ECO-Patio Grand Opening

Grand Opening of the Eco Patio Demonstration Gardens and Environmental Education Area at Manalapan Recreation Center.

"A True Community Project"

The Manalapan Township Environmental Commission is hosting a grand opening celebration of its new Eco Patio at Manalapan Recreation Center on May 5th from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. There will be activities for children, a composting demonstration, live music, and refreshments donated by Wegmans.

The Eco Patio is a new area at Manalapan Recreation Center that showcases two demonstration gardens and provides environmental education through permanent signage. It is located in Dreyer Lot adjacent to the playground and restrooms.

The name Eco Patio was inspired after a new patio built from eco-friendly permeable pavers was donated and installed by Pantano Nursery and Techo-Bloc. Pantano Nursery also donated additional materials to dress the gardens including pavers that volunteers used to create inviting paths around the gardens.

Manalapan High School's environmental club painted murals at the site including images of large butterflies that are intended for people to take photos in front of to look as if they have wings like a butterfly. A nearby sign encourages visitors to post the photos they take using #EcoPatioMTNJ

Emlar Farms donated a native Sugar Maple tree to the Eco Patio. Additional plants were donated by Steven Kristoph Nursery and Viridian Energy. Through a grant from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, (ANJEC) a wooden kiosk was installed at the site that will house temporary displays that can share information on a variety of environmental topics. Two new benches at the site provided by Manalapan Township are made from recycled plastic.

One of the demonstration gardens at the Eco Patio is a rain garden which helps to capture rainwater before it reaches the storm drain. Rain gardens are beneficial for several reasons such as helping to prevent water pollution and flooding and creating habitat for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The second garden is a Monarch Waystation which creates vital habitat for the monarch butterfly whose annual migration to Mexico is endangered due largely to the loss of habitat.

Environmental Commission chair Jenine Tankoos said, "We created the Eco Patio to showcase ideas for residents of how they can help the environment as well as to add another beautiful outdoor location in our community to relax or picnic among nature.

"This is a true community project" said Township Committeeman David Kane, who serves as the liaison to the Manalapan Township Environmental Commission. "I am proud of this great environmental project and the volunteers who came together to add this amenity to the Manalapan Recreation Center."

Mayor Jack McNaboe on behalf of the Manalapan Township Committee invites all Manalapan residents to enjoy Eco Patio and learn from its educational displays.

Anyone interested in more information about the Manalapan Environmental Commission or volunteering with the Commission can reach them at MEC@MTNJ.ORG.