Monmouth County Celebrates Opening of Fort Monmouth Recreation Center

Dozens gathered Saturday for the grand opening of the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center which is the Monmouth County Park System’s first indoor recreation facility.   Located off Hope Road in Tinton Falls, on six acres that was formerly part of the Charles Woods Area, the 19,000 square foot facility will offer a full schedule of recreational programs beginning in September.   Those are listed in the Fall issue of the Park System’s Program Directory and include fitness, sports, crafts, summer camps, special interest and themed family/teen programs at the facility year around.  The directory is available at any County Park, most libraries and online at www.monmouthcountyparks.com   You can also join the mailing list by calling 732-842-4000 ext. 4313

On hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting where Freeholders:  Tom Arnone, Serena DiMaso, Lillian Burry, John Curley and Gary Rich, Sr.   Other guests included former Freeholder John D'Amico, Jr. and Tinton Falls Mayor Michael Skudera.    In his remarks to those attending, Mr. Arnone noted that the center will offer “a great place for our children to be at and a great place to have a clean great time.”  He also remarked that “all we request, is that when you walk in the door, you have fun.”

Ms. Burry spoke of the history of the building and how the Army had previously used it to provide children of military personal, afterschool and recreational programs.  She also recognized the contributions of the large group of people that made the County acquisition of the property possible.  (Monmouth County is currently leasing the property from the Army through the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority and expects to have the property deeded to it by the end of the year.)  Ms. Burry noted some of the amenities at the facility including:

--A fitness room for classes such as pilates, yoga and aerobics.

--Four class rooms, specially fitted for preschool and grade school age children, that will host a variety of craft and general recreation programs.

--A full sized gym with six adjustable baskets and a divider curtain to allow for simultaneous activities on both ends.

--A game area with pool tables, air hockey and foosball.

--A swimming pool at the facility that is expected to be open in 2014 after upgrades are completed.   The pool will be open for swim classes, summer camps, and special themed events.

In conclusion, Mrs. Burry noted that the recreation center “has something for everyone and fills a void in Monmouth County.”  

After the speakers remarks, everyone present was invited to enter the facility.  Within minutes, many parents and children were enjoying some of what the recreation center has to offer.