Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 24 PARKS and Recreation Areas in Monmouth and Ocean Counties PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO ALLAIRE STATE PARK THE HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE 4263 Atlantic Avenue (Route 524) Farmingdale, Park: (732) 938-2371 Village: (732) 919-3500 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/allaire.html www.allairevillage.org Please refer to page 17. This park boasts a restored early-nineteenth-century bog iron mining community. You'll find picnicking, playgrounds, campsites, walking and riding trails, a Nature Center, general store, living history, and the Pine Creek Railroad steam trains. See also "The Historic Village At Allaire" under "Historic Sites & Museums." BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK Route 72, Long Beach Island (732) 494-2016 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/barnlig.html www.friendsofbarnegatlighthouse.org A one-time hideout of Captain Kidd and his pirates, this panoramic beach now offers fishing, swimming, trails, birding, and picnicking. Historic "Old Barney" light¬house is here, too, and you can learn the story behind the lighthouse at the Interpretive Center. Park open daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Lighthouse open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Lighthouse admission: ages 12 and older: $3.; children 6 to 11: $1. BAYSHORE WATERFRONT PARK AND MONMOUTH COVE MARINA 719 Port Monmouth Road Port Monmouth, (732) 783-3033 or (732) 842-4000 Marina: 200 Port Monmouth Road Port Monmouth, (732) 495-9440 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, fish- ing, birding, picnicking. Purchased by Monmouth County in 1990, the Monmouth Cove Marina is part of Bayshore Waterfront Park. 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 530-acre park offers panoramic bay views, hiking trails, a 1000-foot ADA compliant 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 environ- mentally sensitive park boasts seven miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of Barnegat Bay. Cattus Island is home to the newly-renovated Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on displays including a live view osprey cam, a habitat and tree tunnel, a bird viewing area, a children's activity corner, and a spectacular collection of live reptiles and fish. The center hosts numerous programs and presentations for the community year-round. 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 that 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. HARTSHORNE WOODS PARK 300 Navesink Avenue, Locust (Buttermilk Valley Entrance); 1402 Portland Road Highlands (Rocky Point Entrance); 239 Locust Avenue, Locust (Claypit Creek) (732) 872-0336 www.monmouthcountyparks.com You'll feel many miles away from civilization as you travel the trails of this park. Features include group cabin camping (by reservation), cross country ski trails, fishing in the Navesink River, and trails for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Adventure, exercise, and relaxation await you on the nineteen-mile trail system of this 794-acre park. It's the perfect place to escape the sounds of sub- urbia. A historic World War II naval gun from the Battleship New Jersey is now on permanent display as a part of the Battery Lewis restoration. HENRY HUDSON TRAIL Northern Section: Aberdeen to Highlands Southern Extension: Freehold to Marlboro and Aberdeen Activity Center: 945 Route 36, Leonardo Popamora Point: 369 Shore Drive Highlands, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail is a former railroad right-of-way. It is relatively flat, traveling through both man-made and natural envi- ronments. Much of the trail is tree-lined, though some parts have views of surrounding wetlands, streams, and fields. The northern section runs 12 miles (just north of and parallel to Route 36) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Clark Street to the Leonardo section of Middletown/Atlantic Highlands border at Avenue D. After sharing the road, the trail resumes at the Atlantic Highlands Marina and continues along Sandy Hook Bay to Popamora Point at the Atlantic Highlands/Highlands border. Currently, the southern extension of the trail runs 4 miles from Route 537 in Freehold to Big Brook Park in Marlboro. The trail then resumes at Station Road in Marlboro and con- tinues for five miles to Church Street in Matawan. Future plans for the Trail include linking these two sections as well as providing a connection to the original, northern section. The trail totals 100 acres. The Henry Hudson Trail is part of the National Rails-to-Trails Network because of its wonderfully changing landscapes, varied scenery, and beautifully maintained conditions. HOLMDEL PARK AND HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel (732) 946-3758 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com This 572-acre park features hiking and fitness trails, fishing and skating ponds, tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and more. Historic Longstreet Farm, located in the park, is a living history farm that maintains life as it was during the 1890s. Costumed interpreters work the farm as it was over a hundred years ago. Come see the 14-room farmhouse, live animals, agricultural fields, and barnyard! The park is also home to the David C. Shaw Arboretum, a 22-acre educational and horticultural display devoted to trees, shrubs, and other woody plants that grow in Monmouth County. Activities, guided tours, and children's programs are available. Open every day except Christmas. The farmhouse is open only on week- ends from March through December. No pets are allowed on the farm. DEEP CUT GARDENS 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown (732) 671-6050 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Deep Cut Gardens is dedicated to the home gar- dener. The 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The renovated parterre features 52 varieties of roses with over 180 bushes. Whether identifying the specimens in the gardens, questioning the horticul- tural staff, or perusing the books and magazines in the horticultural reference library, you will discover ways to improve your home garden. While there, visit the Home Compost Demonstration Area. Views of the surrounding countryside, shade, seating, and picnic tables. Garden programs and classes are offered year-round. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley or 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/double.html Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a win- dow into Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8,000 acres of significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. Rich with natural and cultural heritage, visitors can enjoy trails, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking. Double Trouble Village is a well-preserved historic village featuring New Jersey's cranberry agriculture, logging, and milling indus- tries. Experience the cranberry bogs, restored village buildings, and Interpretive Center. The park is open 8:00 AM to dusk. The Interpretive Center is open Wed. - Sun. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown. Andy Kazie

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