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32 OCEAN COUNTY PARK 659 Route 88 West, Lakewood 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 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, hem- lock, 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. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park, however. Transformed into a lovely and silent winter wonderland after a snowfall, it's a great site for cross-country skiing. Of course, there is no charge for casual use of the park, the beach, or its other many facilities. Ocean County Park has a large, accessible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 700 persons. PATRIOTS COUNTY PARK 483 Bowman Road, Jackson Township, 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 Soccer and softball fields abound on this beau- tifully maintained 219-acre sports facility, as do shuffleboard, bocce and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a fitness trail. Basketball, bike trail, bocce, conservation area, cross-country skiing, handicap accessible, horseshoes, picnic area, playground, restrooms, shuffleboard, soccer, softball, and a 1-mile fitness trail. RIVERFRONT LANDING COUNTY PARK 71 East Water Street, Toms River 1-877-OC PARKS or (732) 506-9090 This "vest-pocket" park is located on the river in downtown Toms River amidst a beautiful and tranquil 3-acre environment. For those employed in and around Toms River, a picnic at this meticu- lously manicured park overlooking the Toms River is a great lunchtime alternative. Benches, crab- bing, fishing, handicap accessible, picnic area. ROBERT J. MILLER AIRPARK Route 530, Berkeley Township (732) 506-9090 Home of the renowned Ocean County Fair held each July, the 35 acre grounds are perfect for the many vendors, amusements, entertainers, 4-H clubs, and visitors who make the Fair an annual highlight. The park also has a playground and picnic area and is the site of a local, inde- pendently managed airport. Basketball, bike trail, conservation area, cross-country skiing, handi- capped accessible, open playing fields, pavilion, restrooms. SANDY HOOK: GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, SANDY HOOK UNIT SANDY HOOK LIGHTHOUSE FORT HANCOCK HISTORIC DISTRICT SANDY HOOK VISITOR'S CENTER Off Route 36, Highlands (732) 872-5970 www.nps.gov/gate The Sandy Hook region of the Gateway National Recreation Area features seven miles of beaches (with lifeguards in summer), evening beach concerts, hiking trails, salt marshes, and over three hundred species of birds. Ranger (and self-guided) tours are available year-round. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Located near the tip of this seven-mile barrier peninsula, is the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse. Built at the request of New York merchants wanting to protect their ships entering the harbor, it was lighted for the first time on June 11, 1764. The octagonal tower was the fifth lighthouse in the colonies and remains the oldest operating lighthouse in the U.S. today. The Lighthouse was occupied by British soldiers during the American Revolution and was bombarded by cannons served by Patriot troops. It was also the sanctu- ary to local refugees who were sympathizers of the King. The grounds around the Lighthouse are open daily, and a video program can also be viewed. The Lighthouse itself is open daily for PLACES TO GO, PARKS/RECREATION… Continued from page 31 Ocean County Park, Lakewood. Ocean County Parks & Recreation/Lisa O'Neill