Recreation Revenue Up Over 2011; Committee Hopes Green Acres Funds Available

The Toms River Recreation Committee discussed applying for Green Acres funds to create more recreational property in town.

Toms River Councilman Jeff Carr said while the township can always make an application to the state for Green Acres funding, he was unsure if any funding is currently available.

Recreation Committee member Joe Garvey felt it would be worthwhile to apply now so that when the economy turns around the township is on the state’s list for funding.

“At least get in line, this way if something becomes available we’re ready,” said Garvey.

Green Acres funding paid for a portion of the recently opened Softball Complex on North Bay Avenue.

In other news, Toms River Director of Recreation Jared Tate reported on how the recreation department did over the summer. Tate said beach revenue was up from 2011 as were camp programs, swimming and tennis. He said use of the municipal pool was about the same as last season.

“All in all it was a successful summer,” said Tate.

Tate also plugged upcoming events. In addition to ongoing registration for fall programs such as mad science and flag football for youth and volleyball for adults, he said the township is gearing up for its second annual Halloween Hay Ride on Oct. 20 at the Bey Lea Golf Course.

Tate noted the hay ride is a joint venture between the recreation department and division of youth services. He said last year’s event had about 1,000 attendees.

Admission to the Hay Ride is free but the township asks participants to bring a canned good for donation to the food pantry.

“With 1,000 people we collected a huge amount of food last year. We expect the same this year,” said Tate.

For more information on the Toms River Recreation Department programs visit their site or call 732-341-1000, ext. 8415