MIDDLETOWN — Whether you’re looking for a spot to launch a boat, drop a fishing line or catch a glimpse of waterfowl, the Monmouth County Park System’s Swimming River Park, West Front Street, Middletown, is the place to go.  Having undergone several improvements including new bulkheading and boat ramp, kayak beach launch area, docks, a walking trail and parking, the park is once again open and ready to welcome visitors. The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners marked the reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 1.      

Acquired in 2015 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, this 18-acre park offers opportunities for boating, fishing, crabbing and exploration of Swimming River’s marshes and coves.  Its preservation helps protect the Swimming River watershed and maintain access to the water for recreational use.  “The completion of recent improvements to Swimming River Park provides critical public access to this valuable watershed for all types of water-based recreation,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Ross Licitra, the Board’s liaison to the County Park System.

Those looking to head out on the water can take their trailered boats to the park’s new 30-foot wide boat ramp or launch smaller, cartop vessels from the beach launch area. Information on how to purchase daily and seasonal launch passes is available on the Park System’s website www.MonmouthCountyParks.com.  

A popular spot for fishing and crabbing, the park has a dock dedicated to these activities where visitors can try their luck at catching striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, summer flounder, bunker, blue crabs and more.   (A New Jersey fishing license is not needed for this park but those age 16 and older should register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program.)  Other activities for the site include several kayak and canoe programs planned for this July and August. Details on these programs are available in the upcoming summer issue of Park System’s Parks & Programs Guide, available May 5.

In addition to its water-related recreation opportunities, the park boasts scenic views of the Swimming River and Red Bank. Park goers can stroll along the ¼-mile paved trail and look for wildlife.  Birders are sure to flock to the site in the hopes of spotting egrets, blue herons, belted kingfisher, and bald eagles.

Swimming River Park is just one example of the Park System’s commitment to protect open space and provide recreational opportunities in the county. With its parks, recreation areas, historic sites, golf courses and greenways, the Park System manages over 18,000 acres of permanently preserved open space throughout the county.

For more information about Swimming River Park or the Monmouth County Park System, please call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.