County of Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 13, 2009

Freeholders recognize open space projects
Annual Park & Recreation awards announced

Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow and Freeholder Lillian Burry present an open space award to William Hennigan

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has recognized local open space grant projects in seven towns by presenting them with signs to commemorate completion of their park acquisition and improvement projects.
 
They also recognized four recreation programs and individuals for outstanding work. Awards went to Sea Girt, Holmdel, Freehold Township and Rumson. 

“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 and individuals who work hard to enhance recreation programs in their communities,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the county’s Park System.
 
Towns recognized by the Board are:

  • Asbury Park for the installation of a new playground equipment at the Fourth Avenue Playground and for landscaping improvements at Veterans Memorial Park.
  • Colts Neck for construction of a Life Fitness Trail. The 10-station fitness trail is located at Township Hall Park.
  • Holmdel for the acquisition of F&F Nurseries, a 25-acre streamside parcel creating a link to municipal and county open space areas. Also, for the 13-acre forested property at Mahoras Brook/Waackaack Creek acquisition.
  • Howell for its Echo Lake Park additions of 16.5 acres.
  • Neptune for its Shark River waterfront acquisition.
  • Ocean Township for acquisition of the remaining 21-acres of Colonial Golf Course, reuniting this parcel with the 34 acres previously acquired.
  • Rumson for acquisition of the remaining 20.8 acres of Gunning Island, consolidating ownership of the entire island under the borough.

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 77 important local park and recreation projects in 40 Monmouth County municipalities.

“Both land acquisition and park, recreation and open space improvement efforts are eligible for future funding,” Burry said. “This program helps towns preserve open space and acquire and improve parkland by sharing the costs with the county. It is 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 2009 Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program are available now with a filing deadline of Wednesday, Sept. 23. For more information, visit the Park System’s Web site at www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

Awards winners are as follows:

  • William Hennigan, Holmdel, Volunteer Service Award, given to shining examples of civic responsibility. As vice chairman of the Bayonet Farm Advisory Committee, Hennigan has “done it all” as part of a vital team of active volunteers committed to enhancing and promoting passive recreation opportunities at Holmdel’s most unique park.
  • “Freedom Fest,” Freehold Township, the Victor Grossinger Achievement Award for Innovative Recreation Programming. In honor of Independence Day and the service men and women who continue to make that day possible, the township recreation summer camp  counselors coordinate a camp-wide event called “Freedom Fest to mark Freehold Township’s pride in America. Themed events involving more than 1,000 campers were organized.
  • Meadow Ridge Park, Rumson, the Charles M. Pike award for Park and Recreation Facilities. Named for the county’s Planning Director from 1954 through 1971 and helped establish the Board of Recreation Commissioners, the award recognizes outstanding parks facilities. Meadow Ridge Park offers a new outdoor exercise station, three baseball fields, two soccer fields, a walking/jogging trail and ample parking.
  • Patricia Peterson, Sea Girt, Open Category Award. This award recognizes a project, event or person who may not fit into a particular category. Ms. Peterson was selected for developing the best recreational program on a shoestring budget with minimal facilities. She lines fields, runs clinics, organizes new programs, develops budgets, writes grants and enlists the help of other community groups to get the job done.


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