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 8 32 PARKS & RECREATION AREAS continued from page 31 MANASQUAN RESERVOIR Park and Visitor Center: 311 Windeler Road, Howell (732) 919-0996 or (732) 842-4000 Environmental Center: 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, (732) 751-9453 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to the listing under "Attractions & Activities, Boat Rides." County operated public recreation area on 1,203- acre reservoir. Hike, picnic, or put in your own canoe, kayak, or electric powered boat and pay a daily or seasonal ramp fee. Rent boats too! Or tour the reservoir on a thirty-six foot pon- toon boat with a guide who will introduce you to the area's plants and wildlife. Forty minute weekend tours from Memorial Day to the end of September. $6. for adults and $4. for twelve and under. In the winter, the reservoir is open for ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing (depending upon weather conditions). Be sure to visit the Environmental Center on 331 Georgia Tavern Road. Dedicated to providing experiences of learn- ing and discovery of wetland ecology and wildlife and habitat protection, the Environmental Center is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Free! MANTOLOKING BRIDGE FISHING PIER 30 Mantoloking Road, Brick 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org With great views of Barnegat Bay, this park caters to anglers, crabbers, and sightseers. On the Brick side of the Mantoloking Bridge, the 70-foot-long fishing and crabbing pier also features a board- walk, picnic area, sun shade, gazebo, and lighted paths. Park goers have access to a second pier on the south side of the bridge, as well as Traders Cove Marina and Park (maintained by the Brick Township Department of Parks & Recreation). MILL CREEK COUNTY PARK AND FLORENCE T. ALLEN CONSERVATION AREA 110 and 111 Chelsea Avenue Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Mill Creek County Park is located in Berkeley Township between Pine Beach and Ocean Gate. Cedar chip trails, the Mill Creek, the Toms River, and three playgrounds make this a scenic and inviting park. The park's 14 acres offer the perfect spot for a family picnic under the pavilion or at one of several secluded picnic tables. Basketball, conservation area, trails, grills, restrooms, handi- capped accessible. This park is also the future site of the Ocean County Sailing Center. The Florence T. Allen 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. MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD AND MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK 16 Business Route 33, Manalapan (732) 462-9616 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/monbat.html This is where Molly Pitcher became famous during a Revolutionary battle. It was on the Monmouth Battlefield that General Washington and General Sir Henry Clinton faced each other. This victory convinced the British that the revolutionaries were a force to con¬tend with and not just a ragtag rabble. This is also the setting for the historic Craig House. Learn more about the rich history of Monmouth Battlefield through wayside exhib- its located on Perrine Hill, Combs Hill, and the Hedgerow. Visitors Center, birding, picnic areas, trails, and playgrounds. Sledding and cross- country skiing in winter. MOUNT MITCHILL SCENIC OVERLOOK 460 Ocean Boulevard Atlantic Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This is the Jersey Shore's highest point—266 feet above sea level—and is the second highest point on the Atlantic seaboard (after Maine's Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park). The overlook's 12 acres offer spectacular views of Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, and the NYC skyline and features picnic tables and a playground. Mount Mitchill is home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial. The memorial is a tribute to the 147 men and women born, raised, or residing in Monmouth County who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 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. RIVERFRONT LANDING COUNTY PARK 71 East Water Street, Toms River (732) 506-9090 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This "vest-pocket" park is located on the river in downtown Toms River amidst a beautiful and tran- quil 3-acre environment. For those employed in and around Toms River, a picnic at this meticulous- ly manicured park overlooking the Toms River is a great lunchtime alternative. Benches, crabbing, fishing, picnic area, handicapped accessible. 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 View at the Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier. Ocean County Parks and Recreation Sandy Hook Andy Kazie

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