Middletown Township Committee Moves Forward with Acquisition of 17 Beautiful Acres for Open Space

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Committee introduced an ordinance at its Oct. 7 meeting to finalize the acquisition of 17 acres along the Navesink River behind River Plaza Elementary School, with plans to preserve the property as open space.

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The ordinance provides $2.1 million in funding to secure the land, which includes wetlands that will be maintained as a habitat for wildlife and protected from development.

The Township Committee has been actively pursuing open space acquisitions throughout Middletown, with ongoing efforts to secure additional properties on Red Hill Road, West Nut Swamp Road, and 23 acres off Chapel Hill Road.

“Being in a financial position to acquire this land highlights precisely why we have a dedicated Open Space Trust Fund,” Mayor Tony Perry said. “Since we began the trust in 1998, the Township has proudly acquired and preserved 275 acres of land with a total investment of over $30 million. This area of open space will not only provide the River Plaza Elementary School community with a safe place to walk and play behind the school, but it will also be a peaceful and passive recreation area for the public to enjoy.”

Funds from the Open Space Trust have also been used to enhance recreational facilities across town, such as resurfacing basketball courts and creating the skate park at Kunkel Park, as well as preserving historic landmarks like the Conover Beacon in Leonardo and the Murray Farmhouse and Barn at Poricy Park.

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The Township Committee’s recent actions underscore its commitment to safeguarding open spaces and providing residents with accessible recreational areas.

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