Public Information - Press Release: County Commissioners award open space grants to 27 municipalities

For Immediate Release:
September 29, 2026

County Commissioners award
open space grants to 27 municipalities

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners awarded grants totaling $9.15 million to help fund municipal park improvements in 27 municipalities through the 2026 Municipal Open Space Grant (MOSG) program.

“My fellow Commissioners and I are proud to provide $9.15 million to support parks and open spaces in communities across Monmouth County,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “These funds will help our towns maintain and enhance the parks where families gather, children play and residents can enjoy the outdoors. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these wonderful green spaces right here in Monmouth County.”

The MOSG program has become one of the most successful Commissioner-sponsored programs and is the primary method through which the County assists municipalities in meeting the recreational needs of residents. The program provides vital funding that helps municipal officials meet their local open space acquisition, recreation, historic and conservation goals.

“As liaison to the Monmouth County Park System, I have the opportunity to see firsthand the tremendous work that goes into maintaining the parks and recreational spaces our residents enjoy,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “Supporting our municipalities is an important part of making sure communities have the resources to care for these spaces and provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.”

The municipalities that were awarded funding through the 2026 Municipal Open Space Grant program and the amount each awardee received were as follows:

· Township of Aberdeen - Noble Place Recreation Building Improvement Project, $362,500.00

· Borough of Atlantic Highlands - East Avenue Park Recreation Infrastructure Improvements, $350,000.00

· Borough of Bradley Beach - Sylvan Lake Park Expansion, $500,000.00

· Township of Colts Neck - Bucks Mill Park Facilities Improvement Project, $55,000.00

· Borough of Eatontown - F. Bliss Price Arboretum & Wildlife Sanctuary Bridge, Replacement Phase II, $65,000.00

· Borough of Freehold - Wilson Park Mini Pitch Project, $314,954.50

· Borough of Highlands - Kavookjian Field Infrastructure Improvements, $272,500.00

· Township of Hazlet - Leocadia Park Improvements Phase 1, $301,000.00

· Township of Holmdel - Robert Labbe Memorial Park Renovation Project, $200,000.00

· Township of Howell - Pride Park Improvements, $350,000.00

· Borough of Keyport - Improvements to Cedar Street Park Ballfield, $500,000.00

· Borough of Little Silver - Santelle Park Improvements – Phase 1, $387,000.00

· City of Long Branch - Manahassett Creek Park Improvements, $500,000.00

· Township of Manalapan - Manalapan Recreation Center Shelter Playground: Phase 2, $255,500.00

· Borough of Manasquan - Stockton Beach Park Improvements, $500,000.00

· Township of Marlboro - Improvements to Recreation Way Park, $255,000.00

· Borough of Matawan - Gravelly Brook Park Improvements Project, $400,000.00

· Township of Millstone - Improvements to Abate Park, $500,000.00

· Borough of Monmouth Beach - Griffin Park/Tocci Ave Boat Ramp and Kayak Launch, $100,000.00

· Township of Neptune - Improvements to Pittenger Park Playground, $292,500.00

· Borough of Neptune City - Improvements to Memorial Park, Adams Field and Joe Freda Park, $500,000.00

· Borough of Red Bank - Johnny Jazz Park Improvements Project, $192,250.00

· Borough of Sea Girt - Improvements to Baltimore Park, $500,000.00

· Borough of Spring Lake - Improvements to Marucci Park — Phase IV, $300,000.00

· Borough of Tinton Falls - Walz Park Improvements – Phase 2, $500,000.00

· Township of Wall - Camp Evans Recreational Upgrades Phase III, $453,000.00

· Borough of West Long Branch - Sorrentino Park Pickleball Courts and Soccer Field Irrigation System, $250,000.00

For news and alerts from Monmouth County, go to www.visitmonmouth.com or follow @MonmouthGovNJ on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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