The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has authorized the acquisition of property in Upper Freehold Township for an addition to Crosswicks Creek Park.
During a meeting on Dec. 19, the freeholders passed a resolution which authorizes the purchase of a 3-acre parcel that is commonly known as the Schmitt, et al. property on Emleys Hill Road.
A formal offer of purchase contingent upon satisfactory title and environmental review of the land and property in the amount of $180,000 has been accepted, according to the resolution.
Funds for the purchase of the property are covered under the Monmouth County Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
The Board of Recreation Commissioners recommended the purchase of the land and the freeholders accepted the board’s recommendation for county open space preservation, natural resources conservation and public park and recreation purposes, according to the resolution.
According to the Monmouth County Park System website, Crosswicks Creek Park, with Historic Walnford as its centerpiece, is a 2,346-acre park in Upper Freehold Township. Most of the park forms a narrow corridor of land around Crosswicks Creek. Another 2,700 acres of surrounding farmland is preserved by the county and state farmland preservation program.
Crosswicks Creek is a popular spot for hiking, canoeing and fishing, with access provided at three small parking areas: Hutchinson Road, Allentown; Route 537, Cream Ridge; and Province Line Road, Allentown. All Monmouth County parks are now tobacco free.
In other business involving an area municipality, the freeholders awarded a contract to C.J. Hesse Inc. for road improvements and resurfacing on Route 524 (Stagecoach Road), Phase I, in Millstone Township in the amount of $1.37 million.
According to a resolution, seven bids were received for the job and C.J. Hesse Inc., Atlantic Highlands, was the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The contract was awarded to the firm subject to the approval of the state Department of Transportation. The funding is available in the county’s 2019 budget.