Monmouth County is taking a significant step toward enhancing its parks and recreational areas, with $6 million in grants allocated to improve green spaces across the northernmost coastal region of the county. The 2025 Municipal Open Space Grant Program aims to provide municipalities with the resources to maintain and modernize public parks, playgrounds, and community spaces, benefiting both physical and mental well-being for residents.
County officials announced that 27 municipalities will share the funding, with projects ranging from playground renovations to waterfront enhancements and community center improvements. “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,” said Monmouth County Commission Director Thomas Arnone. “Providing funding for parks and open spaces in our communities helps residents to maintain and improve their physical and mental health.”
Among the largest grants, seven projects each received $361,817. These projects include Fair Haven Road’s waterfront improvements, an interior renovation for Hazlet’s recreation building, upgrades to Van Court Park in Long Branch, and renovations to Kunkel Park in Middletown. Neptune City will see enhancements to Memorial Park and Adams Field, while Red Bank will focus on Count Basie Park Open Space improvements. Rumson’s Jumping Point Park is also receiving substantial funding to enhance public access and amenities.
The funding will also support a broad range of additional projects across the county, reflecting a commitment to diverse improvements in local recreation and green infrastructure:
Allenhurst will move forward with phase three of Railroad Park Plaza with a grant of $144,727. Atlantic Highlands will invest $180,908 in improvements to Municipal Harbor Park, while Belmar will reconstruct the Silver Lake Recreation Trail with $203,341. Brielle’s Eco Path will receive $75,981, and Eatontown will replace the bridge at the F. Bliss Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary using $161,370 in funding.
In Freehold, Veterans Park will see improvements totaling $49,931, and Freehold Township will upgrade Opatut Park with $122,294. Highlands will distribute $225,050 across Veterans Memorial Park, Huddy Park, and the local community center, ensuring multiple recreational spaces receive attention. Little Silver’s Markham Place Complex improvements will be supported with $220,708, while Manalapan’s Dreyer All-Inclusive Playground will receive $54,272 to enhance accessibility.
Manasquan will invest $344,811 in Winterstella Park Playground, Matawan will improve Terhune Park with $180,908, and Millstone will move forward with the Baird Homestead Improvement Project 2025 using $126,636. Monmouth Beach is allocating $108,545 to Monmouth Beach Memorial Park and Griffin Park, while Neptune will enhance Sunshine Park Playground with $267,744.
Oceanport will use $280,770 for Blackberry Bay Park, Spring Lake will invest $217,090 into phase three of Marucci Memorial Park, and Union Beach will improve Scholer Park with $68,022. Wall’s second phase of Camp Evans recreational upgrades will receive $361,817, and West Long Branch will enhance Valenzano Park using $72,363.
Here is the list:
Allenhurst: $144,727 for phase three of Railroad Park Plaza
Atlantic Highlands: $180,908 for improvements to Municipal Harbor Park
Belmar: $203,341 for the Silver Lake Recreation Trail reconstruction project
Brielle: $75,981 for the Brielle Eco Path
Eatontown: $161,370 for the F. Bliss Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary Bridge replacement
Freehold: $49,931 for the Veterans Park improvement project
Freehold Township: $122,294 for the Opatut Park improvement project
Highlands: $225,050 for improvements at Veterans Memorial Park, Huddy Park, and the local community center
Little Silver: $220,708 for Markham Place Complex improvements
Manalapan: $54,272 for Dreyer All-Inclusive Playground surfacing
Manasquan: $344,811 for Winterstella Park Playground improvements
Matawan: $180,908 for Terhune Park improvements
Millstone: $126,636 for the Baird Homestead Improvement Project 2025
Monmouth Beach: $108,545 towards Monmouth Beach Memorial Park and Griffin Park
Neptune: $267,744 for improvements to Sunshine Park Playground
Oceanport: $280,770 for Blackberry Bay Park improvements
Spring Lake: $217,090 for the third phase of Marucci Memorial Park improvements
Union Beach: $68,022 for Scholer Park improvements
Wall: $361,817 for the second phase of Camp Evans recreational upgrades
West Long Branch: $72,363 for Valenzano Park
This infusion of funding reflects Monmouth County’s ongoing commitment to public recreation, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Each project represents a carefully considered investment designed to enhance accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. For those interested in exploring more about local resources, recreation opportunities, and municipal programs, New Jersey resources provide an in-depth guide to the state’s parks, green spaces, and public initiatives.
By supporting a combination of playgrounds, trails, waterfronts, and community centers, Monmouth County is ensuring that residents across towns have access to safe, enjoyable, and modern recreational spaces. The 2025 grants set the stage for improvements that will benefit communities for years to come, reinforcing the importance of investment in the public realm and highlighting New Jersey’s dedication to vibrant, accessible green spaces.
