Golden Moments |
Then & Now |
Favorite Parks, Programs & Memories |
The 1960s |
The 1970s |
The 1980s |
The 1990s |
The 2000s 
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Park System began in 1960 when the Board of Chosen Freeholders acquired the first county park. The Monmouth County Park System started humbly enough, using 24 acres of surplus land leftover from contruction of the Garden State Parkway to create Shark River Park, Neptune. An immediate success, 5,971 visitors enjoyed the park’s open space and picnic areas when it opened in 1961.
Today, Shark River Park, now totaling 946 acres, is still popular. On any given day, shrieks of delight can be heard coming from children at the playground while hikers take in the wonders of nature along the trails. Picnickers enjoy the shelter building while a sports program is held in an open field.
Thanks to the Park System, this scene can be found in locations throughout the county. Stretching over 14,500 acres, the Park System has 38 sites of parks, forests, gardens, wetland/marine habitats, golf courses, historic sites, recreation areas and conservation properties. Each year approximately 4,000 recreation programs are offered through the Park System.
See How We've Grown!