By Mayor Daniel T. Rodrick

As Mayor of Toms River, I am excited to share a significant development that will enhance our community and provide much-needed recreational space for our residents. We are constructing a new park at the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Bachelor, a location that has long been in need of greenery and play areas. This park will be a delightful addition, particularly for those in downtown Toms River who currently lack access to facilities like those at Castle Park and Silverton Park.

Our new park will feature state-of-the-art playground equipment, including swings and play structures that will offer engaging activities for children of all ages. The engineering work for the park is nearing completion, and I’m thrilled to announce that we recently selected the playground materials. We expect construction to begin in early spring. It’s heartening to see this vision begin to take shape, supported entirely by a state grant of $750,000, ensuring that the project is fully funded without any impact on our municipal budget.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. We recognize that Toms River’s athletic facilities have also needed our attention. Many of our basketball and tennis courts have fallen into disrepair, limiting opportunities for our aspiring athletes. To address this, we are embarking on a comprehensive repaving project for all of our township’s basketball and tennis courts. This includes significant upgrades at Snug Harbor, Skyview, and Bey Lea Parks, ensuring that our young athletes have safe and enjoyable environments in which to improve their skills.

Additionally, in response to the growing popularity of pickleball, we are proud to announce the creation of 12 new pickleballcourts at Shelter Cove Park, Bey Lea Park, and Snug Harbor Park. As many of our residents know, six pickleball courts can fit in the space of one traditional tennis court, making this a groundbreaking transformation. By prioritizing this modern sport, we are not just keeping up with trends; we are ensuring that Toms River remains an accessible and engaging place for residents of all ages to stay active and connected.

The investments in these recreational spaces reflect my administration’s commitment to making Toms River the premier destination for family recreation in our region. It is rewarding to know that these improvements will help foster community spirit and bring joy to families throughout our township. Remarkably, we are accomplishing all of this without a municipal tax increase for the past two years, demonstrating our dedication to responsibly investing in the future of our town.

As construction begins on our new park, and as we revitalize our sports facilities, I am excited to witness the positive impact these changes will have on our residents. Together, we are building not just parks and courts, but a brighter future for Toms River—a place where families can thrive and create lasting memories.

Thank you for being a part of this journey as we work to enhance our community!

[File Photo]