LONG-TIME LAKEWOOD RESIDENT DONATES HIS PROPERTY FOR A PUBLIC PARK TO SAVE IT FROM OVER-DEVELOPMENT

Robert "Bobby" McKinley was a life-long resident of Lakewood Township until his passing earlier this year. He was 84 years old.

Bobby lived for many years at 56 Drake Road, near Neimann Road. He fought at Lakewood's land use boards in opposition to over-development of his neighborhood.

He worked for 64 years for the Ocean County Parks and Recreational Department - a position which brought him much pride and joy.

When he passed away, his family knew exactly what he wanted them to do with his 2 acres property - save it from development and donate it to the Ocean County Parks and Recreational Department instead.

This final wish is now becoming a dream come true.

This week, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners formally accepted the parcel, "for the restricted use by the Ocean County Parks and Recreational Department to develop a new park facility in Lakewood Township."

The property is across from a farm at 49 Drake which County officials have also acquired for preservation.

To join a FAA News WhatsApp Group, click here.

To join the FAA News WhatsApp Status, click here.