(LINCROFT, NJ) -- Celebrated on July 31, World Ranger Day honors park rangers for their dedication and the crucial work they do. The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners took the opportunity to recognize its Monmouth County Park System rangers with a proclamation.  

“I applaud our incredible Monmouth County Park Rangers who are goodwill ambassadors who have attended the Police Academy and are fully vested with police authority to assure safety in the parks and protect all park visitors,” said County Commissioner and Park System Liaison Ross Licitra. “County Park Rangers are at the forefront of everyday happenings and assure visitors a safe place to enjoy spending time outdoors exploring, hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, camping, swimming, golfing, and exercising in more than our 17,000 acres of Monmouth County parklands. The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners commends the Rangers who patrol the parks, respond to visitor concerns and incidents, maintain parks and facilities, manage special events, and educate the public on park and wildlife issues.”

The backbone of the Monmouth County Park System, park rangers are on the front line of caring for the county’s vast natural and historical treasures and protecting its visitors. New rangers undergo eight weeks of training including first aid, law enforcement procedures, missing person searches, fire prevention and safety, and grounds and facility maintenance.   Once trained, rangers provide assistance and emergency response to the Park System’s nine million annual visitors from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, offering a reassuring, uniformed presence in all the parks.

Throughout the Park System, county park rangers are responsible for over 50 public buildings; 144 miles of trails; an array of recreational facilities including beaches, pools and campgrounds; and numerous gardens, lawns, and specimen trees. They also provide set-up and support to the Park System’s over 4,500 annual programs and special events in addition to facilitating group picnics, charity events, weddings and more.    

This past year, county park rangers continued to face and meet the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. As residents turn to their county parks to hike, bike, fish, camp, golf, or just spend time in nature, Park System sites experienced close to a 30% increase in visitation from 2019.  County park rangers have risen to the occasion by providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all.

With 17,797 acres and 43 park areas that include historic sites, woodlands and wetlands, open spaces, and more, there are countless things to see and do in the county parks. Truly a great place to live, Monmouth County is recognized as having one of the most beautiful park systems throughout New Jersey. Its dedicated park rangers play a vital role in this distinction.

The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.  For more information about the Monmouth County Park System, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711.

PHOTO: (Left to Right) Monmouth County Commissioner and Park System Liaison Ross Licitra, Monmouth County Park Rangers Mike Towle and Liane Sannino, and Monmouth County Park System Commissioner Chair Kevin Mandeville