Ocean County Commissioners Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Permanent Open Space Preservation
February 9, 2026
Building upon remarks made by Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi at the 2026 Ocean County Reorganization Meeting, Ocean County Commissioners Sam Ellenbogen and Ray Gormley reaffirmed their strong support for strengthening Ocean County’s long-term open space preservation efforts and expanding recreation opportunities across the County.
During the reorganization meeting, Director Sadeghi emphasized the importance of protecting Ocean County’s character, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring thoughtful planning for future generations. Commissioners Ellenbogen and Gormley stated that permanently preserving land remains one of the most effective ways to carry that vision forward.
“Director Sadeghi made it clear that protecting what makes Ocean County special must remain a priority,” said Commissioner Ellenbogen. “Permanently preserving open space ensures that important parcels remain protected from development and dedicated to recreation, conservation, and environmental benefit for generations.”
The Commissioners emphasized that strategic land preservation protects neighborhood character, strengthens environmental resilience, supports flood mitigation, and enhances overall quality of life. Preserved properties can serve as parks, walking trails, natural habitats, and passive recreation areas accessible to families, seniors, veterans, and residents of all ages.
Commissioner Gormley highlighted the importance of structured preservation tools, including natural land trust strategies, which ensure that acquired parcels remain protected in perpetuity.
“A strong Open Space program, supported by land trust principles, provides permanence and accountability,” Gormley said. “It allows the County to acquire and protect meaningful parcels so they remain open, natural, and preserved forever. That long-term stewardship is essential to maintaining balance as Ocean County continues to grow.”
As part of ongoing discussions surrounding long-term preservation, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners are exploring the possibility of asking voters to consider a modest enhancement to the County’s existing Open Space funding. Strengthening that dedicated funding source would provide greater capacity to preserve additional land permanently for open space and recreation before it is lost to development.
“Increasing Open Space funding would allow us to build upon a program that residents already value,” Ellenbogen said. “It represents a small, forward-looking investment that secures land permanently and reinforces our commitment to protecting Ocean County’s quality of life.”
Gormley added, “Open space preservation is one of the most enduring investments we can make. By strengthening our Open Space program, we ensure that future generations inherit the same natural beauty, recreation opportunities, and neighborhood character that define Ocean County today.”
The Commissioners reaffirmed that permanent preservation, expanded recreation space, and responsible stewardship remain central to Ocean County’s long-term vision.
