Husky Brook Park Dedicated in Eatontown

Saturday October 20 marked an historic day in Eatontown with the dedication of Husky Brook Park.

The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with the presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 49 and Cub Scout Pack 52. With children already at play, those in attendance were welcomed by Mayor Gerry Tarantolo. A moving rendition of the National Anthem was sung by Theresa Irwin whose late husband Bob was a longtime member of the Eatontown Planning Board.

In addressing those present, the mayor recounted his longtime goal of having parks in all four quadrants of the Borough as well as his efforts over many years starting in 2000 to have the Borough acquire the property from its former owners. This acquisition would ultimately occur several years later with the help of a Green Acres grant and the balance of the cost being bonded. Phase 1 and Phase 2 development occurred in the past year leading to the completion of the present day park. The mayor concluded by reciting a moving prayer for those who come to the park in the future.

Council President Anthony Talerico, Jr. told how the Mayor and Council have created an Ad Hoc Committee to research and suggest possible ideas for the approximately 5 acres of property across the street from Husky Brook Park. The land, a former farm, could be an ideal location for an Agricultural Educational Park. The Ad Hoc Committee will look at the land and then suggest ideas to Council on what to include and how to lay it out. 

Some ideas being discussed are: community garden plots, plots for churches and local food pantry to provide fresh produce to the residents they serve; a nursery where our DPW can grow some stock for other parks, space for an eventual class room where demonstrations can be given to the public, a greenhouse, beehives with demonstrations to the public, composting, and much more. With the suggestions of the Ad Hoc Committee and members of the public, council will then decide how to proceed. 

Dedication mementos where distributed to everyone in the audience by members of the Borough Council who were in attendance including Dennis Connelly, Kevin Gonzalez, Jennifer Piazza, Meir Araman and Anthony Talerico, Jr. The Mayor also introduced Pietra Stella who along with her late husband Joseph were previous owners of part of the property of what is now Husky Brook Park. The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Husky Brook Park sign with the children present gathered around.