HOWELL — When Coca-Cola and ShopRite learned that the playground at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell had been damaged by Hurricane Irene, company representatives offered their help to repair the damage.
According to a press release from Monmouth County, Michael Sullivan, vice president of sales for Coca-Cola, and Richard Saker, of Saker ShopRite of Monmouth County, delivered a check in the amount of $12,500 to the Friends of Monmouth County Parks to restore the damaged playground.
Accepting the check were Heather Colella, president, and Maira Wojciechowski, executive director.
“We are extremely grateful to Coca-Cola and Saker ShopRite for their generous gift,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry. “That playground was damaged by several 40- to 80-foot-tall trees that were downed by heavy winds and rainfall. This money will go a long way toward restoring it to its former condition.”
“Residents, businesses and government were hard hit by Hurricane Irene,” Freeholder Director Robert D. Clifton said. “It’s great to know we have business leaders who are community minded and have the wherewithal to help make public parks the best they can be.”
Also on hand were state Assemblyman David Rible, Monmouth County Administrator Teri O’Connor and James Truncer, secretary/director of the Monmouth County Park System.
The Manasquan Reservoir provides a natural setting for recreational activities and outdoor pursuits in addition to being a source of water for municipalities and utilities. The 770-acre reservoir is part of a larger 1,204-acre site that includes woods and wetlands, a 5-mile perimeter trail, fishing and boating areas, a Visitor Center, an Environmental Center and the playground.
“The Manasquan Reservoir and its playground are very popular,” Burry said. “Last year the Manasquan Reservoir was the most visited location in the 38-location park system.”
In 2010, total visitation for the Monmouth County Park System was 5,586,881. The Manasquan Reservoir welcomed 1.1 million visitors thorough its gates.
The Friends of the Parks is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) registered charitable organization composed of area residents and businesses committed to the support of the Monmouth County Park System. Membership dues, donations and proceeds from special fundraisers provide financial assistance to park system projects.
The Manasquan Reservoir playground can be accessed from the park’s Windeler Road entrance in Howell.