Veterans Park Bayville NJ: Complete Guide to Ocean County’s Premier Veterans Memorial & Recreation Complex
Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ is a 280+ acre recreation complex at 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, featuring a veterans memorial garden, 9/11 steel artifact, sports fields, and Cedar Creek Golf Course. It hosts community events, Memorial Day ceremonies, and sits adjacent to the upcoming Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village housing development.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Park Name | Veterans Park (also called Veteran’s Park) |
| Location | 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721 |
| Alternate Address | 5025 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721 |
| Phone | (732) 269-4456 |
| Size | Over 280 acres |
| Operated By | Berkeley Township Recreation Department |
| Key Features | Veterans memorial garden, 9/11 steel artifact, turf field, golf course |
| Hours | 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (fields close at dusk when not in use) |
| Veterans Village | Tunnels to Towers development planned for 2026 |
| Official Website | berkeleytownship.org |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ?
Veterans Park is Berkeley Township’s largest active recreation property, encompassing over 280 acres east of the Garden State Parkway along Forest Hills Parkway. The park serves dual purposes: it provides extensive recreational facilities for residents while also functioning as a memorial site honoring military veterans who served the United States.
The park is located at 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. It is easily accessible from Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway, making it convenient for residents throughout Ocean County.
Why Veterans Park Matters for the Military Community
Veterans Park represents more than just recreational space. It serves as a gathering place for the veteran community in Ocean County, hosting Memorial Day ceremonies, Veterans Day events, and wreath-laying ceremonies that honor fallen service members. The park’s memorial garden, which began with three trees planted on Arbor Day, has grown into a dedicated space for reflection and remembrance.
For veterans, active duty service members, and military families living in or visiting Ocean County, the park provides both a place to connect with others who share similar experiences and a space to honor their service and sacrifice.
Park Amenities and Recreational Facilities
Veterans Park offers one of the most comprehensive recreation complexes in Ocean County. Whether you are visiting for a veterans ceremony or planning a family outing, you will find facilities for nearly every outdoor activity.
Sports Fields and Athletic Facilities
| Facility Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Football Field | Sam Pepe Memorial Stadium with turf field, lighting, and stadium seating |
| Baseball/Softball | Multiple fields for youth and adult leagues |
| Soccer Fields | Regulation-size fields for league play |
| Tennis Courts | More than a dozen courts available |
| Track | Running and walking track |
| Golf Course | Cedar Creek Golf Course with driving range |
| Turf Field | All-purpose artificial turf installed in 2018 |
The artificial turf field at Sam Pepe Memorial Stadium was installed in 2018 with $750,000 in state funding support. The field is used by Berkeley youth sports leagues and can accommodate games, practices, and community events.
Family and Community Amenities
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityBeyond sports facilities, Veterans Park includes:
Playground – Modern equipment for children of all ages
Picnic areas – Tables and pavilions for family gatherings
Walking paths – Trails through forested sections along Cedar Creek
Open green space – For casual recreation and relaxation
Parking – Ample lot parking for events and daily visits
Cedar Creek Golf Course
Cedar Creek Golf Course is located within the Veterans Park complex, offering a nine-hole course and driving range. The golf course is one of the park’s signature features and is open to the public.
Veterans Memorial Garden and 9/11 Artifact
Veterans Park contains several memorial features that make it a significant site for the military community in Ocean County.
The Memorial Garden
The Veterans Park memorial garden began in 2021 when community members planted three trees on Arbor Day. The project quickly expanded into a full memorial garden designed to honor veterans and provide a peaceful space for reflection. Local volunteers and veteran organizations collaborated to create and maintain the garden.
World Trade Center Steel Artifact
In 2012, the township received a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and placed it permanently in Veterans Park. The battered, rusty artifact serves as a solemn reminder of the September 11 attacks and honors those who lost their lives, including military service members who died in the subsequent wars.
