COLTS NECK, NJ – Contributions by 1,175 volunteers to open space, parks and recreation in Monmouth County was celebrated at a March 6 luncheon at the Hominy Hill Golf Center.

 

Planting flower beds, removing invasive plant species, monitoring endangered bird species and assisting with therapeutic horseback riding lessons are a few of the ways these individuals contributed to the Monmouth County Park System’s Volunteer in Parks program in 2015.  

Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian G. Burry joined Monmouth County Board of Recreation Commissioners at the event in thanking the corps of volunteers who each gave more than 40 hours of service to the Park System in 2015.

“Each volunteer has contributed time, talent, expertise and sheer willingness to serve a quality recreation agency,” Burry said. “Collectively, the volunteers have helped keep our parks as beautiful as they are and improve the quality of life in Monmouth County.”

During the event, volunteers and Park System staff recalled some of the special moments they had while acting as interpreters and demonstrators at Historic Longstreet Farm and Historic Walnford, cleaning the beaches at the County’s ocean and bay front locations and handing out cups of water at race events.

The Volunteer in Parks program is an umbrella under which 1,175 individuals donated 26,335 hours of their time to help the Park System in 2015. Volunteer experiences ranged from instructing new trail leaders to assisting with programs for individuals with disabilities.

“It is our turn to say ‘Thank You,’” said Burry. “Thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to our Park System. Your spirit and acts of volunteerism make it possible for our County parks to be enjoyed by millions of people each year.”

To find out how you can become a volunteer with the Monmouth County Park System, contact the Park System’s Coordinator of Volunteers at 732-842-4000, ext.4283, or email volunteer@monmouthcountyparks.com.