Coming Soon: 2014 Summer Program Directory

Summer is in the air as the Monmouth County Park System plans to release this year's Summer Program Directory. Are you ready to start planning your summer with fun, exciting activities in the parks? This summer's Program Directory is filled to the brim with park information, special events, terrific programs and so much more. When you browse the summer issue, be sure to check out some of the following.

• Park System Spotlight: Do you love the beauty of the beach? Learn more about Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch, in this two-page informational article.
• Summer Facility Profiles: Never been to one of our environmental centers? Discover what the Huber Woods and Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Centers have to offer.
• Special Events: When the weather is warm the parks have so much to offer! Here are just a few of the events you can learn more about in the Summer Program Directory:
• Monmouth County Fair  - This year's Fair is quickly approaching on Wednesday-Sunday, July 23-27, and is packed with entertainment, animal shows, amusement rides, tasty food, vendors, and so much more!
• Eco Elephant Family Flea Market - Looking to sell items you no longer use? Get a table and earn some money as our visitors shop 'til they drop on Saturday, June 21 and Saturday, August 23.
• Fishing Derbies - One fishing derby isn't enough! So we're doing three! The 2nd Annual Freshwater Fishing Derby takes place at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, on Saturday, June 14 and then at Turkey Swamp Park on Sunday, June 15. Plus, if you enjoy surf fishing, don't miss our first ever Bayshore Saltwater Fishing Derby at Bayshore Waterfront Park on Saturday, August 30.
• Deep Cut Gardens Open House - Learn more about this beautiful 54-acre site with free guided tours, lectures, activities, demonstrations and horticultural advice on Sunday, June 8.
• Second Annual Sweet Corn Festival - There's nothing better than locally grown, sweet New Jersey corn in the summertime! This festival held at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold on Saturday, August 16, offers live music, children's crafts and activities, our 25' rock climbing wall and of course delicious sweet corn.
• Family Campfires: Bring the entire family and spend an evening under the stars. On page 6 you'll find a full listing of campfires held at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold that offer fun for everyone. The selection includes Are We There Yeti?, Touch-A-Truck at the Campfire!, Create Your Own Concert and more.
• Adult Programs: Learn something new this summer, or refine your skills in a favorite hobby. From arts & crafts to horticulture to sports & fitness and more, the adults section of this year's Summer Program Directory offers something for everyone. Constant favorites are joined this summer by new programs that include Clay Handbuilding Techniques, Paella Outdoors, Gardening for Butterflies and Other Pollinators, Kayak Birding Expedition, Fat Loss Boot Camp and more!
• Equestrian Programs: If you love horses, these programs are for you! And don't miss this year's  Student Horse Show featuring our Special People United to Ride (SPUR) equestrians showcasing their talents on Saturday, June 7.
• Family Programs: Ready to spend some time together as a family? We want to make that time even more special by offering exciting programs like Mess Fest!, Boat and Breakfast, Micro-Safari, Summer Beach Luau Blast and more! 
• Golf Programs: Looking to learn a new sport? Golf is a fun, popular sport that is easy to learn with the help of the Monmouth County Park System. Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons are offered for ages 6-adult as well as a variety of clinics and other programs. If you're already an avid golfer, don't miss out on the Park System's summer tournaments; information can be found here.
• Historic Programs: If you've never been to Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel or Historic Walnford in Upper Freehold, we've got some additional reasons to get you there this summer. Historic Longstreet Farm offers a view into the past with free drop-in programs such as Blacksmith Demonstrations, an Independence Day Celebration, and the Potato Harvest. This summer Historic Walnford is offering an array of free drop-ins which include Antique Autos, Roots of Rootbeer, and the returning Sweet Corn Festival to name a few.
• Kids & Teens Programs: Is your child looking for something new and exciting to experience? We've got plenty of options both you and your children will love! Kids can improve drawing skills with Drawing Intensive, use science and technology during Engineering for Kids, enjoy fitness and fun with Circus Skills Camp, and so much more! Still on the look out for a terrific summer camp for your child? A variety of camps are still available; click here to find and register for summer camps.
• Parent & Child Programs: Why not learn something new...together! You and your child can enjoy creation OR recreation. Create beautiful ceramic art during Ceramic Family Fun; decorate tea cups and enjoy the outdoors with Tea for Two; or play in the dark during Glo in the Dark Sports Campfire.
• Special Needs Programs: At the Park System we work hard to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to participate in Park System programs with their non-disabled peers. Special Needs programs are also offered that bring together special needs children and young adults like Introduction to Golf, Recreational Swim, and Teen Scene. For additional information on programs for those with special needs or on our inclusion services, please email Lauren.
• Trips: Let's go somewhere new! We're ready to hit the road with a variety of day trips and overnight excursions. Just a few of these locations include Historic Philadelphia, Untermyer Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington DC. The Park System makes it easy to enjoy a journey to somewhere new.