The 9/11 steel display is located near the park’s summer concert area and is visible to visitors attending events. This artifact connects the park’s military memorial mission to the broader context of service and sacrifice following the 2001 attacks.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies
Veterans Park hosts annual ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. These events typically include:
Flag naming ceremonies honoring local veterans
Memorial plaque dedications
Prayer services and moment of silence
Color guards from local American Legion and VFW posts
Wreath-laying ceremonies
The events are organized by Berkeley Township in partnership with local veteran organizations including American Legion Post 143 and VFW Post 6902.
Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village in Bayville
One of the most significant developments for veterans in Ocean County is the Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village, currently under construction in Bayville near Veterans Park.
What Is the Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village?
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation broke ground on the Bayville Veterans Village on May 7, 2025. The development will include:
98 single-occupancy apartments for veterans
24 stand-alone “smart homes” (Comfort Homes) for Gold Star families and catastrophically injured veterans
Comprehensive supportive service center on-site
Total of 123 housing units when completed
The facility is located on Route 9 at the corner of Sloop Creek Road in Bayville, just minutes from Veterans Park.
Who Qualifies for Veterans Village Housing?
Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village serves:
Homeless veterans – Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness
Low-income veterans – Those earning below area median income thresholds
Gold Star families – Families of fallen service members
Catastrophically injured veterans – Those with severe service-connected injuries
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is a national nonprofit organization founded after 9/11 to honor first responders and military service members. The Bayville location is part of the foundation’s national initiative to end veteran homelessness.
Expected Completion Date
The Veterans Village is scheduled for completion in 2026. When finished, it will be one of the largest veterans housing developments in New Jersey and will provide critical housing stability for Ocean County veterans.
How Veterans Can Apply
Veterans interested in Tunnels to Towers housing should:
Visit the Tunnels to Towers Foundation website (t2t.org)
Complete the online application for Veterans Village housing
Provide documentation of veteran status (DD Form 214)
Submit income verification and housing need documentation
Participate in an interview process with the foundation
The application process is competitive, and veterans are encouraged to apply early. For assistance with the application, contact Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at (732) 929-2096.
Veterans Benefits Available in Ocean County and New Jersey
Veterans Park serves as a focal point for veterans in Bayville and Berkeley Township, but accessing benefits requires knowing where to go. This section explains the key veterans benefits available to New Jersey veterans and how to apply.
What Is the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau?
The Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau is the primary local resource for veterans seeking benefits assistance. The bureau provides:
Claims assistance – Help filing VA disability claims and appeals
Death benefits – Assistance for surviving spouses and dependents
Burial benefits – Coordination of veteran burial entitlements
Referral services – Connections to mental health, housing, and employment resources
Equipment loans – Wheelchairs and walkers for disabled veterans
Who qualifies: All veterans who served on active duty and received an honorable discharge, as well as their dependents and surviving spouses.
Why it matters: The claims process can be complex, and trained veterans service officers significantly increase approval rates. These services are free to veterans.
What you should do next: Contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at (732) 929-2096 to schedule an appointment. Bring your DD Form 214, medical records, and any previous VA correspondence.
New Jersey State Veterans Benefits
New Jersey offers several state-level benefits that supplement federal VA benefits. These include:
| Benefit | Details | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Deduction | $250 annual deduction | Wartime veterans |
| Income Tax Deduction | $6,000 (increasing to $9,000) | Honorably discharged veterans |
| War Orphans Tuition Assistance | $500/year for 4 years | Children of deceased/disabled veterans |
| Catastrophic Entitlement | Up to $10,000 | Severely disabled veterans |
| Veterans Property Tax Exemption | 100% exemption | 100% disabled veterans |
Why it matters: State benefits can provide significant financial relief not available through federal programs alone. The income tax deduction increase from $6,000 to $9,000 represents a meaningful savings for working veterans.
What you should do next: Contact the New Jersey Division of Veterans Programs at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the regional Veterans Service Office in Ocean County for assistance with state benefit applications.
VA Healthcare in Ocean County
The VA New Jersey Health Care System operates a 68,000-square-foot outpatient clinic in Toms River, providing comprehensive healthcare services for veterans in the region. The facility opened to enhance access to care for veterans in Ocean County and surrounding areas.
