Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 5 29 resource, and provide access for fishing, paddling, and informal multi-use trails. At the heart of this greenway is pastoral Historic Walnford, a formal mill village. See also "Historic Walnford" and "Union Transportation Trail." DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown (732) 671-6050 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gar- dener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. Whether identifying the specimens in the gardens, questioning the horticultural staff, or perusing the books and magazines in the hor- ticultural reference library, you will discover ways to improve your home garden. While there, visit the Home Compost Demonstration Area. Views of the surrounding countryside, shade, seating, and picnic tables. DORBROOK RECREATION AREA 209 County Road 537 East Colts Neck, (732) 542-1642 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Developed with active recreation in mind, a wide variety of programs, classes, camps, and activities are offered at this 535-acre site. Doorbrook is home to Challenger Place, a universally accessible playground for children of all abilities with elevated surfaces and wider entry/play areas for wheelchair access. Other attractions include an Activity/Visitors Center, trails, group picnic shelters, a playground and sprayground, tennis and basketball courts, athletic fields (soccer, field hockey, flag football, women's lacrosse, softball), and in-line skating rink. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley or 581 Pinewald Keswick Road Bayville, (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/double.html Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a win- dow into Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8,000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recre- ational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. Rich with natural and cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Double Trouble Village is a well-preserved historic village featuring New Jersey's cranberry agriculture, logging, and milling industries. Experience the cranberry bogs, restored village buildings, and Interpretive Center. The park open 8:00 AM to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Wed. - Sun. 10:00 AM - 3:45 PM. EAST FREEHOLD SHOWGROUNDS 1500 Kozlowski Road, Freehold (732) 780-1021 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com An 81-acre showground for horse shows, dog shows, and special events, East Freehold Showgrounds is also the home of the annual Monmouth County Fair. Upwards of 100,000 people enjoy the five day event held each year in late July. E.B. LEONE CONSERVATION AREA Hooper Avenue and South Shore Drive, Toms River, 1-877-OC PARKS This county property, located on the northern shore of Silver Bay, consists of 45 acres of pris- tine wetlands and can be visited via the Parks & Recreation Department's pontoon boat tours. Contact Cattus Island County Park (732-270- 6960) for details on touring this protected area. EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Headquarters: Brigantine Division Route 9, Oceanville, (609) 652-1665 deCamp Wildlife Trail: intersection of Mantoloking and Adamston Roads Brick Township Barnegat Observation Platform: Bay Shore Drive, Barnegat www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin_b_forsythe/ Established to protect tidal wetlands and shallow bay habitats for migratory water birds, the ref- uge's location is one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the Jersey Shore for their own use. Wildlife drive and trails are open seven days- a-week from sunrise to sunset. Headquarters is open weekdays, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. ENO'S POND COUNTY PARK 330 East Lacey Road, Lacey Township 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Eno's Pond County Park opened in autumn 1998. Its 28 acres and surrounding area have a long and colorful history dating to the Colonial period. The observation decks overlook Eno's Pond (which was once used as a source for ice for a hotel on the site) and are a good vantage point for view- ing some of the pond's residents and visitors. Eno's Pond County Park is adjacent to part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Lacey Extension, and both entities are working to devel- op a trail system between the two properties. Conservation area, open playing fields, nature trails, picnic area/grills, playground, restrooms, volleyball, handicapped accessible. FISHERMEN'S COVE CONSERVATION AREA 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place for fisher- men, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, and beach- goers. Locally known as "Dog Beach," dogs are permitted in designated areas only. FORT MONMOUTH RECREATION CENTER 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls (848) 456-4278 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Formerly a part of the Fort Monmouth military base, this 21,000 square foot recreation center is the park system's first ever indoor recreation facility. "The Fort" has an impressive array of ame- nities, including a large outdoor pool, classrooms, fitness rooms, gym, and game room. FLORENCE T. ALLEN CONSERVATION AREA 110 Chelsea Avenue, Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This conservation area consists of 45 acres of cedar swamp and uplands bordering Mill Creek. These wetlands protect Mill Creek as it flows into the Toms River. GULL ISLAND COUNTY PARK AND CONSERVATION AREA 419 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org All but a small parcel of land of this 48-acre tract is an island conservation area in the Manasquan River. It's a great place for a picnic lunch, bird watching, or fishing. HARTSHORNE WOODS PARK 300 Navesink Road, Middletown and 1402 Portland Road, Highlands (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com You'll feel many miles away from civilization as you travel the trails of this park. Features include continued on page 30 East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold. courtesy of Monmouth County Park System

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