By Stephen Appezzato
RUMSON – As the new Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge nears completion, Rumson officials are turning their attention to West Park, a 5.72-acre borough-owned space located along the north and south sides of the bridge entrance.
Following a public hearing July 1, the borough is moving ahead with an application to Monmouth County’s Open Space Grant Program in hopes of securing $500,000 toward the $900,000 park improvement project. The funding, if approved, would overhaul both the north and south sides of the park, which flanks Rumson Road at the gateway to Sea Bright.
“The project generally consists of the installation of new playground equipment, swings, park walkways, benches, picnic tables, landscaping and tree plantings,” a statement from the borough said. “The overall project will address impacts created by Monmouth County’s replacement of the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge (S-32) over the Shrewsbury River and collaboratively blend the completed bridge construction with the Borough’s West Park – Jumping Point Park.”
The improvements will be completed in two phases, aligned with the bridge construction timeline over the next 12 to 18 months. Once demolition of the old Rumson-Sea Bright bridge is complete and the construction crew’s service yard is removed, the walking trail and improvements to the northern section of the park will begin.
“The temporary impacts due to bridge construction present an ideal opportunity to partner with Monmouth County to develop an enhanced park experience for the Rumson community and general public,” according to the statement.
Currently, the park, comprising 2.85 acres north of Rumson Road and 2.87 acres south, features a significant landscaped area that has been altered significantly by the ongoing construction for the replacement of Bridge S-32 over the Shrewsbury River. The site has served as a staging and access area for construction crews throughout the $131 million project.
West Park is one of the first places drivers see when entering Rumson from Sea Bright. According to the project page on the borough website, West Park is a highly accessible, convenient location for an updated playground and “would be a significant improvement to the adjoining neighborhood.”
Construction on Phase One improvements on the south side of the park is expected to begin in spring 2026. If the borough is selected for a Monmouth County Open Space Grant, the award would be announced in the fall.
The article originally appeared in the July 10 – July 16, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