The above are just some of the fun you can look forward to in this year's Summer Program Directory.  Available this Friday, May 2, you can get your issue by mail, by visiting one of the Park System parks, or view it online. If you're not already on our mailing list, you can join by filling out our Program Directory Request form. Summer program registration begins at 8am on Wednesday, May 7.

See you in the parks!

Earth Day in the Parks

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated by over 20 million Americans. Today, more than one billion people around the world participate in various Earth Day activities. At the Park System, we believe in the importance of giving residents the opportunity to educate themselves about the environment, nature and the significance of the world around us through exhibits and programs at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell, and the Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown. But, for Earth Day, we kick things up a notch by offering a variety of free events that are educational and fun for the entire family. Join us for some or all of the following events:

Saturday, April 26
11am-5pm
Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell

• Activities: Pond Study, Pollinator Flower - Find the Scent, and Butterfly Lifecycle
• Crafts: Grass heads (subject to change), Butterfly Craft, and Pollinator Craft
• Outdoor Fun: Animal Shows at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm; Pollinator Talk at 1pm & 3pm; Short Eco-Boat Tours
• Exhibitors: AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador, 4-H Reptile Club, Monmouth County Master Gardeners, New Jersey Water Association, Monmouth County Audubon, Monmouth County Health Department, and New Jersey Mycological Association

Sunday, April 27
11am-5pm

• Celebrate the Shore
  Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth   
  Discover cool coastal animals such as whales, dolphins, crabs, and even tiny plankton during this interactive show and tell program. Tours will be given of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which dates back to the early 1700s. Tours will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Spring Plant Walks
  Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown  
  The flowers are back in bloom. Discover the park’s floral beauty, hidden places, and native plants. Find out how to become an earth-friendly gardener and ways to compost. Walks will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Nature Walks  
  Holmdel Park Shelter Building, Holmdel   
  Returning birds, emergent buds, and blooming wildflowers are just some of the sights we may enjoy while wandering with the Park System’s Roving Naturalist. Binoculars provided. Walks will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Bio-Blitz 2014    
  Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown   
  Nature fun for all ages! Nature enthusiasts big and small can take the identification challenge and hardcore naturalists can survey their own Bio-Blitz plot. Take part in a group project to catalogue nature within our park. All equipment provided.
• Snakes & Reptiles  
  Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown  
  This family-oriented show gives you the chance to see live snakes and reptiles found in New Jersey. There will also be freshwater pond creatures on view and a chance to identify animal scat. Shows will begin at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
• Eco-Fashion Fun!     
  Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft   
  Need to spruce up an old outfit? Join us while we help people look fabulous this spring by creating eco-friendly fashion jewelry and accessories from recycled materials.

 Do you have questions about these events? Email us or visit our website for more information.

It's Time for Spring!

This morning's icy start is a reminder of how badly we're ready for spring to arrive (and to stay a while). So let's think of warmer temperatures as we take a look at some of the fun you can have in the parks this spring!

