on-one time with their teachers due to small class sizes. One of the very unique things about PLHS is that for lunch, the school allows its students to exit the building and grab lunch on their own. The trust the school puts in its students allows for them to learn responsibility, and time management. Pompton Lakes High School was featured in the movie In and Out in 1997 where they used the High School as the main set.
As far as sports, and activities, PLRYO Sports for kids was there for us growing up. Pompton Lakes High School's sports are the tops. Our Football team won The National championships at MetLife Stadium three years in a row. Personally, I was in Marching Band at that time and we got to march at Metlife Stadium. Other activities that I participated in were the Choir, Band, The Musicals, and Zonta Club. These all taught me so much and gave me a core group of real friends for when I graduated.
4. Programs for Kids, Teens, and The Elderly
For the Kids, we have summer camp held in Hershfield Park. Around the holidays, we have fun activities such as an Easter egg hunt. We have the Teen Center for after-school fun activities. And for the elderly, we have Senior-luncheons, dances, and organizations to keep all of our community members included.
5. The Smiling Rhino Theater
The Smiling Rhino Theater brings a little piece of Broadway to Pompton Lakes. They have wonderful and entertaining shows with star performers, and wonderful programs for the community and youth.
6. Parks and Lakes
Pompton Lakes is home to Hershfield and Lakeside Park. We all have fond memories of playing at these parks. There always seems to be swans, and paddle boats in the lake at Lakeside Park. Hershfield is great for jogging, tennis, or bike riding, not to mention it is home of our High Schools Football field.
7. Shopping.
Pompton Lakes carries a ton of interesting shops. From The Paper Store, to The Parish Store, Records and Tapes, Antique, and Second Hand Shops, and more, you can find really interesting gifts at these shops.
8. Churches
If you are religious, Pompton Lakes has a diverse selection of places of worship. There is a Lutheran and Reformed Church on Hamburg Turnpike. There is an Episcopal Church, A Synagogue, and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. All of these communities are welcoming and warm.
9. Pompton Day and The Holiday Stroll
Pompton Day is a fun-filled day, which aims to unite our town and bring our small businesses front and center. It usually happens in the summer and the main street of Lakeside Ave is shut down in order to allow for people to walk and discover new Pompton Lakes business favorites.
The Holiday Stroll is usually in the beginning of December. You can hear our PLHS Choir or band’s music playing in the streets. You will see many silly characters, and most of all, the annual tree lighting, and Santa riding through on a fire truck! Lots of free hot cocoa, and candy canes. This annual event is a real Holiday treat.
10. Everyone knows everyone.
What they say about small towns is true for Pompton Lakes. We have a very small town and all grew up together in schools, or other activities. Our neighbors are also our friends, and our friends are basically our family. When a community member passes away, everyone knows and cares.
Everyone is aware of everyone else’s business and it makes us feel loved, and safe. You can’t keep a secret in this town, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
