Surf & Stream Campground To Become Open Space As Ocean County, Manchester To Spend $7.45M

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing Wednesday afternoon on a proposal to buy the Surf & Stream Campground in Manchester and protect it as open space.

The commissioners are considering a recommendation of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee to buy the 20.10-acre property for $7.45 million, according to the board's agenda.

The hearing is part of the board's regular business meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. in the meeting room on the first floor at the Ocean County Administration, 101 Hooper Ave.

Manchester Township officials in December approved a resolution to work with county officials to purchase the campground at 1801 Ridgeway Road.

According to that resolution, Manchester would commit $1.5 million of the township's open space funds for the purchase.

Plans had been in the works to develop the property and put 245 apartments units on the site, Manchester Mayor Robert Hudak said.

Under the plan being discussed, it will be preserved as a passive recreational area for residents to enjoy scenic trails along the Union Branch of the Toms River Creek, Hudak said.

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