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44 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 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, 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. Ocean County Park has a large, accessible picnic facility. Reservations are available for a nominal fee for up to 700 persons. Warm weather isn't the only time to enjoy this park. 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 many facilities. An off-leash dog park area is also avail- able. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. ROBERT J. MILLER AIRPARK AND OFF-LEASH DOG FACILITY 901 Route 530, Berkeley Township 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org 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. Conservation area, cross-country skiing, open playing fields, pavilion, picnic area, restrooms, handicapped accessible. An off-leash dog park area is also available. Yearly fee applies. Visit website for details. 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 tours and climbs that are guided by National Park Service Rangers and Volunteers-in-the-Park from 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM. While there, also visit the Fort Hancock Historic District. Built in 1898, Fort Hancock includes gun batteries and over one hundred buildings. Start your visit at the Fort Hancock Museum; then visit History House, an 1890s officers' home. History House is open weekends 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Special use fees for beach parking are charged, while entry to the historic district is free. The Sandy Hook Visitor's Center is located at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters in Fort Hancock. It features exhibits on the peninsula's natural environment and is open daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. An 1894 U.S. Life- Saving Station at Spermaceti Cove was closed after Superstorm Sandy and is currently not open to the public. PARKS & RECREATION AREAS Continued from page 43