Monmouth County touts preservation wins after voters approve trust‑fund measures; 831 acres added in 2025
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Summary
Commissioners celebrated voter approval of a preservation ballot question, reported the park system added 831 acres in 2025 and said the county trust fund has supported preservation of 571 properties (nearly 10,000 acres) and distributed about $81 million in municipal grants.
Monmouth County leaders said voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to support land preservation and praised recent additions to the county’s park and open‑space inventory.
"The trust fund has already supported the preservation of over 571 properties, totaling nearly 10,000 acres of county owned open space and provided $81,000,000 in municipal grants across 51 municipalities," Commissioner Director Tom Arnone said. He added that the county added 831 acres of open space in 2025, with property acquisitions across Colts Neck, Freehold, Holmdale, Marlborough, Middletown, Upper Freehold, Tinton Falls, Wall, and Neptune City.
Arnone said the county also assumed management of the former Marlborough State Hospital to keep that property preserved. He framed preservation as core to the county’s identity and credited voters for approving the ballot question that will fund further conservation and park improvements.
Officials noted park upgrades, trail work and recognition by national organizations that reflect investment in outdoor assets, and announced ongoing facility improvements and municipal grants to support local preservation priorities.