By Sunayana Prabhu
TRENTON – Several Two River-area towns and schools have claimed a share of the $25 million in grants awarded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) to 372 local governments and school districts across the state.
Nearly $600,000 of the DCA grants for Local Recreation Enhancement Projects (LREP) will be awarded to schools and municipalities within the Two River area.
The following boroughs were awarded grants: Monmouth Beach, Atlantic Highlands, and Red Bank will each receive $67,000; Oceanport has been awarded $68,888; and Sea Bright has won $35,000. The competitive grants were also awarded to schools. Within the Two River area, the Henry Hudson Regional School District received $68,000, Middletown Township Public Schools won $67,000, and the Oceanport School District and Shore Regional Board of Education received $66,000 each.
Awarded after a rigorous selection process, these grants aim to support community projects, enhance the quality of public outdoor spaces and recreational facilities, and ensure accessible options for residents statewide.
Karen Barry, the superintendent of Oceanport School District, said the school submitted a DCA grant application for $100,000 to create an amphitheater behind Maple Place Middle School that can be enjoyed by students for educational purposes and also by the community for outdoor and recreational events.
“An outdoor amphithe- ater will enhance the learning experiences of our students while also creating a performance area in the community,” Barry said.
“Space is at a premium in Oceanport and utilizing this space would enable us to provide services for the school and community alike.”
Since the district received only 66% of the submitted request, Barry saidit would be “revisiting the project to see if the scope and sequence of the work can be completed within a $66,000 budget.”
Robert Ferragina, the Atlantic Highlands borough administrator, said the funds the borough received will be used to improve East Avenue Park, including the “installation of new playground equipment, benches and other associated improvements.”
In Monmouth Beach, borough officials will allocate the $67,000 toward renovations for Priscilla Ireland Brower Park. In addition to the DCA grant, the borough received a $120,000 matching grant from Monmouth County last year, said Tim Somers, commissioner of the borough’s recreation commission. Somers said the plan is to “replace the tables and benches, which are probably 50 years old at this point. We’re also going to remove and replace the old swing set and then we’re going to extend the walkway.”
The total budget for the project is estimated at $170,000. Somers also mentioned upgrades planned for Griffin Park, including new pickleball courts. He hopes to complete that project within the next three months.
This year marks a significant milestone as it represents the highest number of local governments to benefit from the program since its inception three years ago. “DCA recognizes the pivotal role that well-maintained public spaces play in fostering healthy and vibrant communities. For three consecutive years, we’ve been committed to supporting local governments in upgrading their parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and recreational areas,” DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez said in a statement May 31. “This investment reflects our dedication to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of our residents.”
In addition to those projects noted above, the Two River-area awardees will utilize the funding to address various needs, including the refurbishment of community centers, playgrounds, pools and sports fields, and the development of walking and bicycle trails. The funds can also be used toward professional services that often cost thousands of dollars, such as engineering and architectural costs, equipment procurement, and environmental remediation necessary for site preparation.
To qualify for these grants, administrative staff in borough offices outline their proposed project for improving a specific recreation site, address any existing obstacles, demonstrate project management capabilities, provide a detailed cost breakdown, obtain governing body approval, and ensure property ownership where improvements are planned.
The state department then evaluates these applications based on community need, financial viability, project feasibility, local commitment, and overall impact.
It’s important to note that these grants operate on a reimbursement basis. There is no advance payment or drawdown of grant funds. Eligible costs are reimbursed to the local government when it submits evidence of payment for qualifying expenses to DCA.
The DLGS also offers technical and financial assistance to municipalities throughout the state, covering various aspects such as budgeting, financial reporting, joint services, purchasing, and management.
The article originally appeared in the June 20 – June 26, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
