Softball Complex Awaiting Name, Opening Day

In addition to some finishing touches, it needs a name and an opening day.

The new Toms River softball complex on North Bay Avenue needs to be named, and a grand-opening ceremony will be planned, said Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher.

Some of the ideas include naming the complex “Veterans Field.” Many of the other parks in Toms River are named for the section of town they are in or a nearby landmark. The 26-acres softball complex is the site of the former Epstein and Frankenburg farms near Whitty Road.

— for $3.5 million —  is being partially funded by a $750,000 Green Acres grant, officials said previously, and the additional cost will be paid out of Toms River's open space tax fund.

What to call the complex is currently being discussed, Kelaher said. "We're tossing some ideas around, but that's still got to be decided," he said.

The township hopes to have a special event surrounding the park's opening. However, the date hasn't been decided.

The township would like to have representatives from the multiple softball leagues in the township — whether youth, travel or adult recreation leagues, and those who play on school teams — attend the grand opening, said the mayor.

The complex has four fields and a tot-lot t-ball field, plus a winding walking/bike trail throughout the campus, with the softball fields arranged like a cloverleaf, officials said. A playground and concession stand is also on site.

The Toms River Recreation Committee and the recreation department are the most involved in the planning, said the mayor.

The committee meets monthly. The next meeting is tonight at 7 p.m. in town hall.