Friday, August 22, 2003

Open Space Municipal Partnership Program Affords Linwood A New Park

County Executive Dennis Levinson announced that the City of Linwood will soon have a new recreational park as a result of today's purchase of a 6.2-acre property along Wabash Avenue that was funded by the Atlantic County Open Space Municipal Partnership Program in conjunction with the state Green Acres Program.

The property is adjacent to the Seaview Avenue School. "This is a prime location for a municipal park," commented Levinson. "It is close to the bike path and the school and will provide recreational opportunities for both students and residents."

The county provided Linwood with $180,000 in two rounds of funding from its Municipal Open Space Partnership Program to assist the city in purchasing the $220,000 property from South Jersey Industries. Green Acres contributed $40,000 towards the purchase.

Levinson applauded Linwood officials for their foresight and cooperation in acquiring this property as open space considering the city has so few remaining vacant parcels of land. Preliminary plans call for the creation of all purpose recreation fields, a playground and walking trails.

This is the second acquisition Linwood has obtained through the partnership program. In December 2002, the city settled on a .55-acre property at Wabash, Oak and Belhaven Avenues which it plans to use as a passive park for the enjoyment of residents.

For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2368.

County News