By Stephen Appezzato
MIDDLETOWN – The first phase of the Swimming River Park project was recently completed, marked by a ribbon-cutting event held May 1.
With the renovated 18-acre plot, the public now has improved access to the Swimming and Navesink rivers, as well as new park amenities.
Phase one of the project consisted of constructing a new bulkhead, dock, kayak launch beach, 1⁄4-mile paved walking path, parking lot and a 30-foot-wide public boat ramp. Parkgoers can now enjoy activities such as fishing, crabbing, boating, nature watching and strolling along the riverfront.
The recent development follows nearly a decade of planning, land acquisition and cleanup efforts by the Monmouth County Park System and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, with assistance from the Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to open space and habitat preservation in the county.
When the county broke ground in spring 2022, phase one completion was anticipated by year-end. But due to long lead times from utility companies for adding services to the site, the park opening was delayed until this month.
Swimming River Park, located on West Front Street, was formerly the site of Chris’ Landing and Chris’ Deli and Liquor on an attached parcel. With help from the MCF, the county acquired the first land plot in 2015 and the second in 2018, totaling 18 acres.
Throughout the project, the MCF provided financial assistance and operated as a liaison between the former property owners and the county in the transactions. The MCF oversaw initial site cleanup and remediation efforts which were performed by a civil engineering firm in accordance with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s standards. During the pre-construction cleanup, old underground fuel tanks were unearthed, calling for an environmental hazard investigation.
Swimming River Park’s oversight and construction were transferred to the Monmouth County Park System for completion.
An overlook memorial will be constructed in the park to honor MCF cofounder Judith Stanley Coleman, a local activist and philanthropist who died in 2010. Completion of this is slated for the fall.
“Today’s ribbon cutting signifies the completion of phase one of Swimming River Park. Phase two, expected to get underway in 2025, will include the construction of a Visitor Center with restrooms, public gathering areas, informative exhibits, and a rental shop for kayaks and bait,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “I think this is going to be a signature park in Monmouth County. It was a team effort. We held tight, we held strong, and we came together to see what we have today.”
The article originally appeared in the May 4 – 10, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
