The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders recognized local open-space grant projects in 14 towns, including Monmouth Beach and West Long Branch, by presenting them with signs to commemorate completion of their park acquisition and improvement projects.
• Monmouth Beach for adding a new playground at Shorelands Park and resurfacing five tennis courts and adding a new restroom building at Griffin Park.
• West Long Branch for the new lighting along the lakeside trail at Franklin Lake. Mayor Janet Tucci accepted the open space project sign for the borough.
Created by the freeholders in 2003, the annual Municipal Open Space Grant program offers matching grants of up to $250,000 for municipal open space acquisition and development projects. Since its inception, the program has awarded funding in support of 90 important local park and recreation projects in 43 Monmouth County municipalities.
Applications for the 2010 Municipal Open Space Grant program are available now on the park system’s website at monmouthcountyparks.com. The filing deadline is 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 22.