County and local officials join members of the Phillips family in unveiling a plaque dedicating the James T. Phillips Boardwalk at Old Bridge Waterfront Park. OLD BRIDGE — The newly reconstructed boardwalk at Old Bridge Waterfront Park was dedicated last week in honor of former Mayor James T. Phillips.
The Aug. 9 dedication took place during the Salt Water Day festival at the Laurence Harbor beachfront and featured township, county and state officials.
Superstorm Sandy caused millions of dollars in damage to the waterfront park, and the dedication ceremony celebrated the completion of restoration efforts.
A bronze plaque was installed on a boulder along the beachfront in honor of Phillips, who also served as Middlesex County treasurer and freeholder, and briefly held a seat as a state senator. He died in February at age 60.
The James T. Phillips Boardwalk is now available for residents to walk, jog and enjoy views of the Raritan Bay and New York City skyline.
“I thank James T. Phillips for helping to give the people of Laurence Harbor, the citizens of Old Bridge and the residents of Middlesex County access to one of the most beautiful views in the county,” Freeholder Director Ronald Rios said in recognizing Phillips’ contributions to open space and recreation endeavors.
“May this boardwalk and this entire park be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Phillips’ political career began in 1990 when he won a seat on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He resigned as freeholder in 1995 to become the county treasurer, serving in that position until his retirement last year. He also served briefly as a state senator.
He was elected mayor of Old Bridge in 2003 and 2007. He served in that capacity until he resigned in April 2011, citing health concerns.
The Democratic official was known for his championing of public assets like parks and open space that families and residents could enjoy for generations to come.
Phillips’ late father, who also served as mayor and freeholder, is the namesake of the John A. Phillips Park, off Route 18 and Maple Street.
James T. Phillips was the founder of Yes for Open Space, a nonprofit that successfully led the public information campaign for passage of a Middlesex County open space and farmland preservation referendum.
In addition to Rios, state Sen. Samuel D. Thompson (R-Middlesex); Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry; and Phillips’ wife, Janet, addressed the crowd.
Middlesex County freeholders Kenneth Armwood, Charles Kenny, H. James Polos and Blanquita Valenti also attended the event.