Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 34 BEAVER DAM CREEK COUNTY PARK 3430 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org This expertly groomed 40-acre park has something for everyone! Take a leisurely stroll along Beaver Dam Creek's boardwalk through tidal wetlands, seemingly miles from civilization. Enjoy a picnic under the pavilion while the kids cavort on one of two playgrounds. Or, engage in your favorite sport on 6 acres of playing fields. Two superb tennis courts and a basketball court are also available for use. BERKELEY ISLAND COUNTY PARK 399 Brennan Concourse Berkeley Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Situated on a scenic peninsula jutting out into the calm waters of Barnegat Bay, Berkeley Island County Park provides one of the best views of the bay in Ocean County. Its 25 acres feature a fami- ly-oriented sandy beach with protected bay bath- ing. The 100' crabbing/fishing pier is one of the County's most popular. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day sunning, swimming, or crabbing. Picnic area, grills, playground. BIG BROOK PARK 521 Route 520, Marlboro (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com Named for Big Brook, which drains into the Swimming River Reservoir, this 415-acre park is known for its trails and rolling fields of grasses, goldenrod, and other perenials that provide a contiguous field habitat for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. CATTUS ISLAND COUNTY PARK AND COOPER ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard (off Fischer Blvd.), Toms River (732) 270-6960 or 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org The unspoiled beauty of nature is the main attrac- tion at Cattus Island County Park. For nature lovers, this 500-acre park offers panoramic bay views, hiking trails, a boardwalk through the wetlands, a conservation area, bird watching, crabbing and fishing, picnic areas, a playground, a beautiful Butterfly Garden, and cross-country skiing in the winter. This environmentally sensitive park boasts miles of trails, many offering lovely vistas of the adjacent Silver Bay. Cattus Island is home to the Cooper Environmental Center, where visitors of all ages can enjoy the many displays and collections of snakes and reptiles, as well as numerous programs and presentations. CEDAR BRIDGE TAVERN HISTORIC SITE 200 Old Halfway Road Barnegat Township, 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Historic Cedar Bridge Tavern, located on 5 acres and surrounded by Bass River State Forest, dates back to 1816; however, the history of the site reaches back much further. It is rumored that the last skirmish of the American Revolution occurred here on December 27, 1782. A ceremony com- memorating this event is held at the site each year on the Sunday closest to December 27. Due to its two hundred year history as a hub for locals and a crossroads for travelers, the tavern is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. Currently the site is closed to the public while Ocean County works to learn more about the site, implement its historic preservation plan, protect its delicate structure, and preserve its unique story for future generations. The site will eventually be available for group tours. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK 300 Gordon Road (GSP Exit 120 off of Morristown Road), Matawan (732) 566-2161 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/ parks/cheesequake.html Cheesequake State Park's uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of urban north and suburban south New Jersey, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. Nature Center, trails, camping, fishing, picknicking, boat- ing, canoeing, swimming, winter sports. CLAYTON PARK Park and Trail Head Parking: 161 Emley's Hill Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold, (609) 259-5794 or (732) 842-4000 Activity Center: 202 Davis Station Road, (Imlaystown) Upper Freehold www.monmouthcountyparks.com This scenic 438-acre tract in Upper Freehold is known for its stately stands of oak, beech, ash, and birch trees. Located amidst rolling farmlands, there are nearly six miles of forested trails that bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians will enjoy. CLOVERDALE FARM COUNTY PARK 34 Cloverdale Road, Barnegat 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org Get acquainted with this tucked away, 90-acre jewel, the newest park in the Ocean County system. A former cranberry bog and tree farm, the natural beauty of the park lends itself to a MONMOUTH COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 805 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, (732) 842-4000 www.monmouthcountyparks.com 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 cours- es and historic sites, there are opportunities for all. Visit us on-line or call for brochures and directions. OCEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River 1-877-OC PARKS www.oceancountyparks.org 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. Three parks offer swimming facil- ities: Ocean County Park in Lakewood, A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township, and Berkeley Island County Park in Berkeley Township (limited access - located on the Barnegat Bay but currently closed due to Superstorm Sandy). Ocean County Park and A. Paul King County Park have beautiful, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches, play- grounds, restrooms, picnic facilities, and are staffed with lifeguards from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily from mid-June until Labor Day (con- ditions permitting). 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.htm FRESHWATER license information and registration (fee applies): www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishneed.htm PARKS & RECREATION AREAS continued from page 33 Cloverdale Farm County Park in Barnegat. Ocean County Parks and Recreation

• Cover