Ocean County Parks

What Ocean County Parks does

Ocean County Parks and Recreation is a department of Ocean County Government in New Jersey, operating 27 parks and conservation areas totaling over 4,000 acres of preserved land across the county from Point Pleasant Beach to Tuckerton. The department provides free outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, sports fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds, supplemented by environmental education at four nature centers (Wells Mills, Cattus Island, Jakes Branch, and Cloverdale Farm) and historic preservation at the Cedar Bridge Tavern site, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The Natural Lands Trust Program, established in 1997, has preserved an additional 17,000+ acres for public use including hiking, kayaking, and hunting.

The department operates two public golf courses as its primary revenue-generating assets: Atlantis Golf Course (par-72 championship course in Little Egg Harbor, designed by George Fazio, voted Best Golf Course in Ocean County in the 2023 Asbury Park Press Readers Choice Awards) and Forge Pond Golf Course (par-60 executive course in Brick, ranked 16th best public course in NJ on Golf Advisor). Revenue streams include usage-based greens fees ($14-$49 per round), annual unlimited play packages ($450-$1,700), cart rentals, Golf ID Cards ($30 resident/$100 non-resident annually), picnic/pavilion rentals, dog park permits ($5/dog), and program registration fees. Most park admission and parking remain free.

The technology footprint is modest and operational: ArcGIS-based Ocean County Trail Tracker for visitor location services on park trails, online tee time booking through TeeItUp Golf, social media aggregation via Juicer.io, email marketing through Constant Contact, and form submissions via SeamlessDocs. The department employs approximately 12 listed administrative staff with oversight by Director Mary Jane Bavais and Commissioner Liaison Robert S. Arace, operating under County Administrator Michael J. Fiure. Partnerships include NJDEP (Jake's Law grant funding, Hurricane Sandy reconstruction), NJ Forest Service (Big Tree Conservation Program), Stevens Institute of Technology, Barnegat Bay Partnership, and the Cultural and Heritage Commission of Ocean County (formed 1969, distributing nearly $2 million in grants annually). In 2026, the department received two statewide awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association.

Name

Ocean County Parks

Legal name

Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation

Website

https://oceancountyparks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ocean County Parks is a county government department operating 27 parks and conservation areas across over 4,000 acres in New Jersey, providing free outdoor recreation, environmental education, historic preservation, and two public golf courses to county residents and visitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Parks and Recreation

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), Water Parks (THAAAAAB)

Keywords

• Public parks management
• Outdoor recreation services
• Environmental education programs
• Historic site preservation
• Public golf courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Toms River

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Golf Course Fees: Fees charged for golf at Atlantis Golf Course (par-72 championship course) and Forge Pond Golf Course (par-60 executive course), including greens fees, cart rentals, and annual passes. Resident and non-resident rates apply.
2. Program Registration Fees: Fees charged for recreation programs, classes, van tours, and trips to cover operational expenses. Environmental centers offer some free educational programs.
3. Picnic and Pavilion Rentals: Fees charged for reserving picnic areas and pavilions at select parks for groups of 25 or more people. Fee based on group size; proof of insurance required for groups of 300+.
4. Dog Park Permits: Annual fee of $5 per dog for off-leash dog facility access, requiring current township dog license, proof of vaccinations, and neutered males.
5. Canoe and Equipment Rentals: Nominal fee for canoe rentals at Wells Mills County Park during seasonal operations.
6. Golf ID Cards: Annual Resident Golf ID Card for $30 and Non-Resident Golf ID Card for $100, providing access to discounted greens fees.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Ocean County Parks and Recreation operates a county government-managed park system of 27 parks and conservation areas covering over 4,000 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey. Core offerings include free public access for outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, playgrounds, sports fields), two public golf courses (Atlantis par-72 championship and Forge Pond par-60 executive), environmental education through four nature centers, historic site preservation at the National Register-listed Cedar Bridge Tavern, organized recreation programs for all ages, pavilion and picnic rentals, off-leash dog park permits, and canoe rentals at Wells Mills County Park.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis: Par-72 championship golf course located in Little Egg Harbor, designed by George Fazio
• Ocean County Golf Course at Forge Pond
• Carousel of Music

