Public Golf Course Protected (NJ)

Township of Ocean, NJ, 8/16/2007: The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation group, announced with the Township of Ocean, the conservation of the 19.5-acre privately owned portion of the Colonial Terrace Golf Course located in the southeastern quadrant of the Township. TPL negotiated the purchase by the township from Garcia Estates, Inc. and the Estate of Consuelo Cesario.

The property contains a golf course that has been in operation since 1924 and which the town plans to continue operating for public use. Colonial Terrace Golf Course is a public, regulation nine-hole course on 54 acres in the Township of Ocean. The course has been in operation since 1924 and the township will continue to operate it for public use. The township already owned 34.5 acres of the property.

“My fellow council members and I are extremely proud to have been able to have been part of the preservation of this significant open space parcel,” said Township Mayor William F. Larkin. “It was imperative that these lands not be developed with more homes that would have placed a strain on the school system and municipal services. The residents of the Township of Ocean will be able to continue enjoying the benefits of this nine hole golf course into the future.”

“This site is beloved by the local community and one of the last remaining open space,” said Cindy Roberts, senior project manager for The Trust for Public Land.

Funding for the $4.5 million acquisition was provided by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres funds awarded to the township and The Trust for Public Land, a Monmouth County Open Space grant, and the township’s capital budget.

The course will be closed for the remainder of the 2007 season while it undergoes renovations and will then reopen in the Spring of 2008.

The property’s southern boundary is the headwaters for Deal Lake, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Deal Lake has had severe flooding problems and conservation of this land will prevent additional developed surfaces and storm water runoff and will also provide for aquifer recharge. The property is one of very few remaining open spaces parcels in the township and adds to its bank of open space devoted to recreational purposes.

The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. With its state office in Morristown, NJ The Trust for Public Land has helped protect more than 23,000 acres in New Jersey and more than 2.3 million acres nationwide.