FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 11, 2008
Freeholders recognize open space projects
FREEHOLD – At their meeting on July 10, 2008, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized local open space grant projects in five towns by presenting them with signs to commemorate the completion of the park acquisition and improvement projects.
“What better time than July’s National Park and Recreation Month to recognize communities who successfully completed Municipal Open Space Grant Program projects in the past year,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry liaison to the county’s Park System. “This program helps towns preserve open space and acquire and improve parkland by sharing the costs with the county.”
Towns recognized by the Board were:
· Township of Manalapan for its acquisition of a 1.7 acre parcel surrounded by its existing Recreation Center site. The acquisition eliminated the potential for conflict between this private property and the adjacent public recreational use and allows for the expansion of much needed recreational facilities. Accepting the project sign for the Township of Manalapan was Mayor Michelle Roth, Superintendent of Parks Mona Cholowinski and Assistant Administrator Renee Garrigana.
· Borough of Bradley Beach for its improvements to Main Street Park and Lake Terrace Park. New and expanded facilities at Main Street Park support the Borough’s many active recreation programs and LakeTerracePark now has a popular playground. Mayor Julie Schreck accepted the project sign for the Borough of Bradley Beach.
· Borough of TintonFalls for its construction of the Sycamore Avenue Soccer Complex. These six new soccer fields, playground, and concession/restroom building were partially funded by a developer’s agreement negotiated by the Township. Tinton Falls Administrator Brian Dempsey accepted the project sign.
· Borough of Shrewsbury for its acquisition of the 2.15 acre Farrell property which is adjacent to the Borough’s Robert Graham Athletic Fields. The site is a welcome addition to the developed community’s park inventory. John McGuire accepted for the Borough of Shrewsbury.
· Borough of Neptune City for its improvements to Adams Field Park. A new playground, paved walking path, irrigated ballfields, accessible restrooms, and reconstructed court areas are now the pride of Neptune City. Accepting the project sign for Neptune City were Mayor Thomas Arnone and Administrator Joel Popkin.
Created by the Freeholders in 2003, the annual Municipal Open Space Grant Program offers matching grants of up to $250,000 for municipal open space acquisition and development projects. Since its inception, the Program has awarded funding in support of 63 important local park and recreation projects in 40 MonmouthCounty municipalities.
“Both land acquisition and park, recreation and open space improvement efforts are eligible for future funding,” said Burry. “This a valuable tool to help municipalities maintain and improve the quality of life in their communities.”
All of the county’s 53 municipalities are eligible to apply for funding awards. Applications for the 2008 Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program are available now with a filing deadline of Wednesday, September 17. For more information, visit the Park System’s Web site at www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
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