Park Commission Opens Entries for 2025 Photo Contest Showcase Your Favorite Moments Captured in Our Parks!

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) has officially opened submissions for its 2025 Photo Contest for all Somerset County residents. Whether you have a cell phone or camera, you are invited to send in your best shots of the SCPC’s expansive park system. From natural parks with spectacular views, to playgrounds and golf courses, hiking trails and diverse wildlife, historic properties and spectacular events, there is a wide variety of things that you may capture in our parks.

“Capturing the beauty of Somerset County’s parks was an unexpected and rewarding experience, but having my work recognized in the photo contest is truly an honor,” said Sigurd Brown, 2024 First Place winner in the Scenic category for his photograph of a Lord Stirling Park sunbreak. “I’m grateful for the chance to share my perspective and celebrate the incredible spaces that make this county so special.”

Photos must be submitted by December 30, 2025. Five winners will be selected for each of the following categories: Events; Wildlife; Scenic; People; and Horticulture. Submissions must be made by the original photographer and taken in a park managed by SCPC in the year 2025. Photos may be touched up but must not be manipulated using editing and/or AI software.

“I’m so excited to be part of this contest and the community of photographers in Somerset County,” said Margie La Fountaine who won Third Place in the 2024 Horticulture category for her photo of purple asters at the Environmental Education Center. “We are so lucky to have so many amazing parks in the county and sharing their beauty with others through photography is an honor and a joy!”

Photography Submission Requirements

Entrants must use the following guidelines to submit their photography:

• High-resolution digital photo files should be sent as an attachment to parksinfo@scparks.org with the subject line “Photo Contest.”
• Photo files must be named with the Category, Park Location, and photographer’s full name. For Example: “Scenic-Lord Stirling Park-Sigurd Brown.jpg” or “Horticulture-Environmental Education Center- Margie La Fountaine.jpg”
• Entries are limited to three photos per category, per person.

Contest winners will be announced in January 2026 by email. Winners will receive printed certificates and have their photos posted on the SCPC website and social media. First Place winners will receive Leisure Pursuit cards, and First Place photos will be displayed at  the Park Commission Headquarters at North Branch Park in Bridgewater, NJ. There’s still time to explore, make new memories, and snap your best shots before the year ends. Let’s Go Photograph Our Parks!

Be sure to visit the website to review all the information and rules at https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/pages/photo-contest