Products and services

• Atlantis Golf Course A par-72 championship golf course in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, designed by George Fazio, offering public tee times, cart rentals, and an on-site full-service restaurant (Cuisine on the Green). Open to individuals, leagues, and tournaments with resident and non-resident rate tiers.
• Forge Pond Golf Course A par-60 executive public golf course in Brick Township, NJ, located within a 300-acre conservation area, offering affordable rates including discounted resident senior pricing.
• Big Tree Registry A compilation of the largest native and naturalized tree species in Ocean County, nominated by residents, with environmental and historical conservation value. Uses the NJ Forest Service points-based formula (circumference + height + 1/4 average crown spread) to determine champion trees.
• Ocean County Disc Golf Course An 18-hole disc golf course at Ocean County Park in Lakewood, NJ, open to the public for recreational disc golf play.
• Canoe Rentals at Wells Mills County Park Nominal-fee canoe rentals offered seasonally at Wells Mills County Park (910 acres), allowing visitors to explore park waterways.
• Picnic and Pavilion Rentals Reservation-based rental of picnic areas and pavilions at select Ocean County parks for groups of 25 or more people. Fees are based on group size; reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in advance for picnics between April 1 and November 1; proof of insurance is required for groups of 300+; no reservations accepted on holidays.
• Eno's Pond County Park Inclusive Playground An all-access inclusive playground at Eno's Pond County Park in Lacey Township, NJ, featuring pour-in-place rubber surface, sensory play area, and accessible swings designed to exceed ADA standards for children with mobility disabilities.
• Environmental Education Programs at Nature Centers Free and paid environmental education programs offered at four county nature centers (Wells Mills, Cattus Island, Jakes Branch, Cloverdale Farm), including organized hikes, van tours, educational and art classes, wellness programs, and scout programs for Pre-K through senior audiences. Free group programs are available for Ocean County schools, scouts, clubs, churches, and civic organizations.
• Off-Leash Dog Park Permits Annual permit ($5 per dog) providing access to off-leash dog facilities at multiple Ocean County parks. Requires current township dog license, proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and (for males) neutering.
• Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site A restored circa 1816 tavern on the National Register of Historic Places (added August 8, 2013), located on a 291-acre site in Barnegat, NJ, with historical exhibits and a 3.5-mile trail. Open for public visitation with educational programming.
• Ocean County Trail Tracker An ArcGIS Experience Builder-based online location tool that helps park visitors pinpoint their location on county park trails for safety while hiking and exploring.
• Virtual Nature Lessons (YouTube Series) A growing collection of educational videos hosted by Park Naturalists on the official Ocean County Parks YouTube channel, covering local flora, fauna, Pine Barrens history, reptile encounters, and park tours, accessible online to schools, families, and the general public.
• Carousel of Music Summer Concert Series An annual free summer concert series featuring 38 concerts at 6 locations across Ocean County parks, running from late June to early September, open to the general public.
• Organized Recreation Programs and Classes Paid organized recreation programs, classes, van tours, and trips covering arts and crafts, sports, wellness, and senior exercise, available to Ocean County residents and visitors from Pre-K through senior ages, with registration by mail or in-person.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 4,000 acres of preserved and maintained park land available for public use
• +4 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ocean County Disc GolfminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Cooperative project partners for creation of Ocean County Disc Golf Course at Ocean County Park; course opened in 2013 and expanded to 18 holes in August 2014
• Ocean County Natural Lands Trust FundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Natural Lands Trust Program established in 1997 to preserve natural beauty and protect watershed; preserved over 17,000 acres for public use including kayaking, hiking, and hunting; hunting permitted on over 13,000 acres
• Cultural & Heritage Commission of Ocean CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1969Commission formed in 1969 as primary leader in promoting arts and cultural heritage; runs peer reviewed grant programs distributing nearly $2 million; provides technical support; publishes nearly 50,000 copies of Out & About; provides historic preservation leadership; jointly manages Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site with Parks Department
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)coreOthersNJDEP Jake's Law grant funding provided for the Inclusive Playground at Eno's Pond County Park, which encourages playgrounds that exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards; grant supports accessibility-focused park improvements
• New Jersey Historic TrustcoreOthersNJ Historic Trust provided grants totaling $324,926 for Cedar Bridge Tavern restoration project; consultants and contractors were hired under direction of Ocean County Board of Commissioners and Parks Department
• New Jersey Recreation and Park AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation's Awards Program recognizes outstanding leaders, employees, and volunteers in parks and recreation; highlights agencies across NJ for excellence in programming, facility design, innovation, and public service; awarded two 2026 awards to Ocean County Parks Department
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)coreOthersPartnership for Hurricane Sandy reconstruction at John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park; incorporated new design and construction strategies including living shorelines
• Barnegat Bay PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Hurricane Sandy reconstruction at John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park to incorporate living shorelines and environmentally friendly design
• Stevens Institute of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Stevens Institute of Technology for Hurricane Sandy reconstruction design at John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park, incorporating innovative shoreline protection strategies
• New Jersey Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNJ Forest Service oversees the state Big Tree Conservation Program since the 1930s; Ocean County participates in the program through its Big Tree Registry; uses points formula (circumference + height + 1/4 crown spread) to determine champion trees
• Ocean County 4-H ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner4-H Club uses Miller Airpark Fairgrounds for sanctioned events including annual Ocean County Fair; horses are permitted at this facility for 4-H sanctioned events
• Robert J. Miller Airport (Independently Managed)minorOthersLocal independently-managed airport located at Robert J. Miller Airpark site; park also hosts Ocean County Fair and other events
• Tuckerton SeaportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNewly constructed Barnegat Bay Decoy Museum located across Route 9 from Stanley H. 'Tip' Seaman County Park; related cultural/heritage partnership
• Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Lacey Extension)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEno's Pond County Park is adjacent to the refuge's Lacey Extension; both entities working to develop a trail system between the two properties

