2 Popular Long Branch Parks Getting Improvements

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Long Branch announced Friday it plans to make some major improvements to Manahassett Creek Park and Pleasure Bay Park.

The city of Long Branch received $250,000 from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Matching Grant Program, and will match the additional $250,000.

The grants were just awarded this week; it is unknown when work will begin.

Here's what will be done:

• Resurfacing of Pleasure Bay Park and Manahasset Creek Park basketball courts
• Replace all netting for existing protective netting system at Manahasset Creek Park
• Installation of ADA exercise stations at Manahasset Creek Park
• Replace putting green at Manahasset Creek Park

“I want to thank the County Commissioners for choosing Long Branch for the Open Space Grant,” said Long Branch Council President Rose Widdis. "The project improvements will serve the needs of families throughout the city and surrounding areas by improving and enhancing amenities and attractions at two of our parks.”

Pleasure Bay Park is located on Atlantic Avenue along Branchport Creek. Spread out over approximately 5.9 acres, Pleasure Bay has a playground, basketball court, open green space as well as the new Long Branch Community Pool, which attracted more than 7,000 swimmers last summer.

Sitting on more than 18.53 acres, Manahasset Creek Park is on Long Branch Avenue in the northern part of the city. The park has multipurpose turf fields, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, workout equipment and a playground. It's a popular spot for the community to play baseball, softball, tennis, basketball, soccer, football and golf.

“This is very good news for the city of Long Branch," said Mayor John Pallone. “By making necessary updates, including ADA components, two highly visited parks will be even more accessible and enjoyable to the residents of Long Branch.”