Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 6 40 BERKELEY ISLAND COUNTY PARK 399 Brennan Concourse Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Situated on a scenic peninsula jutting out into the calm waters of Barnegat Bay, Berkeley Island County Park provides one of the best views of the bay in Ocean County. Its 25 acres feature a family- oriented sandy beach with protected bay bath- ing. The 100' crabbing/fishing pier is one of the County's most popular. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day sunning, swimming, or crabbing. Picnic area, grills, playground. The park is cur- rently closed so that redevelopment from damage caused by Superstorm Sandy can continue, with the goal of reopening in 2016. BIG BROOK PARK 521 Route 520, Marlboro (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Named for Big Brook, which drains into the Swimming River Reservoir, this 415-acre park is known for its trails and rolling fields of grasses, goldenrod, and other perenials that provide a contiguous field habitat for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. CATTUS ISLAND COUNTY PARK AND COOPER ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard (off Fischer Blvd.), Toms River (732) 270-6960 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org The unspoiled beauty of nature is the main attrac- tion at Cattus Island County Park. For nature lovers, this 500-acre park offers panoramic bay views, hiking trails, a boardwalk through the wetlands, a conservation area, bird watching, crabbing and fishing, picnic areas, a playground, a beautiful Butterfly Garden, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This environmentally sensitive park boasts miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of the adjacent Silver Bay. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy the many displays and collections of snakes and reptiles, as well as numerous programs and presentations. Currently, the center is closed due damaged caused by Superstorm Sandy. CEDAR BRIDGE TAVERN HISTORIC SITE 200 Old Halfway Road Barnegat Township, 1-877-OCPARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Historic Cedar Bridge Tavern, located on 5 acres and surrounded by Bass River State Forest, dates back to 1816; however, the history of the site reaches back much further. It is rumored that the last skirmish of the American Revolution occurred here on December 27, 1782. A ceremony com- memorating this event is held at the site each year on the Sunday closest to December 27. Due to its two hundred year history as a hub for locals and a crossroads for travelers, the tavern is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Currently the site is closed to the public while Ocean County works to learn more about the site, implement its historic preservation plan, protect its delicate structure, and preserve its unique story for future generations. The site will eventually be available for group tours. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK 300 Gordon Road (GSP Exit 120 off of Morristown Road), Matawan (732) 566-2161 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/cheesequake.html Cheesequake State Park's uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of urban north and suburban south New Jersey, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. Nature Center, trails, camping, fishing, picknicking, boat- ing, canoeing, swimming, winter sports. CLAYTON PARK 161 Emley's Hll Road Upper Freehold, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This scenic 438-acre tract in Upper Freehold is known for its stately stands of oak, beech, ash, and birch trees. Located amidst rolling farmlands, there are nearly six miles of forested trails that bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians will enjoy. CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK 34 Cloverdale Road, Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Get acquainted with this tucked away, 90-acre jewel, the newest park in the Ocean County system. A former cranberry bog and tree farm, the natural beauty of the park lends itself to a unique 1.4 mile self-guided nature trail which meanders through the farm and into undisturbed woodlands, offering an escape from every day life. Also on the grounds are original buildings from the Collins' family farm, dating back to the early 1900s. The Nature Center, opened in May 2015, contains exhibits that high- light the natural beauty and historical significance of the park and is open on Fri., Sat., Sun., and by chance during the rest of the week. CROSSWICKS CREEK PARK AND GREENWAY County Road 532, Upper Freehold (732) 842-4000 or (609) 259-5784 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Located amidst horse farms, nurseries, and pro- tected farmland, more than 1,897 acres protect Crosswicks Creek, an important local water MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Over 16,175 acres of preserved open spaces are available for your fitness and relaxing plea- sure at more than thirty county parks. From hiking trails and campsites to golf courses and historic sites, there are opportunities for all. Visit us on-line or call for brochures and directions. OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org On more than 4,000 acres in twenty-seven facilities, The Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation offers programs for adults and children including classes, sports events, trips, festivals, and more! All of the parks have at least a few picnic tables, and some parks are able to accommodate large groups. Three parks offer swimming facilities: Ocean County Park in Lakewood, A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township, and Berkeley Island County Park in Berkeley Township (limited access - located on the Barnegat Bay but currently closed due to Superstorm Sandy). Ocean County Park and A. Paul King County Park have beautiful, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches, playgrounds, restrooms, picnic facilities, and are staffed with lifeguards from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily from mid-June until Labor Day (conditions permitting). There is no charge to use any of the county facilities. Call or visit the website above for brochures and directions. FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION Before heading out to fish, make sure you have the proper documentation. SALTWATER registration (free): www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html FRESHWATER license information and registration (fee applies): www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishneed.htm PARKS & RECREATION AREAS continued from page 39 Gull Island County Park in Point Pleasant Beach. Mike Meseroll

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