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The Monmouth Conservation Foundation is hosting a fundraiser at Porta restaurant on Sunday to help the city and Interfaith Neighbors develop the Springwood Avenue Park, according to a release from the foundation.

The park, proposed for a 1.3 acre vacant lot on Springwood Avenue between Union and Atkins avenues, is purported to be the first city-owned and city-maintained park established on the West Side in Asbury Park’s long history, the release stated.

Given the importance of preserving smaller havens of green within more populous neighborhoods for those unable to access the open space and parks in the other areas of Monmouth County, the foundation agreed to partner with the city and Interfaith Neighbors to fund the park.

To help raise funds for the park, Monmouth Conservation Foundation is hosting, with its sponsor 1st Constitution Bank, a family style dinner, Pizza & Pasta for a Purpose at Porta on Sunday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. All proceeds will be dedicated to helping build the park.

This park will support development of the remaining vacant parcels within the Springwood Avenue Redevelopment Area. Current development plans for those vacant parcels call for construction of over 100 units of new residential housing, 18-20,000 sq. ft. of new retail space, and development of an architecturally significant, 45,000 sq. ft. arts-centric facility at the corner of Springwood Avenue and Memorial Drive. The addition of park and recreation space will nicely complement these planned developments, all of which are expected to contribute to a much needed and long overdue revitalized Springwood Avenue Corridor.

Tickets cost $55 for adults and $25 for children age 11 and under; seating is limited. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call Chris or Kim at 732.671.7000 or mail: info@monmouthconservation.org.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation was founded in 1977 by Michael Huber, Judith Stanley, and a small group of dedicated visionaries. For nearly four decades, the mission of Monmouth Conservation Foundation has been to acquire, hold, preserve, and protect the spectacular farmland, open space, and the natural habitat of Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Monmouth Conservation Foundation is the only countywide land trust, directly preserving more than 6,500 acres and collaboratively protecting more than 16,500 acres.

In February 2014, Monmouth Conservation Foundation achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. This mark of accreditation indicates to the public that the Foundation meets national standards for excellence, upholds the public trust and ensures that conservation efforts are permanent. It is a mark of distinction in land conservation.

For more information, visit www.monmouthconservation.org or call 732.671.7000.

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