Services available include:
Primary care
Specialty care referrals
Polytrauma rehabilitation
Women’s health services
Pharmacy services
Who qualifies: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible. Enrollment is based on service history, disability status, and income. Combat veterans and those with service-connected conditions receive priority.
What you should do next: Call the VA New Jersey Health Care System at (877) 222-8387 to enroll or schedule an appointment. Bring your DD Form 214 and insurance information.
Veteran Homelessness Prevention Programs
For veterans at risk of homelessness in Ocean County, several programs provide assistance:
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Provides in-home case management
Referral services to housing resources
Temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities
Door-to-door outreach for homeless veterans
HUD-VASH Program
Housing vouchers combined with VA case management
Long-term housing stability for chronically homeless veterans
Requires VA eligibility and screening
Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village
Permanent supportive housing in Bayville
On-site services and case management
Application expected to open as construction progresses
What you should do next: Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness should contact Soldier On or the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau immediately. Do not wait until you lose housing to seek assistance.
Events at Veterans Park
Veterans Park hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. Below is a guide to recurring events and how to participate.
Annual Events Calendar
| Event | Typical Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day Ceremony | Late May | Wreath laying, flag ceremony, speakers |
| Food Truck & Music Festival | Memorial Day Weekend | Live bands, 15+ food trucks, family activities |
| Sounds of Summer Concert Series | June-August | Weekly outdoor concerts |
| Veterans Day Ceremony | November 11 | Ceremony honoring all who served |
| Summer Blowout Festival | July | Live bands, food trucks, vendor shopping |
| Labor Day FEASTival | Early September | Food, music, community celebration |
| Rescue, Wrench, and Ride Car Show | September | Car, truck, and motorcycle show |
| Rock 2 Adopt | September | Charity music festival supporting pet adoption |
| Sip In Autumn Wine Festival | November | Wine tasting and live music |
| Easter Egg Hunt | Spring | Family event with thousands of eggs |
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is one of the park’s most popular recurring events, featuring live bands performing on Friday evenings throughout the summer. Admission is typically free or low-cost, making it accessible for families and veterans.
Memorial Day Weekend Festival
The Berkeley Township Food Truck & Music Festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend at Veterans Park. The event features:
15+ gourmet food trucks
Adult beverage garden
Vendor shopping village
Kids’ activities
Live bands throughout the day
Food pantry donation drive
Admission is $5, with children under 10 admitted free. Proceeds support local community programs.
How to Get to Veterans Park
Veterans Park is located in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. The park is easily accessible from major highways.
Address and Directions
Primary Address: 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721
Alternate Address: 5025 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, Bayville, NJ 08721
From Garden State Parkway:
Take Exit 77 (Berkeley/Lacey)
Follow Route 9 South to Bayville
Turn onto Forest Hills Parkway
Follow signs to Veterans Park
From Route 9:
Take Route 9 to Bayville
Turn onto Forest Hills Parkway
The park entrance is on the left
Phone: (732) 269-4456
Park Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Fields and recreation areas close one hour after sunset when not in use.
Parking
Ample parking is available at the main entrance and near individual facilities. During major events, additional parking is available in designated overflow areas. Visitors should arrive early for popular events like the Memorial Day festival and summer concerts.
Common Questions
What is Veterans Park in Bayville NJ known for?
Veterans Park is known as Berkeley Township’s largest recreation complex at over 280 acres, featuring a veterans memorial garden, a 9/11 steel artifact, Sam Pepe Memorial Stadium with a turf field, Cedar Creek Golf Course, and more than a dozen tennis courts. It also hosts major community events throughout the year.
Is Veterans Park free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Veterans Park is free. Some events, such as the Memorial Day Food Truck & Music Festival, charge admission ($5 for adults, free for children under 10). Sports leagues and golf course use may have separate fees.
What events happen at Veterans Park?
Events include Memorial Day ceremonies and festivals, the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Veterans Day ceremonies, Easter Egg Hunt, food truck festivals, car shows, and wine festivals. The park also hosts youth sports leagues and community gatherings throughout the year.
Is there a memorial for veterans at Veterans Park?
