SEA GIRT – Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry reminded local leaders, teachers, students and residents that it was their creative thinking and hard work that played a big part in upgrading and updating the new playground and adjoining recreation space at the Sea Girt Elementary School.
 
“This playground is a true example of what people can accomplish when they put their heads together,” Burry said Aug. 16 at the dedication of the new playground. “A successful fundraising campaign, an intra-local partnership, and a boost from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders have made this playground a reality.”
 
Burry was referring to the $238,000 in county matching funds that Sea Girt was awarded through the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program. This was the first county open space grant for Sea Girt.
 
Because only municipalities are eligible to receive funding from the grant program, the borough took the lead in the application process and created an agreement with the Sea Girt School District that makes the playground and surrounding improved facilities available for local recreation programs during non-school times. The Sea Girt Educational Foundation also contributed to the playground project by raising funds and generating enthusiasm for the entire project.
 
The county’s open space grant program is a competitive program with $2 million available annually to Monmouth County municipalities. Since 2003, the Freeholders have authorized more than $10 million in park acquisition and improvement projects to 39 towns. 
 
“I welcome Sea Girt to this family of projects,” Burry said. “If you are feeling ambitious, and are ready to work together again, you may even want to apply for the next round of grant funding.”
 
The Board of Chosen Freeholders will again award $2 million from the Municipal Open Space Grant Program to municipalities for the creation or expansion of local park facilities. Applications for this sixth round of grants, up to $250,000 each, are due by 4 p.m. on Sept. 17.
 
Grant awards will be announced in December 2008. The grants are funded through the Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund and administered by the Monmouth County Park System.
 

Further information on the grant program can be found at the Monmouth County Park System’s Web site at www.monmouthcountyparks.com or by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 4472.

 

In November 2002, Monmouth County voters approved expansion of the existing Open Space Trust Fund to include monies for cooperative projects with municipalities within the county. The Board of Chosen Freeholders formally established the program in 2003 and began allocating $2 million annually to municipalities.  

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