By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
2011 original post:…. “The only ones that use the park are the dog walkers and those cutting through to get to Asbury. No benches to sit on, no lighting, a bit of wasted space, no one uses the park!”
This remark, referring to Founders’ Park, is from a commenter on Blogfinger. His grim assessment, coupled with the current bleak nocturnal image of the Park, might make a stranger wonder why they don’t just pave the place, light it up like Coney Island, and then use it for parking. Well, perhaps a little more information is in order:
Founders’ Park is not only the largest open grassy space in Ocean Grove, but it is unique in other ways. I have always enjoyed walking or biking through and around the Park. It is a lovely place to visit in daylight and it seems to have its own personality.
The setting — with Wesley Lake to the north, a marvelous but decrepit antique fountain in the center, big old trees, and historic houses around the perimeter — creates a very special location that is a delight to visit.
On the south side are a row of identical white historic cottages that are owned and maintained by the CMA; if you haven’t see them, take a walk there. At the northeast corner, facing the lake, is a home restoration that will become famous, including a red roof and a yellow body; don’t miss it.
There are multiple foot paths through the Park which remind me of a large grassy square in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The Ocean Grove Beautification Project adds its special touch with flowers around the fountain.
The Historical Society is looking into a restoration of the fountain. Wouldn’t that be great? In summer you can watch the swan boats go in circles. And over at the north edge is an 1880 canon from the Civil War. It is aimed at Asbury Park — perhaps a symbol of an ambivalent relationship with our “sister city.”
Founders’ Park is a walkers’ park — no benches there, but that is part of the allure. It is quiet and uncrowded. People seem to take their time as they traverse the space. A lone figure walking across the Park seems like a metronome. The trees and the breezes are also in motion; the Park has a rhythm of its own.
One time I met a couple from out of town who spread a blanket and had their lunch. They were the only ones there. I spoke to them for a Blogfinger quote; they said they “loved” to visit the Grove, and their routine was to picnic in the Park.
And let’s not forget that this place is a historic landmark. In July of 1869, a group of 22 Methodists set up tents in a clearing that would become Founders’ Park. Historian Richard Gibbons said that the site was chosen because most of what would become Ocean Grove was “wilderness, desert, desolation.”
They held a service there on July 31, 1869, in the tent of Mrs. Thornley. It was the beginning of a special town, and any assessment of Founders’ Park must include this memory.
So now we have the Jekyll and Hyde image of Founders’ Park — one ominous face by night and one happy face by day. It is a dilemma. Maybe the way to go is to light the park better, have more patrols, and be careful over there at night — take someone you like with you, preferably a big guy.
Perhaps the HSOG will establish a fund to restore the fountain. I pledge $100.00 as the first offering.
PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND with TOM WAITS: “Corinne Died on the Battlefield.” They used to have Civil War reenactments at Founders Park:
Editor’s Note 2017: Ted Bell, OG historian and author, is leading the drive to raise the necessary funds for the fountain restoration. They need to raise $106,500 to restore the fountain which is listed in 2017 by “Preservation New Jersey” as one of the state’s 10 most endangered historic places.
Bring your donation to there Historical Society of Ocean GRove,NJ, PO Box 446—-50 Pitman Avenue. info@oceangrovehistory.org
Mr. Paul– you have remained diplomatic and non-partisan, as usual. You do a great job of continuing your fairness in your replies. 🙂 It tends to bring us all back to earth! Thank you.
It’s beautiful. But there is NO DOUBT as to the danger there at night. I have first-hand knowledge of an unfortunate incident there a little while back. It is not safe, no matter what you say.
I too am very close to Founder’s Park. There have been some incidents at there-admittedly, late at night. There is also a local panhandler (not dangerous, I am told by our local police) who enters and leaves OG via that footbridge. I agree with Paul, just let common sense and awareness of your surroundings prevail. We love that park.
OhGee: That area was singled out for our attention, not because a crime had occurred there, but because the bridge lights were out, and it is a thoroughfare used by people walking, often at night, back and forth between OG and Asbury. Let’s call it crime prevention. That is why the Neptune Twp Police and the Citizens’ Patrol routinely patrol over there. Our interest in crime prevention in the Grove has been heightened lately after the recent incident at Mt. Zion and New York Avenue.
I live around the corner from Founders” Park. I walk my dogs there, day and night. Never had a problem with anyone. Is there any recent record of crimes there, or is this just a case that the perception is a negative one because its near a footbridge? Seriously, I’ve heard of zero crimes there. The only time I see the police there is to lock up the footbridge gate at night.
There is indeed a fountain fund. You can mail your contribution to the museum: 50 Pitman Avenue.
