Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 25 continued on page 26 MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Please refer to page 15. 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 14. 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. Two parks offer swimming facilities: Ocean County Park in Lakewood and A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township 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 per- mitting). 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 HUBER WOODS PARK 25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust section of Middletown, (732) 872-2670 or (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Enjoy a fabulous view of the Navesink River and relax as you get away from it all on one of the trails. This park features 366 acres of forest and meadows. Other attractions include eight miles of multi-use trails, the Environmental Center with hands-on nature displays, and the newly renovat- ed Reptile House where visitors can see and learn about a variety of native reptiles and amphibians. A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appreciate facets of nature that are often taken for granted. Take time amid the scenic beauty and panoramic views to observe the small things—the sounds, smells, lights and shadows, and subtle hints of seasonal changes. Relax in a meadow or take a walk along a wooded trail. Each experience will enhance your appreciation of the fascinating natural world around you. Check online for a schedule of year-round educational programs. ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK Shore Road, Island Beach, (732) 793-0506 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/island.html Friends of Island Beach State Park: www.friendsofibsp.org 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, kayaking, picnicking, 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 highlights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens and offers recreational and environmental education programs year-round. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless pine forest can be taken in from the obser- vation deck atop the Nature Center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, tennis, and basketball in addition to miles of nature trails and a discovery playtrail. LAKE SHENANDOAH COUNTY PARK AND SPORTS FIELD COMPLEX 660 Ocean Avenue (Route 88), and 300 New Hampshire Avenue, Lakewood 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 www.oceancountyparks.org Tall oaks and pines surround gorgeous Lake Shenandoah, which is the focal point of the 227- acre park and complex. Trout-stocked waters, accessible fishing piers, and a small boat launch for electric motors only make this spot perfect for fresh- water fishing from land or water. Conservation area, picnic area, playground, and walking/hiking/biking trails. The sports field complex features basketball courts, soccer fields, and softball fields, which are also available for use. Pre-registration is required. 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 County operated public recreation area on 1,208- 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! 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 or (732) 506-9090 Park Naturalist: (732) 506-5122 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 playgrounds or swimming in the large, clean swimming lake on hot summer days. Ocean County Park has a large, acces- sible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 600 persons. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park. Transformed into a lovely and silent winter wonderland after a Island Beach State Park. Gordon Hesse

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