Long Beach Island Vacation Guidebook & Map
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/137497
OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, 1-877-OC PARKS www.co.ocean.nj.us/parks On 2,474 acres in sixteen parks, The Ocean County Dept. Of Parks & Recreation offers adults' and kids' programs, 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. The first two have beautiful, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches. The third is on the Barnegat Bay, also with a sandy beach. All three beaches are staffed with lifeguards from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily from mid-June until Labor Day (conditions permitting). All three locations also have playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic facilities. There is no charge to use any of the county facilities. Call for brochures and directions. DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Double Trouble Road West, Berkeley (732) 341-6662 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests You won't have any trouble enjoying this 4,000acre park with restored village, sawmill, and cranberry bogs. EDWIN B. FORSYTHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Barnegat Division: Great Creek Road Barnegat Headquarters: Brigantine Division Route 9, Oceanville, (609) 652-1665 forsythe.fws.gov Established to protect tidal wetlands and shallow bay habitats for migratory water birds, the refuge's location is one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths. Its value for the protection of water birds and their habitat continues to increase as people develop the New Jersey shore for our own use. Wildlife drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Headquarters is open weekdays, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. ENO'S POND COUNTY PARK East Lacey Road, Lacey Township Eno's Pond County Park, the newest addition to Ocean County's parks, opened in the Autumn of 1998. Its 28 acres and surrounding area have a long and colorful history dating to the Colonial period. The observation decks overlook Eno's Pond (which was once used as a source of ice for a hotel on the site) and are a good vantage point for viewing some of the pond's residents and visitors. Eno's Pond County Park is adjacent to part of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge Lacey Extension, and both entities are working to develop a trail system between the two properties. Conservation area, handicap accessible, open playing fields, nature trails, picnic area/ grills, playground, restrooms, volleyball. FLORENCE T. ALLEN CONSERVATION AREA 110 Chelsea Avenue Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS FREEDOM FIELDS 874 County Route 539 Little Egg Harbor Township 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 Active recreation is the theme at this new park. Soccer, softball, and baseball fields have been developed to meet the needs of the expanding population of Southern Ocean County. Picnic areas, hiking trails, rest rooms. JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK 1100 Double Trouble Road Beachwood, (732) 281-2750 www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/jakesbranch. html Known as "The Gateway to the Pines," Jakes Branch County Park offers a balance of active and passive recreation opportunities. The nature center in the park highlights the beauty, history, and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens. Breathtaking views of the seemingly endless Pine Barrens can be taken in from the observation deck perched 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. THE LIGHTHOUSE CENTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCE EDUCATION 7th Street and Navajo Drive Waretown, (609) 698-8003 www.experiencebarnegatbay.org Owned by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and situated on 194 acres of diverse coastal habitat adjacent to Barnegat Bay in Ocean Township, there are a variety of opportunities to explore the maritime forest, salt marsh, two tidal streams, Continued on page 38 37