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Fairfax County Park Authority: Large county park authority operating 400+ parks and 23,000+ acres in Northern Virginia. Comparable in scope, governance model, and breadth of recreation programming, but at meaningfully larger scale.
• East Bay Regional Park District: Regional park system serving the East Bay area of the San Francisco Bay Area with 73 parks and 125,000+ acres. Comparable as a multi-jurisdiction public park system with extensive natural lands and recreation programming.
• Cleveland Metroparks: Ohio metropolitan park district operating 18 reservations across 33,000+ acres. Comparable in free public access, conservation mandate, and recreational programming breadth.

Others

• Troon (golf management): Largest golf management company in the world, operating public and private golf courses. Relevant for the Atlantis and Forge Pond golf operations, where third-party tee-time platforms (TeeItUp) already indicate operator-style commercial management patterns.
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP): State-level partner and grant provider that co-funds park improvements (Jake's Law, Hurricane Sandy reconstruction, historic preservation) and operates state parks adjacent to Ocean County. Relevant as both a funding source and adjacent operator.

Direct peers

• Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation: Long Island county parks department operating a similarly large system of parks, beaches, and historic sites for public recreation. Comparable in coastal geography, scale, and free-access model.
• Montgomery Parks (MD): Maryland county parks system operating 400+ parks with extensive natural lands, historic sites, and recreation programming. Comparable as a county-level parks operator adjacent to a major metropolitan area.
• Burlington County Parks System: Adjacent New Jersey county parks system operating preserved land, nature facilities, and recreation programs. Comparable in operating model (free access, county government funding, environmental education).
• Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums: Long Island county parks department operating a comparable coastal park system with beaches, marinas, golf, and historic sites.
• Monmouth County Park System: New Jersey county park system operating multiple parks, nature centers, and historic sites in Monmouth County. Closest comparable in scale, structure, and offering mix, including golf, environmental education, and historic preservation.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbvXI_h6bh6y_eHSyuXLHfg/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/oceancountyparks
• Instagraminstagram.com/oceancountyparks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ocean-county-parks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ocean County Parks