Our Purpose
The purpose of Friends, just like other "Friends" organizations across the state, is simple: "Promote and encourage open space and historic sites and the development, expansion and enjoyment of the Atlantic County Park System". Incorporated as a 501 c-3 organization in 1985,Friends of the Parks is establishing itself as a grant and fundraising support organization.
Early Projects
One of our first projects was to help establish a bikeway across the county that connected local biking and walking areas in the eastern municipalities to central Mays Landing, and then eventually on to Buena on the western border of the county. Bikeway East - from Shore Mall to the Atlantic County Correctional Facility in Mays Landing - was finally opened to the public in 2003 after many years of study, planning, and acquisition of properties and easements. Friends of the Parks helped make the Bikeway a reality, by applying for and receiving grants to assist the County with necessary Bikeway studies, and networking with other local groups to build public awareness and support.
Friends-sponsored projects have aimed to promote birding opportunities, park improvements (hiking trails, tree plantings, etc.), and the rehabilitation and interpretation of historic places in the county. We have coordinated funding and awareness with other groups, too, like a local Boy Scout troop, which worked to clean up a historic train building in Mays Landing. We have contributed to the Atlantic County Parks Volunteer force to help with their family-oriented programs. An important directive continues to be participation in educational and recreational activities that highlight the amenities and wonders of our public parks, natural lands and cultural landmarks.
New Projects and Pinelands Folk Arts Festival
A new proposed project spotlights historic resource renovation and awareness in the Estell Manor Park. This 1700-acre park is rich with historic structures, remnants of local and nationally significant industry and culture, and, of course, a beautiful Pinelands environment that borders the National Scenic and Recreational Great Egg Harbor River. With the return of an annual Pinelands Folk Arts Festival to the Park, we hope to inspire more public awareness of the area's special historic and cultural resources and raise funds to contribute to their renovation and interpretation.
In all of our projects, the overall goal of Friends of the Parks remains: Help the general public contribute to our growing Atlantic County Parks system to better enjoy its wide array of treasures. And, of course, to have fun doing it!
We hope you'll join us!