2000s Timeline


2000

  • Metedeconk River Greenway established. This property is undeveloped.
  • Yellowbrook Tract established. Purchased the first 225 acres. The property is wetland, woodland and wildlife habitat with potential for trail development. This tract is undeveloped.
  • 2,114 county park acres preserved; there are now 36 parks; annual visitation is 3,965,815 (2000 Annual Report)

2001 

 Eagle at Manasquan Reservoir


2002 

Sunnyside Equestrian Center - May 2006

  • Indoor horseback riding facility opens at Sunnyside Equestrian Center. SPUR program relocates to the facility.
  • Voters approve increase in Open Space Tax from $10 million to $16 million per year, with $2 million for cooperative projects

2003 

 

2004

  • The Sprayground and Challenger Place (the Park System's first universal access playground) opens at Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck.

2005 

September 11th Memorial

2006 

  • Thompson Park Visitor Center fire completely destroys building, February 6.  
  • Annual Park System attendance is 4,821,630; there are over  100 miles of trails (113 miles)
  • Voters approve a change from a flat Open Space Tax of $16 million per year to a rate tax of 1.5 cents for each $100 of equalized assessed value of land in the county.

2007 

  • Park System annual visitation exceeds 5 million; Park System honors its 100,000,000th visitor.
  • There are more than 14,000 acres in Park System. 
  • New County Open Space Plan published.

2008 

Rose Garden - 2008

  • Rose Parterre completed at Deep Cut Gardens
  •  Annual Park System attendance is 5,087,450; there are over 120 miles of trails

2009 

Thompson Park Visitor Center - 2009