On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of Lakewood area families flocked to the John Patrick Sports Complex on Vine Avenue to enjoy the Fall Festival at Common Grounds Community Gardens.

Under bright sunny skies, the families strolled around the picturesque garden and its unique flowers and vegetables. Outside the garden, participants enjoyed the petting zoo, rides and other children’s entertainment; perused the products of local businesses; and learned more about the governmental and social service agencies that exhibited at the festival.

The Fall Festival is the flagship annual event at Common Grounds, a unique project led by Tova Herskovits, Founder and Director of One Ocean County; and Ayala Schlossberg, Head Gardener.

This tract of Township park was developed by One Ocean County with the support of the Township and NJ Department of Community Affairs. It is now a beautiful garden that is enjoyed and cultivated by a diverse group of Lakewood area residents; enhancing inter-communal relationships and understanding on a personal level.

The garden is regularly visited by diverse children and teenagers; adults; and public officials. In particular, members of the Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood Department of Public Works have personally helped develop and maintain the garden since its inception.

“This beautiful garden, and events such as this festival, are great opportunities for Lakewood residents to come together; enjoy nature; and build bridges between communities and their government,” said Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein. “Thanks to One Ocean County and its partners and volunteers, this humble project has grown to be a powerful positive force in our region.”

“We’re so grateful for how successful this event was; and the vibrant turnout we saw from families in our area,” said Tova Herskovits. “We are grateful for the support and assistance from Lakewood Township; the Police and Public Works Departments; and our many volunteers and community sponsors. Special thanks to our returning sponsors, who have enabled us to keep this event free to the public – for the fifth consecutive year, including the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission; the Jewish Federation of Ocean County; and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus.”

One Ocean County thanks the community partners and exhibitors who helped make the event a success, including: Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County; Ocean County Library; Ocean County Parks and Recreation; Lakewood Resource and Referral Center; and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.