Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor, Blogfinger.net
It was just yesterday that we complained about the lock-up in Firemen’s Park and the overall lack of comfort and community in a place that should be more welcoming.
We specifically noted that the central bell is surrounded by a horrid black steel fence with spikes, a big lock and chain, and bushes with big thorns, as if there would be no doubt that the public should stay away.
But today, Sunday morning , Sept. 6, 2020, I noticed a young couple, alive and well, actually entered that “holy of holies.” They read the bell writings, walked about, and she sat down on one of those concrete benches.
I spoke to them. They were so happy that they spontaneously posed with the usually lonely bell.
They are visitors from Lavallette and they were drawn to that memorial, enjoying it, smiling, having an experience that many who walk through that park every day, especially in the summer, never have.
This small drama proves that Firemen’s Park could be so much more inviting for residents and tourists.
Later that day, a group of 6 walked into the park and immediately entered the still open enclosure. There were two toddlers who enjoyed toddling in there, so they stayed for 45 minutes.
Enjoying the open gate in Firemen’s Park. Sept. 6, 2020. Click to enlarge.
We already know about the park’s role as a place to walk dogs, and OG is truly “dog town.” I have seen people drive and park so they could get out and walk their dog there. Then they drive off. And the free poop bags are a lovely accoutrement.
We have tons of children playing in that park, running, climbing trees, tossing balls, riding bikes and big wheels and interacting with friends and family. Many folks seek out Firemen’s Park as a place to walk through, a welcome green space in a town where houses are crammed closely together and where the quest for parking can be claustrophobic and fearful and where parks are largely ignored by the CMA and the Neptunites.
So this park, centrally located, could be so much better for kids and families—it could provide superior relief with space, safe plantings, comfy seating, light and air.
Some years ago, Firemen’s Park attracted no one to sit because all the benches were damaged, and where few dared to picnic.
Residents around the park put up the funds, and then the Neptune DEP fixed the benches. After that 5 homeowners paid for new trees to be planted, and some bought planters and supplied flowers, and they still do. It shows how neglectful Neptune and the CMA have been about that park in particular.
It could be a perfect venue for events such as a small concert by a classical quartet, for example; or a poetry readings; or bake sales, arts/crafts exhibits, etc, but that never happens.
Imagine this park if it were run by Grovers with heart and soul and concerns about lifestyles in this town.
The only park in the Grove which is properly cared for is Auditorium Square Park, but that place is adjacent to the Great Auditorium and the Tabernacle. It seems there is a hierarchy among OG parks.
HUEY LEWIS. “Heart and Soul”
We need a landscape architect like the Central Park designer Olmstead to turn Firemen’s Park into a magical and more inviting space. And let’s change the name to honor all OG heroes who have lived and saved lives in the Grove and that includes Police, EMT’s and other first responders, nurses, military, firemen, and others.
The bell was “born” on 26 Oct. 1895 according to the bell company ledger. It weighed 2,462 lbs. and cried out at a pitch of E.
It was originally housed at the Eagle Fire House where it would bong out the number of an activated fire alarm box in town. In 1959, this system was replaced with an air horn. The bell was then sought as a memorial and dedicated as such that year. Pink granite was used for its base, paving, and fixtures. Sadly, these were defaced by the 1970s and the fence was installed.
Firemen’s Park could use a complete makeover. The fence and hedge should be eliminated. Some of the trees have seen better days. Those of a reddish hue might be appropriate replacements.
Tonight, 7 pm, a group of 4 adults and 2 kids entered Firemen’s Park. They headed directly for the open gate at the bell. They came in and sat, evidently enjoying that space. They stayed for about 30 minutes. The toddler ran around, and one of the group touched the bell. They posed for a photograph.
Earlier some teens were having a catch, and when their ball went into the enclosed area, they ran in to easily retrieve it.
The next morning 7 am (9/7) an elderly man entered the vacant park. As he passed the open bell gate, he decided to walk inside. He went right to the bell, slowly read the inscription, and then went on his way. Maybe more visitors will actually read the firemen’s message if the enclosure were left open.
Last week a lost ball inside the enclosure required a risky entry by a child climbing the dangerous fence to find the ball. Wayward balls are not uncommon in the park, and leaving the enclosure open will make life better for visitors playing with balls.
Will it be left open? Who knows? —–PG
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Ocean Grove: a really cute small town at the Jersey Shore.
Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor, Blogfinger.net
It was just yesterday that we complained about the lock-up in Firemen’s Park and the overall lack of comfort and community in a place that should be more welcoming.
We specifically noted that the central bell is surrounded by a horrid black steel fence with spikes, a big lock and chain, and bushes with big thorns, as if there would be no doubt that the public should stay away.
But today, Sunday morning , Sept. 6, 2020, I noticed a young couple, alive and well, actually entered that “holy of holies.” They read the bell writings, walked about, and she sat down on one of those concrete benches.
I spoke to them. They were so happy that they spontaneously posed with the usually lonely bell.
They are visitors from Lavallette and they were drawn to that memorial, enjoying it, smiling, having an experience that many who walk through that park every day, especially in the summer, never have.
This small drama proves that Firemen’s Park could be so much more inviting for residents and tourists.
Later that day, a group of 6 walked into the park and immediately entered the still open enclosure. There were two toddlers who enjoyed toddling in there, so they stayed for 45 minutes.
We need a landscape architect like the Central Park designer Olmstead to turn Firemen’s Park into a magical and more inviting space. And let’s change the name to honor all OG heroes who have lived and saved lives in the Grove and that includes Police, EMT’s and other first responders, nurses, military, firemen, and others.
The bell was “born” on 26 Oct. 1895 according to the bell company ledger. It weighed 2,462 lbs. and cried out at a pitch of E.
It was originally housed at the Eagle Fire House where it would bong out the number of an activated fire alarm box in town. In 1959, this system was replaced with an air horn. The bell was then sought as a memorial and dedicated as such that year. Pink granite was used for its base, paving, and fixtures. Sadly, these were defaced by the 1970s and the fence was installed.
Firemen’s Park could use a complete makeover. The fence and hedge should be eliminated. Some of the trees have seen better days. Those of a reddish hue might be appropriate replacements.
Tonight, 7 pm, a group of 4 adults and 2 kids entered Firemen’s Park. They headed directly for the open gate at the bell. They came in and sat, evidently enjoying that space. They stayed for about 30 minutes. The toddler ran around, and one of the group touched the bell. They posed for a photograph.
Earlier some teens were having a catch, and when their ball went into the enclosed area, they ran in to easily retrieve it.
The next morning 7 am (9/7) an elderly man entered the vacant park. As he passed the open bell gate, he decided to walk inside. He went right to the bell, slowly read the inscription, and then went on his way. Maybe more visitors will actually read the firemen’s message if the enclosure were left open.
Last week a lost ball inside the enclosure required a risky entry by a child climbing the dangerous fence to find the ball. Wayward balls are not uncommon in the park, and leaving the enclosure open will make life better for visitors playing with balls.
Will it be left open? Who knows? —–PG