• Camping: Whether you’re looking for a night away from home or a memorable camping 'stay-cation' with family and friends, the campgrounds at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold are the place to be. This family-friendly campground features 64 wooded campsites (52 which can be reserved) and a long list of amenities which include electrical and water service, modern restrooms with showers and laundry areas, picnic tables, playgrounds, and much more.
• Golf: Tee off at one of our eight beautiful golf courses at six locations! With five championship courses, two 18-hole executive courses, and a nine-hole par three course, Park System golf courses accommodate golfers of all skill levels. New to the game? Be sure to take advantage of our golf programs.
• Playgrounds: Don't spend your days indoors, get into the swing of spring on a playground! Playgrounds provide children a place to play outside and build strong bodies and minds. The Park System offers amazing playgrounds at several parks and recreation areas throughout the county including Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, Atlantic Highlands; Shark River Park, Wall; and Tatum Park, Middletown. And don't forget the Park System's two universally accessible playgrounds offering fun for children of all abilities: Tony's Place at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch and Challenger Place at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck.
• Fishing: Looking to drop your line and see what bites? The Park System offers a variety of serene locations for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Please Note: Freshwater anglers ages 16-69 must have a NJ State fishing license; saltwater anglers must register with the state's free saltwater fishing online registry.
• Boating: Warm weather offers the perfect setting for time out on the water. The Manasquan Reservoir, Howell has kayaks, rowboats and electric powered rowboats available for rent. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboats can be rented at Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold. And don't miss canoe rentals on Marlu Lake in Thompson Park, Lincroft on various weekends throughout the spring/summer season. For full details and pricing information, visit our Canoe, Kayak & Boat Rental page.
• Trails: Take in the beauty of the parks while enjoying some exercise as you walk, run or bike our trails. With over 120 miles of trails, the county parks have trails of all types, surfaces and lengths in many locations throughout the county.
• Gardens: It's time to stop and smell the flowers! As spring chases away the colder temperatures, the flowers and trees begin to bloom once again. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, offers 54 acres of gardens and greenhouses that are planned as a living catalog of cultivated and native plant materials to be observed through the seasons. The beauty of the budding trees at the David C. Shaw Arboretum is a must see. Located within Holmdel Park, Holmdel, the arboretum's 22 acres contain hundreds of species, cultivars and varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs.

There's always something to do and see within your Monmouth County parks! Other ideas include strolling through our amazing historic sites (Historic Longstreet Farm and Historic Walnford); learning about nature during a Park System Naturalist led Boat Tour of the Manasquan Reservoir; dropping by Thompson Park to set out on your own geocaching adventure; or just relaxing with friends and family (or a good book) in the beauty of the outdoors.

Have questions about the parks or the activities mentioned above? Email us or check out our website for information.

Keep Your Resolutions

As we close out yet another beautiful year and head into 2014, many of us create resolutions. Big or small, these thoughts on how we'd like to change or improve our lives next year are often forgotten, pushed to the wayside by the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. But in 2014, don't forget that the Park System can assist you in reaching those goals.

One of the most popular resolutions is to improve your overall health and wellness. Let us help you reach your fitness goals with classes like Aerostep, NIA, and Zumba Fitness. Looking to improve on both your body and mind? Join one of our popular yoga classes, such as Easy Morning Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. All these sports & fitness classes are available in the coming weeks.

Or maybe your resolution is to spend more time outdoors. If you've never experienced one of our Outdoor Adventure programs, you don't know what you're missing! Offering programs in biking, hiking, skiing and much more, there's no better way to seek fun and excitement outdoors. Be sure to check out Evening Moon Hike, Music & S'mores, Outdoor Cross-Country Ski Clinics, "Split Pea" Cross-Country Ski Clinic, and Armchair Traveler.

Spending more time together as a family is always a terrific way to start the year off properly. The Park System offers great programs geared toward families. The 2014 Craft Quest will send you on a monthly mission to the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls, to complete a craft that highlights a different country each month. Take the time to learn more about our natural world with programs like Snakes, Turtles and Toads! Oh My! where your family will discover the wonders of these creatures through a live animal show. Try your hands at something completely new by dropping in during Open Shoot Archery.

But this isn't all! The Park System has a wonderful selection of programs all year round to help you learn something new, develop a hobby, get outdoors, build family togetherness, or see more of the area with various trips. Winter programs are currently available in our Winter Program Directory and our Spring Program Directory will be released February 7.If you do not currently receive our Program Directory in the mail, be sure to call us at 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, to be added to our mailing list.

We'll see you in the parks!

Are You Ready for Winter?

