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On Sunday, Asbury Park will celebrate the rebirth of St. John’s Island at Sunset Park.

Once a popular destination for kids to play, wedding ceremonies, concerts, ice cream socials, and even those just looking to catch a few rays, the plot of land sat desolate for years.

Now, efforts that began almost one year ago by the Sunset Lake Commission, in conjunction with its Conservancy [the fundraising entity], community volunteers, and city workers, has resulted in its revitalization.

“This is a rebirth in that we are bringing back music and social events to the island, which always was a significant part of the activities on the island, historically,” Sunset Lake Conservancy’s Wendi Glassman said. “It’s been such a communal effort.”

Those efforts included multiple cleanings by volunteers, the Environmental and Shade Tree Commission, and the City’s Department of Public Works; tree prunings and new plantings; and the addition of benches and waste stations.

The revitalization of the isle was the first mission set by the Sunset Lake Conservancy, which formed last year. The board consists of Glassman, Patrick Reihing, Celia Morrisette, Eric Galipo, Victoria List, and Joe Grillo.

“We’ve had so much support from our City Council; [Councilwoman] Eileen Chapman devotes a ton of energy to the Sunset Lake Commission and [Deputy Mayor] Amy Quinn has supported all our efforts,” Glassman said. “In addition to our mission to improve the physical space, we strive to bring the community into the park and have it become a place people want to play and enjoy.”

Headlining the 4 to 6 pm Sunday Sounds on St John’s celebration is local singer-songwriter Chris Brown [who spent part of his childhood nearby on Emory Street], with performances from the Asbury Park Concert Band.

“This place is special to me because I grew up a couple blocks away,” Brown said in a written social media post. “We lived in a small house and didn’t have a yard so my parents took us to ‘our yard,’ which was this island and the footbridge.”

Tickets to the event are a suggested donation of $25, being collected in support of the Sunset Lake Park Conservancy and the Asbury Park Music Foundation’s Summer Concert Music Series, which include its Music Mondays in Springwood Avenue Park, AP Live on the Boardwalk and AP Concert Band on the Boardwalk weekly live performances.

Next up for the Sunset Lake Commission and Conservancy will be the completion of a Sunset Park Master Plan and further work on the isle.

“The city’s Department of Public Works is repairing the steps, pillars and light fixtures at the base of the staircase,” Glassman said.

In the interim, Glassman said they will host regular events, such as concerts and a continuation of last month’s successful Sunset Bark event, an afternoon gathering for people and their dogs.

“We are introducing many people to the beauty and serenity of the island; who neither know or knew of its existence, nor its history,” Glassman said.

For more information, click here or visit apmf.ticketbud.com.

[Feature photo courtesy of Mike Mclaughlin]

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