Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 38 BAYSHORE WATERFRONT PARK 719 Port Monmouth Road Port Monmouth, (732) 783-3033 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com At 228 acres, this scenic park is home to a 495- foot fishing pier, the historic Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center (the Seabrook-Wilson House), and beautiful views of the Raritan Bay and the NYC skyline. Beach access, salt marshes, boating, fishing, birding, picknicking. BEAVER DAM CREEK COUNTY PARK 3430 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This expertly groomed 40-acre park has something for everyone! Take a leisurely stroll along Beaver Dam Creek's boardwalk through tidal wetlands, seemingly miles from civilization. Enjoy a picnic under the pavilion while the kids cavort on one of two playgrounds. Or, engage in your favorite sport on 6 acres of playing fields. Two superb tennis courts and a basketball court are also available for use. 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 fami- ly-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. 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- MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Over 16,175 acres of preserved open spac- es are available for your fitness and relax- ing pleasure 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 pic- nic 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, freshwa- ter 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 (con- ditions 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 37 Jill Ocone Cattus Island County Park in Toms River.

• Cover