Metuchen Opens New Pocket Park At Former Manasquan Bank Drive-Thru

METUCHEN, NJ – Earlier this year, Manasquan Bank announced their intention to donate a portion of the land they owned to Metuchen.

The Borough then announced their plans to convert the space into a pocket park.

Last week, the bank officially donated the space and Metuchen formally opened the new park at the site of the former Manasquan Bank drive-through.

The portion of land has been landscaped and painted. The Borough has also added tables, chairs and string lights to create a “temporary pop-up iteration of the park,” Mayor Jonathan M Busch said.

Over the next year, the borough will be working to a build a more permanent iteration of the space, with help of a state grant.

During the event held last week, Busch thanked the Bank for fulfilling its commitment.

“This space looks different than the Borough’s other conventional parks, but that is what makes it so unique. Downtown spaces like these help define communities,” Busch said.

“Whether you’re here during the day or you decide to enjoy your evening under these lights, this place is now a downtown focal point, a meeting area, a place to relax. People come to intimate spaces like these to get some shade, have meals or coffee with friends and of course, they are places to have events.”

Busch noted that there are already plans to use this park for many different events, including a “beer garden-type element.”

As part of the next phase, with the help of a portion of a $250,000 grant from this year’s State budget, the Borough planner will put together a comprehensive and collaborative plan to build the permanent iteration of this park, which will include input from the public.

The permanent park will be named after Thomas Mundy Peterson, Metuchen’s most famous resident. Peterson became the first African-American to cast a vote on March 31, 1870.

“In Metuchen, there are streets, buildings and parks named after so many different people but none of our places honor the lifetime of our most famous resident - until today. As our Borough moves through the steps associated with the permanent iteration of this space, we will be doing so in the name of Thomas Mundy Peterson because this is the future site of Thomas Mundy Peterson Park, We honor his courage, his patriotism, and everything his first vote stands for,” Busch said.

Manasquan Bank President, Chair and CEO, James S. Vaccaro was also preset during the ceremony.

"I am proud of Manasquan Bank's commitment to supporting the community of Metuchen and am thrilled to see our former branch location transformed into a beautiful park for all to enjoy," he said in a statement.

"It is our hope that this contribution will enhance the quality of life for the residents of Metuchen and serve as a testament to our dedication to giving back."

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