Monmouth County Awards $6 Million to 27 Municipalities for Park Improvements

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners distributed $6 million in grants to 27 towns through the 2025 Municipal Open Space Grant Program. Money will support park upgrades throughout the county.

This program provides funds to help local leaders achieve their goals for acquiring open space, building recreation areas, and protecting historic sites and natural areas. Officials say it has grown into one of the most successful commissioner-backed initiatives. It serves as the primary tool the county uses to assist towns in addressing the recreational requirements of their residents.

"This important annual program is one of many ways in which the county works with its municipal partners to ensure local parks are constructed and upgraded for our residents," Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone said in a news release from Monmouth County. "Providing funding for parks and open spaces in our communities helps residents to maintain and improve their physical and mental health."

Red Bank received $361,817 for an open space project at Count Basie Park. Rumson was awarded $361,817 for upgrades at Jumping Point Park, while Fair Haven received $361,817 for waterfront work at 21 Fair Haven Road.

Long Branch, Hazlet, Neptune City, Middletown, and Wall Township each secured $361,817 for various park projects. Manasquan got $344,811 for Winterstella Park Playground upgrades.

Atlantic Highlands received $180,908 for Municipal Harbor Park work. Matawan got the same amount for Terhune Park. Oceanport secured $280,770 for Blackberry Bay Park.

Neptune Township was awarded $267,744 for Sunshine Park Playground work, and Highlands received $225,050 for three locations: Veterans Memorial Park, Huddy Park, and the Community Center. Little Silver secured $220,708 for Markham Place Complex upgrades, while Spring Lake received $217,090 for Marucci Memorial Park.

Belmar was awarded $203,341 for Silver Lake Recreation Trail reconstruction, and Eatontown received $161,370 for F. Bliss Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary Bridge replacement.

Allenhurst secured $144,727 for Railroad Park Plaza Phase III, while Millstone Township received $126,636 for the Baird Homestead Improvement Project 2025. Freehold Township was awarded $122,294 for Opatut Park.

Smaller awards went to Monmouth Beach at $108,545, Brielle at $75,981, West Long Branch at $72,363, Union Beach at $68,022, Manalapan at $54,272, and Freehold Borough at $49,931.

"The board appreciates the tireless efforts by municipal officials to create beautiful parks, playgrounds, and green spaces that enhance quality of life for their residents," said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System.