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46 OCEAN COUNTY PARK 659 Ocean Avenue (Route 88) Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This magnificent 323-acre facility in Lakewood has a rich and fascinating history. Ocean County Park was originally part of Financier John D. Rockefeller's vacation estate. White pine, hemlock, and other unique specimen trees, now mature, were imported by Rockefeller from all over the country. Fitness and bike trails, tennis courts, open playing fields, beach volleyball, canoeing, fishing, and even a driving range, all free of charge, appeal to adults of all ages. Children will delight in using the play- grounds or swimming in the large, clean swimming lake on hot summer days. Ocean County Park has a large, accessible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 700 persons. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park. Transformed into a lovely and silent winter wonder- land after a snowfall, it's a great site for cross-coun- try skiing. Of course, there is no charge for casual use of the park, the beach, or its many facilities. An off-leash dog park area is also available. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. ROBERT J. MILLER AIRPARK AND OFF-LEASH DOG FACILITY 901 Route 530, Berkeley Township 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Home of the renowned Ocean County Fair held each July, the 35-acre grounds are perfect for the many vendors, amusements, entertainers, 4-H clubs, and visitors who make the Fair an annual highlight. The park also has a playground and picnic area and is the site of a local, independently managed airport. Conservation area, cross-country skiing, open playing fields, pavilion, picnic area, restrooms, handicapped accessible. An off-leash dog park area is also available. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. SANDY HOOK: GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SANDY HOOK UNIT SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE FORT HANCOCK HISTORIC DISTRICT SANDY HOOK VISITOR'S CENTER Off Route 36, Highlands (732) 872-5970 www.nps.gov/gate The Sandy Hook region of the Gateway National Recreation Area features seven miles of beaches (with lifeguards in summer), evening beach concerts, hiking trails, salt marshes, and over three hundred species of birds. Ranger (and self-guided) tours are available year-round. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Located near the tip of this seven-mile barrier peninsula, is the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Built at the request of New York merchants wanting to protect their ships entering the harbor, it was lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764. The octagonal tower was the fifth lighthouse in the colonies and remains the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. today. The Lighthouse was occupied by British soldiers during the American Revolution and was bombarded by cannons served by Patriot troops. It was also the sanctuary to local refugees who were sympathizers of the King. The grounds around the Lighthouse are open daily, and a video program can also be viewed. The Lighthouse itself is open daily for tours and climbs that are guided by National Park Service Rangers and Volunteers- in-the-Park from 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM. While there, also visit the Fort Hancock Historic District. Built in 1898, Fort Hancock includes gun batteries and over one hundred buildings. Start your visit at the Fort Hancock Museum; then visit History House, an 1890s officers' home. History House is open week- ends 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Special use fees for beach parking are charged, while entry to the historic district is free. The Sandy Hook Visitor's Center is located at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters in Fort Hancock. It features exhibits on the peninsula's nat- ural environment and is open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. An 1894 U.S. Life-Saving Station at Spermaceti Cove was closed after Superstorm Sandy and is currently not open to the public. SEVEN PRESIDENTS OCEANFRONT PARK 221 Ocean Avenue North Long Branch, (732) 229-7025 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 38-acre park was named to honor seven presidents who vacationed in the immediate area. In the summer, its guarded beach is a great place to swim, sun, and surf. During the off-season, it is a nice place for a quiet walk. PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 45 Sandy Hook. Paul Scharff