EATONTOWN, NJ—Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey today announced that the Borough of Eatontown has received a $275,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Local Aid Infrastructure Fund Program to create a walkable, undeveloped Eatontown Greenway from Wampum Park to Wolcott Park.
Under the Borough’s plan, first developed in 2018 by Eatontown’s Complete Streets Advisory Committee through the assistance of a $10,000 state grant, Eatontown will develop safe ways to connect its parks while providing access to bicycles, pedestrians, and handicapped individuals. Using today’s grant, Eatontown will begin the work of creating a greenway—a strip of undeveloped land near the town center set aside for recreational use and environmental protection—that passes through and between Wampum Park and Wolcott Park.
Once completed, the project will offer bikers and walkers a route off of Route 35. Paving, sidewalks, and lighting will be included, as well as a small footbridge over the water that separates Lewis and West Streets.
In celebration of this grant, and to show residents the beauty and recreational opportunities that the park has to offer, the Borough will host two events at Wampum Park on the evenings of August 14 and 21. Each event will include fishing, trail walks, and an unveiling of the Greenway Plan and associated route. More details on these events will follow soon.
“I would like to thank our volunteers on the Complete Streets Advisory Committee for their commitment and vision to make our community more bicycle and walker friendly,” said Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico. “Their planning and the work of our former Administrator Cherron Rountree helped initiate this grant. Our current Interim Administrator Billy Lucia gets credit for recognizing available funding and pursuing this further. Eatontown appreciates the advocacy by Senator Gopal and Assemblymembers Houghtaling and Downey as we look to safely connect our neighborhoods and parks. This award demonstrates a true partnership between the State and local governments.”
“Eatontown has really gone above and beyond in putting this plan together, and it’s really special to see this project come together after years of effort,” said Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth), who joined Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune) and Joann Downey (D-Freehold) in submitting a letter of support for the project. “I want to recognize the efforts of Mayor Talerico, Business Administrator Lucia and the whole Eatontown team for making this possible—your work will continue to improve the quality of life of the residents you serve. Thank you as well to the NJDOT and Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti for making this funding available. I’m excited to see how Eatontown’s new greenway will enhance the town’s infrastructure and expand recreational opportunities for all its residents.”
