Freehold Playgrounds Reopen With A Fresh Look

FREEHOLD, NJ – A brand-new playground at Opatut Park awaits young Freehold residents, many of whom have waited several months to return to swings, slides and jungle gyms.

“All playgrounds in Freehold Township are now OPEN. We have been busy in our parks during the closure,” the township posted on its official Facebook page on July 2. “Opatut received the first of two playgrounds that are planned for the park.”

Thursday marks the statewide reopening of playgrounds as part of New Jersey’s “stage-two” reopening plan after demonstrating progress in containing the coronavirus. Amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, libraries and more will also return on the date. Read more: NJ's Reopening Day On Thursday: What You Can Do Now Amid COVID-19

An April 28 Freehold Township Committee meeting awarded a $27,000 contract to Whirl Construction Inc. to install the playground equipment at Opatut Park, according to a resolution. July 2 will mark the first day that residents will be able to use the new equipment.

Located at 458 East Freehold Road, Opatut Park consists of 130 acres, 46 acres of which are developed land. The park hosts a large recreation complex, which features several multi-purpose fields, a softball field, basketball courts, a new playground, public restrooms and a pavilion.

“The remaining 84 acres will remain undeveloped, and serve as wooded and open areas preserved for open space and passive recreation,” according to a release.

Alongside Opatut Park’s makeover, Michael J. Tighe Park now features brand-new public bathrooms. C-Rock Playground also touts new equipment, including a Youth Challenge Course and GaGa Pits.

“Please go out and enjoy our parks,” the township wrote on Facebook.

Freehold Township has 14 parks with playgrounds, athletic fields and nature trails for residents to enjoy. For a full list of parks, click here.