Toms River Twp. looks to make Brown’s Woods Safer

With an increasing amount of criminal activity at Brown's Woods in Toms River police, along with Mayor Kelaher and his administration seek to make this area safer to live, work and play in.

“Our goal is to protect the natural beauty of Brown’s Woods and make it a safe place for residents to enjoy,"said Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher. To that end, we are enhancing the security of the property with additional lighting, restricted parking on Cedar Drive and increased police patrols. My top priority is the safety of our community and working with our residents to keep our neighborhoods safe."

Toms River Police continue efforts to clean up the area from prior tragedies and incidents including suicide, drug overdoses, fights, littering and campfire residue.

Recently the Township passed an ordinance for no parking to be permitted between Dusk and 8 a.m.

“We want to create a balance between protecting the natural beauty of this open space and the safety of our residents,"  said Police Chief Mitch Little. "The no parking enforcement is nothing new to town parks. We are simply adding this park to the overnight restricted activity list.”

“With over 40 acres of forest and other habitats, a beautiful beach, and an abundance of wildlife, the Brown’s Woods Preserve is an incredible public resource for the citizens of Toms River,” said Dr. Stan Hales, Director of the Barnegat Bay Partnership, which is located on the property.