***** PRESS RELEASE *****
TOMS RIVER DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES BENEFITS
FROM CITTA GRANT AND HOSTS DEDICATION
Toms River Township Department of Youth Services will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication on Wednesday, June 20th at 10 AM in celebration of its recent improvements and additions. The facility is located at 1505 North Bay Avenue and now boasts newly purchased picnic tables, benches, fencing, and playground equipment.
"We are most grateful to the Citta
Foundation for making this all possible," said JoAnn Benson, Director
of Human Services. "We were awarded a $92K grant and were able to
purchase badly needed equipment and an exciting and innovative
playsystem called ‘Evos’. It's the first public playsystem
of this new design on the East Coast."
Susan Gray, M.A., Director of Youth
Services said, "We offer terrific programs for the youngest of
our community's members and a great value to its parents. We are thrilled
to have been awarded this grant through the Citta Foundation and are
excited to see the children enjoying themselves out here." She added
that future plans are also in discussion for the outdoor pavilion
area to be completely roofed. "Right now, we only have a small
portion on either side of the asphalt covered. When the entire area is
covered by a roof, the children will be able to play outside even on days
when the weather is less than perfect."
Representatives from General Recreation, Inc.
will be on hand at the ceremony to answer questions about the
"Evos" design. This is the same company that designed and
installed Castle Park’s new equipment. According to the company’s literature,
the unit’s colorful design of bold primary colors and its intricate
configuration is not merely intended to be eye catching. The design is intended
to concurrently spark and integrate a child’s physical and mental capacities.
The Youth
Services Department is open year round, providing after school and
summer programs for Toms River children ages 6 through 11. Year
round general counseling for Ocean County youth is also available by
appointment. Staff members are trained to handle the age-specific needs of
youth and their related family issues. Youth Services also provides referrals
and information for families requiring additional assistance. For more
information on the ribbon cutting ceremony or any of the Township’s Youth
Services programs, please call (732) 341-1000 x 8436.
Helen McGovern for the Dept. of Youth Services
June 14, 2007