Yes, the park features a veterans memorial garden that began in 2021 with community volunteers. The garden includes trees, memorial plaques, and a peaceful space for reflection. The park also contains a piece of World Trade Center steel from 9/11 as a memorial artifact.
What is the Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village?
The Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village is a 123-unit housing development under construction in Bayville near Veterans Park. It will include 98 apartments and 24 smart homes for veterans, Gold Star families, and catastrophically injured service members. Completion is expected in 2026.
How do I apply for veterans benefits in Ocean County?
Contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at (732) 929-2096 to schedule an appointment with a trained veterans service officer. Bring your DD Form 214, medical records, and any VA correspondence. Services are free and include claims assistance and benefit applications.
Does New Jersey have a veterans property tax deduction?
Yes, New Jersey offers a $250 annual property tax deduction for wartime veterans and a $6,000 income tax deduction (increasing to $9,000). Surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify for property tax relief. Contact your local tax assessor for application details.
Where is the VA clinic in Ocean County?
The VA New Jersey Health Care System operates a 68,000-square-foot outpatient clinic in Toms River on Hooper Avenue. The clinic provides primary care, mental health services, specialty care, and women’s health services for enrolled veterans.
What should I bring to a Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Park?
Memorial Day ceremonies are open to the public and typically free. Bring folding chairs or blankets for seating, water for warm weather, and arrive early for parking. The ceremonies usually last 60-90 minutes and include speakers, color guards, and wreath-laying.
Are pets allowed at Veterans Park?
Pets are generally allowed at Veterans Park but must be leashed and under control. However, specific events like Rock 2 Adopt may prohibit pets from entering the event area. Check event-specific rules before attending with pets.
What is the phone number for Veterans Park?
The Berkeley Township Recreation Department can be reached at (732) 269-4456. The department office is located at 630 Atlantic City Blvd. (Route 9), Bayville, NJ 08721.
How do I contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau?
The Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau can be reached at (732) 929-2096. They provide claims assistance, death benefits filing, burial benefits coordination, and referrals for mental health and housing services.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ is a 280+ acre recreation complex at 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr Way, featuring a veterans memorial garden, 9/11 steel artifact, turf stadium, golf course, and extensive sports facilities.
The park serves as a community focal point for honoring veterans through Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, flag naming events, and memorial garden maintenance.
Tunnels to Towers Veterans Village is under construction in Bayville near the park, with 123 housing units for veterans, Gold Star families, and injured service members expected to open in 2026.
Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau provides free claims assistance, death benefits filing, and referrals. Call (732) 929-2096 to schedule an appointment.
New Jersey offers state veterans benefits including a $250 property tax deduction, $6,000 income tax deduction (increasing to $9,000), and War Orphans Tuition Assistance.
VA healthcare is available at the 68,000-square-foot clinic in Toms River, providing primary care, mental health, and specialty services.
Veterans Park hosts major events including the Memorial Day Food Truck & Music Festival, Sounds of Summer Concert Series, and Veterans Day ceremonies.
The park is free to visit for general recreation. Event admission varies (typically $5 or free).
The 9/11 steel artifact at Veterans Park provides a solemn connection between military service, the September 11 attacks, and the wars that followed.
Veterans experiencing homelessness should contact Soldier On or the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau immediately for assistance through SSVF, HUD-VASH, or other programs.
Official Resources
| Resource | Contact | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau | (732) 929-2096 | Claims, death benefits, burial, referrals |
| VA New Jersey Health Care System | (877) 222-8387 | Healthcare enrollment, appointments |
| NJ Division of Veterans Programs | 1-800-827-1000 | State benefits, claims assistance |
| Berkeley Township Recreation | (732) 269-4456 | Park information, event schedules |
| VA.gov | va.gov | Federal benefits, claims, healthcare |
| Tunnels to Towers Foundation | t2t.org | Veterans Village applications |
| Soldier On | soldieron.org | Homeless veteran services |
| NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | nj.gov/military/veterans | State veteran programs |
Important: Always verify current information by contacting the agency directly. Benefits programs, eligibility requirements, and contact information may change.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
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