Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net. 6/19/25. Click once. Heroes’ Park. Ocean Grove.
When we moved to the Grove in 2001, we rarely saw teenagers, toddlers or other kids. The town was called “Ocean Grave.” We hated that name, but the nick name was based on some truth.
In the last few years we have noticed a clear increase in children, teens, and people in their 20’s and 30’s. This occurred as the Grove was discovered by out -of-towners during and after COVID, and especially by New Yorkers. Now their presence is noticeable as they buy homes and rent here. We at Blogfinger have commented on this demographic shift and we named it the “Ocean Grove Underground.”
This group of high school aged kids assembled at Heroes’ Park. (aka Firemen’t Park) in Ocean Grove to rehearse a dance which will be presented at a birthday party to honor one of their friends.
This is a first as far as we know, and it is an indicator as the Grove continues to evolve a historic example of small town America, more and more secular in its culture.
CAROLE KING;