Summer is here and the Monmouth County Park System is bursting with activity. From taking a dip at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park to family friendly activities, there is always something to do in the parks.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, offers everything needed to enjoy a day at the beach during the summer months: snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers and changing areas, and areas for surfing. Lifeguards are currently on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 3. Daily and seasonal park access passes are available. The site also offers a skateplex and an inclusive playground.
With eight park system golf courses at six locations throughout the county, golfers are sure to find one to suit their level of play. Hominy Hill in Colts Neck is perfect for golfers looking for a challenge, while Bel-Aire’s executive style courses in Wall Township are great for a quick round, according to a press release. Other golf courses are Charleston Springs in Millstone Township, Howell Park in Howell, Pine Brook in Manalapan, and Shark River in Neptune.
While the park system offers many golf courses, there is only one Sprayground and it can be found at Dorbrook Recreation Area. This popular water-enhanced playground on Route 537 in Colts Neck is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Picnic tables are available near the Sprayground.
If a day is not enough, head over to Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township, and spend the night at the campground. With its playgrounds, trails, fishing and boating, Turkey Swamp Park’s campground is family friendly and affordable, according to the press release. Rowboats, canoes and paddleboats can be rented at the park’s lake. On most Saturday evenings throughout the summer, campers are invited to enjoy family friendly fun offerings including Touch-A-Truck at the Campfire, Jersey Devil Hunt and Buccaneer Bonfire. Call 732-462-7286 for more information or to make reservations.
The Manasquan Reservoir in Howell also has rowboats and kayaks available for rental. Visitors can also go on park system naturalist-led pontoon boat tours of the reservoir. Weekend and holiday tours are available at 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. through Sept. 3. Wednesday tours available at 2, 3 and 4 p.m., July 11 through Aug. 29. Evening boat tours are available the first Friday of each month through August, according to the press release.
Park system naturalists offer Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth, Middletown, from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, June 25 through Aug. 24. Discover the fish, crabs and other sea creatures that live and swim in the bay during this free offering. The park system also hosts several other free nature themed offerings throughout the summer, including Tidal Tuesdays, Enviro-Quest, and Superb Summer Saunter. Visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com for more information about these programs, including schedules.
And, the Monmouth County Fair will make its annual visit in July. Held from July 25-29 at the East Freehold Showgrounds in Freehold Township, the 2018 fair will feature 4-H exhibits, amusement rides, entertainment, home and garden competitions, opening night fireworks, and more. Admission to the fair is $8 per person; children age 12 and under enter free.
For more information about any of these activities, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the park system at 732-842-4000.