It may be early November, but we're getting excited about winter! With over 350 programs to choose from, the winter issue of the Park System's Program Directory has us all anticipating tons of fun throughout December, January and February. With programs in arts & crafts, culinary arts, horticulture, nature, outdoor adventures, sports & fitness, and so much more, the Park System offers a world of fun right in your own backyard.

And with the upcoming new year, we've added special themed programs that will give visitors a more worldly experience. When you "Explore the World through Recreation" with us you'll be choosing programs that celebrate cultural interpretations of recreation, arts and nature. Some of these include Bonsai - Art & Nature Combined, Ballroom Latin Dancing, Tabata Training, Global Games, and more. These culturally themed programs are easy to find; just look for the globe icon while browsing your copy of the Winter Program Directory.

Ready to try something new? You'll find over 75 brand new programs that are sure to peek your interest. Take a look at just a few...

• Celtic Vision Bracelet - The Blingy Celtic Vision Bracelet is a beautiful piece of chain maille jewelry that marries the smoothness of metal jump rings with crystals! What better way to learn this fun and fashionable technique?
• Allergy Cooking for Your Family - Do you or someone you love struggle with food allergies? Are you at a loss for what to feed your child who is allergic to dairy, eggs or nuts? Do you have a grandchild that you’re afraid to bake for because of their allergies? This class aims to meet your needs. Taught by a mom with ten years of cooking experience for a food-allergic child, you will learn how to prepare delicious desserts without cow’s milk, butter, eggs or nuts.
• Keep Calm and Hike On - Combine the rigors of hiking with a relaxing method of creating beautiful abstract art. No drawing skills required! We will hike the scenic trails of the county parks, stopping along the way for simple step-by-step instructions to create without the limits of drawing a specific “thing” or being constrained by expectations. By alternating hiking and drawing we may enhance our creativity and build our sense of well-being. Spontaneous outbursts of creativity will be encouraged!
• Bedtime Stories - Who says you can’t wear your pajamas to the park? Join us for an evening out in your pajamas. Enjoy a bedtime snack while listening to a bedtime story. You’ll even get to meet a live animal before heading home to get tucked in for bed.
• Super Bowl 101 - The Super Bowl will be watched by over 100 million people. Not all of them will understand the game. What’s an offensive tackle? How many downs are there? Why are the refs throwing those yellow hankies? In preparation for the big game we will watch clips of NFL game footage and explain positions, basic rules, and what to watch for on Super Bowl Sunday. This year don’t feel like the only part of the Super Bowl you understand is the commercials.
• Eco-Friendly Gifts for Friends - Create fun gifts from recycled materials for your friends and family this holiday season. Everyone will love these “green” gifts and you’ll get to save money and the environment. What could be better!
• Santa's Helpers - The Fort Monmouth Recreation Center is minutes away from Monmouth Mall, so parents can go holiday shopping while our elves help your little ones with some Christmas preparations of their own. All participants will make and wrap a special gift for their parents, as well as have game time and a holiday snack.
• Grow Lab - Grow a salad, design an acid rain experiment, discover plant mysteries and more. From seed to fruit and back again, we’ll observe life cycles, taste our efforts, and even grow some holiday gifts.
• Golf Fundamentals for Kids - Come learn how to play golf, using SNAG™ (Starting New at Golf) equipment! Learn all the basic elements of golf in a modified form. Falling somewhere between regulation and miniature golf, participants will learn the basic skills necessary to eventually transition to a golf course. Full shots, chipping, pitching and putting will be covered.

And don't miss all the other information available in this issue of the Program Directory. If you enjoy outdoor fun in the winter, check out the inside front cover for important information on sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in the parks. Learn about some things the Park System has to offer that you might not have known about in the Park System Spotlight article "Did You Know?" on pages 2-3. Mark your calendar for special events like the Creative Arts Center Show and Sale, Seashore Open House, or Deep Cut Gardens Photography Exhibit, listed on page 4. Interested in renting a room for an event? A special feature on room rentals in the Park System can be found in the winter issue on page 67.

There's no doubt about it, the Winter Program Directory offers the opportunity for three months of fun! If you're already on our mailing list, your copy will be arriving shortly. Copies can also be picked up in most of your Monmouth County Park System parks or you can view it online. Registration for winter programs begins Wednesday, November 13 at 8am.