Township Continues Progress for Indoor Recreation Facility
With $800k Secured in Grants, Hazlet Returns for Third Funding Round
Hazlet Township continues to make steady progress toward the development of a year-round indoor recreation facility —a major project that will expand recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
The proposed 25,000-square-foot facility is planned for Veterans Park, on the site of the former outdoor roller hockey rink, which has been closed for several years due to disrepair.
At the request of the Township Committee, engineers presented an updated concept plan on July 9, 2024. The design features a flexible layout to accommodate Pickleball courts, a multipurpose athletic court and a fitness area.
To help fund the project, Hazlet Township is actively pursuing support from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program, which provides matching grants for local parks and recreation improvements. In 2023, the Township secured $343,000 in first-phase funding. This was followed by a second award in 2025 of $475,000 —nearly the maximum amount available. The Township also recently received a $95,000 grant from the New Jersey Local Recreational Improvement Grant Fund.
With a total of $913,000 in grant funding already secured, Hazlet is currently applying for a third and final grant, which could provide up to $500,000.
The Township’s goal is to have all funding in place and the facility completed by 2027. In the meantime, the Township Committee has awarded the contract for design, and is now in the final phase.
This recreation building project reflects Hazlet’s ongoing investment in quality-of-life enhancements for the community. It aligns with the goals of the Monmouth County Open Space Program, which supports efforts to preserve open space, improve parks, and beautify local communities.
Mayor Michael Sachs expressed his appreciation for the project, noting it will be a perfect addition to Veterans Park, just steps away from the Skate Park, Bocce Courts, Swim & Tennis Club, Pickleball Courts, Playgrounds and James J. Cullen Center.
"We're grateful to the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners for their continued support," said Mayor Sachs. "Having a year-round indoor recreation center right here in Hazlet means people in the local community will not have to go far to stay active, healthy and have fun all year round."
Hazlet Selected for $475K Grant Funding for Rec Building Concept
October 25, 2024
Hazlet Township's application to construct a new indoor Recreation Facility with Multipurpose Courts was among those chosen. The township was selected for funding and offered a $475,000 grant, which is nearly the maximum! This follows a grant of $343,000 in the 2023 round. These are matching grants to go towards eligible project costs. The Recreation Building project, which would be built at the site of the closed outdoor roller hockey rink, is in the early planning stages.
The open space program aims to preserve open space, enhancing local parks, and further beautify Monmouth County communities. Mayor Sachs expressed his gratitude to the Commissioners for their continued support.
Pre-Engineered Recreation Building Concept Plan
July 12, 2024
At the Township Committee's request, engineers presented an updated concept plan July 9, 2024 for a 25,000-square foot recreational facility to replace the shuttered roller hockey rink in Veterans Park. The township is seeking to build the facility with matching grants from the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program.
In 2023, in the first of three phases, the township was awarded a $343,000 matching grant.
On July 11, 2024 the township submitted for the 2024 Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant Program for the second phase of the project.
The preliminary design calls for a flexible layout that can accommodate Pickleball, a Multi-purpose ball court and Fitness area. The township is aggressively applying for additional grants to offset the cost. The goal is to have all the funds in place and building completed by 2027.