Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/509235
30 to extend the Henry Hudson Trail another twelve miles to Freehold Borough. Currently, the trail runs four miles from Rt. 537 in Freehold to Stevenson Drive in Marlboro. The trail then resumes at Station Road in Marlboro and continues for five miles to Church Street in Matawan. Future plans for the Trail include linking these two sections of trail and providing a connection to the original northern section of the Henry Hudson Trail. HOLMDEL PARK AND 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. 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! Activities, guid- ed tours, and children's programs are available. Open everyday except Christmas. The farmhouse is open only on weekends. 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, and the Environmental Center with hands-on nature displays. A visit to Huber Woods Park is the perfect opportunity to appre- ciate 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 experi- ence will enhance your appreciation of the fasci- nating natural world around you. ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK Shore Road, Island Beach (732) 793-0506 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests One of the few remaining undevel oped barrier beaches on the North Atlantic. Features bathing areas, food, as well as a nature center, wildlife sanctuary, and botanical preserve. JAKES BRANCH COUNTY PARK AND NATURE CENTER 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 observa- tion deck perched atop the nature center. Jakes Branch also offers soccer, baseball/softball, ten- nis, 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 COMPLEX 600 Route 88 East or 300 New Hampshire Avenue Lakewood, 1-877-OC PARKS Tall oaks and pines surround the gorgeous 100- acre 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 per- fect for freshwater fishing, from land or water. Small boat launch (electric motors only), conser- vation area, picnic area, and bike trail. See also "Shenandoah County Field Sports Complex." PLACES TO GO, PARKS/RECREATION… Continued from page 29 Island Beach State Park. Gordon Hesse