Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S p r i n g 2 0 1 9 33 MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to page 20. Over 16,175 acres of preserved open spaces are available for your fitness and relaxing 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 bro- chures and directions. OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River,1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Please refer to page 22. 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. 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 ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK Shore Road, Island Beach, (732) 793-0506 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/island.html One of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the North Atlantic, Island Beach State Park stretches for ten miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Over 3,000 acres of pure beauty offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife, including New Jersey's largest osprey colony. Bathing areas, food, botanical preserve, trails, natural areas, fishing, canoeing, kay- aking, picknicking, the Sedge Island Conservation Zone, and the Emily DeCamp Interpretive Center. Open Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Sat., Sun., and holidays 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Access to fishing in the park is 24 hours-a-day. Mobile sportfishing vehicle permits are available through the Park's Visitor Contact Station at the entrance gate. Please check the website for current entrance fees (charged by vehicle). JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK AND NATURE CENTER 1100 Double Trouble Road, Beachwood (732) 281-2750 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," the 400- acre Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities. The Nature Center in the park highlights the beauty, his- tory, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless pine forest can be taken in from the observation deck atop the Nature Center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, tennis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails. The tot lot, picnic grove, and open playing fields appeal to children of all ages. LAKE SHENANDOAH COUNTY PARK AND SPORTS FIELD COMPLEX 660 Ocean Avenue (Route 88) and 300 New Hampshire Avenue Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Tall oaks and pines surround gorgeous Lake Shenandoah, which is the focal point of this 143- acre park. Trout-stocked waters, accessible fishing piers, and an on-site bait-and-tackle shop with boat rentals make this spot perfect for freshwater fishing, from land or water. There is a small boat launch (electric motors only), a conservation area, picnic area, playground, and bike trail. At the 84-acre sports field complex area, there are basketball courts, six soccer fields, and two softball fields, which are also available for use. (Pre-registration is required.) In the spring and fall, the fields are busy with local teams and excited onlookers. 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 pontoon 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 condi- tions). Be sure to visit the Environmental Center on 331 Georgia Tavern Road. Dedicated to providing experiences of learning and discovery of wetland ecology and wildlife and habitat protection, the Environmental Center is open daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Free! 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 Town- ship 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, handicapped 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 pro- tect 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 contend 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 exhibits 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. continued on page 34 Cycling at Island Beach State Park. Gordon Hesse

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