Monmouth County Awards $5 Million in Open Space Grants
As your trusted title and settlement services partner in Ocean County, Counsellors Title Agency keeps a close eye on developments that impact property values and community growth throughout the region. Recently announced grant awards in neighboring Monmouth County offer valuable insights into how public investment in open spaces can enhance local real estate markets—trends we’re also seeing right here in Ocean County.
$5 Million Investment in Parks and Recreation
Monmouth County’s Board of Commissioners recently announced the recipients of their 2025 Municipal Open Space Grant program, distributing approximately $5 million across 27 municipalities to improve public spaces throughout the county. This strategic investment reflects a growing recognition among local governments that quality parks and recreational facilities aren’t just amenities—they’re essential infrastructure that supports property values and community vitality.
“This important annual program is one of many ways in which the County works with its municipal partners to ensure local parks are constructed and upgraded for our residents,” explained Monmouth County Commission Director Thomas Arnone. “Providing funding for parks and open spaces in our communities helps residents to maintain and improve their physical and mental health.”
Major Recipients: Seven Projects Receive Top Funding
The largest grants—$361,817 each—were awarded to seven high-impact projects across the county:
- Fair Haven: Waterfront improvements along Fair Haven Road
- Hazlet: Interior fit-out of a recreation building
- Long Branch: Upgrades to Van Court Park
- Middletown: Renovations to Kunkel Park
- Neptune City: Memorial Park and Adams Field renovations
- Red Bank: Count Basie Park Open Space improvement project
- Rumson: Jumping Point Park enhancements
- Wall Township: Phase two of Camp Evans recreational upgrades
Community-Wide Benefits: Additional Grant Recipients
Beyond the top-tier projects, municipalities across Monmouth County received targeted funding for specific park improvements and recreational enhancements:
Northern Monmouth County:
- Atlantic Highlands ($180,908): Municipal Harbor Park improvements
- Highlands ($225,050): Veterans Memorial Park, Huddy Park, and community center upgrades
- Monmouth Beach ($108,545): Monmouth Beach Memorial Park and Griffin Park enhancements
- Oceanport ($280,770): Blackberry Bay Park improvements
- Rumson ($361,817): Jumping Point Park project
Central Monmouth County:
- Eatontown ($161,370): F. Bliss Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary Bridge replacement
- Little Silver ($220,708): Markham Place Complex improvements
- Red Bank ($361,817): Count Basie Park Open Space project
- Shrewsbury Township ($72,363): Valenzano Park (West Long Branch)
Western Monmouth County:
- Freehold Borough ($49,931): Veterans Park improvement project
- Freehold Township ($122,294): Opatut Park improvement project
- Manalapan ($54,272): Dreyer All-Inclusive Playground surfacing
- Millstone ($126,636): Baird Homestead Improvement Project 2025
Shore Communities:
- Allenhurst ($144,727): Phase three of Railroad Park Plaza
- Belmar ($203,341): Silver Lake Recreation Trail reconstruction
- Brielle ($75,981): Brielle Eco Path development
- Manasquan ($344,811): Winterstella Park Playground improvements
- Spring Lake ($217,090): Phase three of Marucci Memorial Park improvements
Bayshore Region:
- Hazlet ($361,817): Recreation building interior fit-out
- Matawan ($180,908): Terhune Park improvements
- Neptune ($267,744): Sunshine Park Playground upgrades
- Neptune City ($361,817): Memorial Park and Adams Field renovations
- Union Beach ($68,022): Scholer Park improvements
What This Means for Property Owners and Homebuyers
At Counsellors Title Agency, we understand that community amenities like parks and recreational facilities play a significant role in real estate transactions. Here’s why these investments matter:
Enhanced Property Values: Homes located near well-maintained parks and open spaces typically command higher prices and sell more quickly. Multiple studies have shown that proximity to quality green spaces can increase property values by 5-20%.
Community Desirability: Towns that invest in public spaces signal strong fiscal management and commitment to quality of life—factors that attract homebuyers and support long-term property appreciation.
Improved Marketability: When we facilitate closings, properties in communities with excellent recreational facilities often generate more buyer interest and smoother transactions.
Sustainable Growth: Open space preservation balances development with environmental stewardship, creating communities that remain attractive for generations.
Ocean County Connections
While these grants specifically benefit Monmouth County, the principle extends throughout our region. Ocean County communities—including right here in Toms River—have their own open space initiatives that enhance local property values and quality of life.
As title professionals who’ve served this region for years, we’ve witnessed firsthand how strategic investment in community infrastructure supports healthy real estate markets. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or selling a property, these community-level improvements create the foundation for confident transactions.
Your Partner in Every Real Estate Transaction
At Counsellors Title Agency, we don’t just process paperwork—we’re invested in the communities we serve. Understanding local development trends, municipal improvements, and neighborhood enhancements helps us provide informed service to every client.
When you’re ready for your next real estate transaction in Ocean County or the surrounding areas, our experienced team is here to ensure a smooth, secure closing process. We combine decades of local expertise with comprehensive title and settlement services designed to protect your investment.
Contact Counsellors Title Agency in Toms River today to learn how we can support your real estate goals.