Lincroft Village Green Dedication Day

     In the blazing sun on the 25th of June, 2005, the Lincroft Village Green was officially opened dedicated by officials of Middletown Township and Monmouth County as well as the citizens’ group which made it possible.

     Lincroft Village Green Association (LVGA) Co-President Abe Littenberg, commented, “This is a dream come true. It all started with George Toop who was our Paul Revere. He gathered a group of residents together and told them, ‘the bulldozers are coming! The bulldozers are coming!’ If it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be here today.” Galvanized by hundreds of signatures collected on a door to door petition drive conducted virtually the next day, Lincroft citizens entreated the support of their municipal government to stop the development of the only open space left in the village center. A land swap was agreed to by Brookdale, the owner of the property, and the township of Middletown. The majority of funding for the Green improvements was provided by the township. In addition, a grant procured by state representatives for the beautification of Lincroft was also utilized. Funding was augmented by a major fundraising effort orchestrated by the LVGA. Their efforts have included the publishing of an ad-journal (with Brookdale College’s considerable support), a children’s concert, community yard sale and polo event. Bank of America led the generous business donations with a $10,000 check. Thus far, the LVGA has raised $60,000 of a projected $100,000 to make superior improvements to the park. The handsome block wall, flag stand, benches, attractive stamped concrete walkway, and luxurious landscaping evidenced at the dedication punctuate the beauty of the park. A small adjacent parking lot increased its accessibility. Plans are underway to also develop a bocce court on the site. Rest rooms, water fountains, an irrigation system, a large pavilion along with assorted gaming tables are planned as future improvements as fundraising efforts continue.

     The late George Toop’s, name is appropriately displayed on the monument unveiled at the Green’s dedication along with the names of the township officials and officers of the Lincroft Village Green Association. It states, “The Lincroft Village Green, a place for all to gather.”

     Throughout the day, activities were held exemplifying the various community uses for the Green. Local business proprietor, Power of One, conducted an exercise class on the Green, followed by an Ultimate Frisbee demonstration by a community team. Free food and drink generously provided by area eateries where available throughout the event along with face painting, caricature drawings and various games. The park goers where entertained first by the broadcast of Breeze Radio, 107.1 and then by popular community rock band, Delayed Reaction. Local businesses including Murphy Realty, Chef’s Gourmet Catering, Lincroft Food Court, Luigi’s, Atillio’s, Ralph’s Ices, Aleos, Bennett Landscape, Lincroft Inn, Better Homes, New Jersey Realty, Foss, San Felippo and Milne, LLC., Guttenplan and Acme all contributed to the festivities.

     LVGA director, Susan Dzugan who organized the dedication event was quite happy with how the day progressed, despite the blistering heat. She remarked, “There was a constant flow of residents visiting during the day either by bike or just walking through. Visitors were surprised to see how really nice the park turned out and marveled at its size. I think everyone had a lot of fun despite the temperature.”

     In his opening remarks, Mayor Tom Hall commented, “This is a wonderful day for Lincroft, Middletown and everyone who passes by. When people look across the street from the Lincroft Inn they will say, ‘Isn’t it great that someone had the vision to do this.’”

     Yes, sometimes, dreams do come true.

See photos of this remarkable day here>
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