2008 Special Projects

1. Park System History Book Project                                
Friends funds are financing the costs associated with the research and publication of the Monmouth County Park System History Book. This historic publication will take readers back through time with photos and editorial descriptions of the advent of the Monmouth County Park System. This book will be a lovely addition to anyone's library. 		$25,000
2. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Funding provided by the Friends will purchase a custom made concrete sculpture for "Tony's Place". Located in Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch, "Tony's Place" is an all access playground which allows children with and withut disabilities the opportunity to play side by side. This concrete aquatic creature will greet visitors as they enter the facility.		 $12,000
3. Thompson Park Visitor Center
The Cottonwood Room in the newly constructed (anticpated completion 2009) Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft will have a permanent exhibit thanks to the Friends of the Parks. This comprehensive exhibit will feature precious artifacts and images that tell the tale of Brookdale Farm and Thompson Park's past, present, and future. In addition, the Friends are funding an audio/visual center in the Main Program Room of the Visitor Center. 		 $8,000
4.

Tatum Park Red Hill Activity Center
The Friends are replacing 2 existing display cases at the Bertha Heath Center at Tatum Park, Middletown . These cases house exhibits about Clinton Heath,a former slave who settled in Middletown's Red Hill area. The exhibit also acknowledges the contributions of African-Americans to the rich histroy of Monmouth County. Future exhibits will highlight the various ethnic and cultural groups who have played a role in the growth of our county.

 $3,500
5.

Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center
Friends are upgrading the "Streams of Consiousness Exhibit". This interactive exhibit at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell illustrates the difference between a good town verses bad town scenario with regards to water management.

 $1,200
6.

Thompson Park Memorial Tree Grove Plaques
The Friends of the Parks have dedicated funds for a monument with plaques for the Thompson Park Memorial Tree Grove, Thompson Park, Lincroft. This serene grove is a beautyiful way to remember a loved one. 100 trees have been planted in the grove and are availalbe for dedication.

 $1,000
  Total $51,200

 

2008 ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION PROJECTS

1.

Annual holiday card – purchase and mailing of card to approximately 750 persons on the existing mailing list. 

$1,500

2.

National Trails Day lunch – lunch for National Trails Day volunteers performing trail construction/maintenance; includes recognition plaque for volunteers having achieved 1,000 volunteer hours.

$350

3.

Holiday bus trip for adults with disabilities.  The trip would provide admission and/or a bus for approximately 25 participants and chaperones to attend Disney on Ice or a Broadway musical in November or December. 

$1,250

4.

Fair Wrist Bands for Therapeutic Recreation Camps.

$280

5.

Formal Dinner Dance with DJ/Caterer for Therapeutic Recreation Participants.

$750

6.

Bus transportation for RAP - provide opportunities for children from urban communities to visit various parks or participate in educational programs year round – primarily in summer. (approx. 20 buses x $265/bus).

$5,300

7.

Provide camp scholarships covering program fees and any additional program costs for county urban youth to experience a weeklong Park System summer camp (avg. $195 x 22 students).

$4,290

8.

Program fees for Recreation Assistance Programs. Provide program funding assistance for youth organizations from low-income urban areas that register for various Park System programs such as boat tours, farm tours, etc.

$3,000

9.

Summer performance in the park. Provide funding to hire an entertainer/group to perform at 1 of 2 concerts offered to camps and youth organizations from urban communities.

$1,500

10.

African American History Celebration. Provide funding for keynote speaker at closing ceremony and/or entertainment for one of the school programs during the week.

$1,200

11.

Funding assistance at the Coastal Activity Center. Provide funding assistance to hire unique experiential and educational programs to offer knowledge-thirsty youths of Asbury Park and surrounding communities.

$2,000
  Total
$21,420.00