Editor’s note: Kathy says that you can obtain more information about the fund by contacting Ms. Susan Roach at the HSOG Museum— 732 774 1869 (note the cool number), In the winter she is usually there a few times per week.
Kathy: If there truly is a fund for the restoration of the fountain, please send us the details and we will post them here.
As for your plea for “perspective,” I think you have provided some of that in your comment, but my article requires no further elucidation.
I think the removal of the benches probably was a good idea. They certainly could encourage loitering by evildoers. On the other hand, anyone wanting to spend time there could bring their own “sitting equipment.” To Ms. Arlt: You are correct, there are “bad guys” everywhere. This park just happens to be used more as a thoroughfare TO and FROM Asbury than any other route.
Here’s an update on the four nonfunctioning lights on the Founders’ Park foot bridge:
Last Tuesday, October 11, I went on JCP&L’s website and notified them about those lights being out. This morning — October 15, 6:26 a.m. — I received the following reply:
Dear Charles Layton,
Thank you for bringing your streetlight concerns to our attention. A
repair notification, 324556311, for Pilgrim Pathway, has been forwarded to
the streetlight repair area for completion.
We will assess the problem and attempt to make most routine repairs, such
as a bulb or photocell replacement, within three days. Sometimes, however,
repairs take longer depending on the severity of damage and the amount of
work that needs to be done. Our goal is to schedule these repairs as soon
as possible.
Should you have additional comments about this matter, contact us by using
your e-mail “Reply” function. Please make sure your message’s “Subject”
field refers to the Request Number below.
If you need to speak to a Customer Service Representative, please call us
toll-free at 1-800-662-3115 Monday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Sincerely,
Derek
JCP&L, A FirstEnergy Co.
Customer Service
Please refer to request number JC-101111-054405 in any future
correspondence.
Paul–Because I’m a member of the HSOG, I know that there is a fund established to restore the fountain. It will take many thousands of dollars to accomplish this.
And please, could we have a little perspective? I’m sorry that you felt fearful in the park, but it’s important to stress that nothing happened. It’s also important to stress that not every crime in Ocean Grove is perpetrated by someone from Asbury. In fact, without arrest reports, we don’t know where any of the bicycle thieves came from. Putting all the blame for crime on people entering from Asbury is just plain wrong. And I say this from experience: two guys who lived across the street from me here in the Grove were arrested in Bradley Beach for breaking into cars…and they may have been the people who burglarized my home.
Anonymous: Thank you for this important contribution to our knowledge of the situation.
Heidi: We begin by stating our opinions. Hopefully those folks who are responsible for security and those who are interested in security in the Grove will pay attention. If enough voices are heard regarding public issues, then progress might be made.
Regarding the park in Charleston: Thanks Waterseller. I think you are correct. Paul
Kathy: On July 26, 2011, Mary Walton posted an article on Blogfinger about the Founders’ Park fountain. If you use the blog search engine and enter “fountain”, you can see that item. In that article there is no mention of an established fund in town to restore the fountain. There is mention of a committee which will look into funding from government sources.
There were park benches back in the early 70’s-80’s. During the day the benches were usually filled with people enjoying each others company or folks just stopping for a few minutes of rest. During Auditorium activities, the park was filled with picnic blankets and many happy people. Unfortunately, during the midnight hours there was a tremendous amount of negative and often dangerous activity. Back then there wasn’t a gate at the foot bridge to Asbury Park (a wonderful town) but back then, right across the bridge, there were many bars,package stores, dance clubs, and hash houses. ( All without curfews.) Since Ocean Grove was a dry town..the park became a place for drug sales, midnight drinking, robberies,attacks and other illicit behavior. A decision was made, and the benches were taken away. (not sure of the year)
It is a lovely park! Benches would be wonderful! BUT, proper lighting is a must! I never walk to that area after dusk, not even with my dog.
I love what “appleation” said. All of those ideas are great.
So, where do we go from here, who is going to listen?
Umm, as you should know–cause you published a story about the fountain back in July–there already is a fund to restore the fountain. As for the surrounding park, well, that’s an issue you might take up with the Camp Meeting Association, since they own the land.
I pledge the second $100 to restore the fountain. We’re on the way Paul.
Marion Square Park on Meeting St. in Charleston?
Founder’s Park is a sweet little place as you have shown by your wonderful observations. As a matter of fact, there was a lovely little Art Show there a couple of summers ago. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that again, or even a flower show, or a kids’ craft exhibit done by the kids in the OG summer programs?
When my son was little he called it “Bumper Car Park” because across the lake was Palace Amusements with the mural of the bumper cars on the side of the building.