Earlier this week, the Asbury Park Press reported that plans were in the works to position Monmouth Park as a year-round destination by upping the entertainment quotient with shops, restaurants and even an indoor water park.
According to the article, the proposed $100 million redevelopment project for the racetrack -- which recently switched management hands from the state to the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association -- could begin within the year pending land use approvals.
Some of the ideas being kicked about for the project include a movie theater, retail space, restaurants, miniature golf and an indoor water park in hopes of driving traffic, and dollars, to the racetrack.
Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon told Patch last month that he is on the same page as the Thoroughbred Horsemen and supported making the venue a 365-day operation.
While I've heard one Oceanport resident say she'd love to see new shops and maybe a Starbucks breathe some life into the 320-acre site, I heard another Oceanport mom say that the last thing she wants is for her kids to be begging her to go to a water park every day.
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Amy Byrnes
8:32 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I would be most interested in the "Jersey boardwalk" concept, with shops and restaurants and think it would be a great addition to the area.
Bob English
9:16 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I was at Gillettee Stadium in Foxborough, MA. last week and was amazed at all of the facilites and clubs they have for events that have nothing to do with football. They host tradeshows, parties, sales meetings ect. MP should have the same.
stephanie hervilly
9:20 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Indoor waterpark!
Shannon K. Winning
10:13 pm on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Indoor water park! And a coffee shop. Starbucks or Booskerdoo, somewhere I can get a quality espresso drink on trips back and forth to Wolf Hill. Actually, that would be perfect for our rundown Cumberland Farms strip mall. It needs an anchor store.
Edward Van Embden
12:11 am on Thursday, March 15, 2012
How about a petting zoo? A bright future for our retired equine friends!
Nancy Keevil Kusch
2:41 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Last thing we need in this economy is another mall. The ones we already have have shops closing up left and right. Concerts is probably the most profitable option, but don't think residents would appreciate the late night noise.
rbresident
5:43 am on Friday, March 16, 2012
We need places or stores that will boost the economy and be owned by locals we don't need over priced chains like Starbucks. But they really need to do something with the track. Although many seem to oppose, an indoor water park/boardwalk would draw an enormous crowd to the local area.