Even with the temperature in the 90s at 9 a.m. Wednesday, there was no cooling down the enthusiasm, pride and sheer joy at the commemorative ceremony in the heart of Mater Dei Park that officially transferred the former Mater Dei High School and 25 acres of open land from St Mary Mother of God parish to the open space preservation and community investment made possible by cooperative effort among church, township and county officials.
Representatives of the three groups gathered at the newly-purchase property so sign documents symbolizing their collaboration. Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon and Freeholder Director Tom Arnone were there for the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, Mayor Tony Perry and the Middletown Township Committee for the township, and the Rev. Jeff Kegley, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, for the parish, along with other township officials employees, and friends and parishioners of the church.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone
The festive ceremony, complete with the ground painted in large blue and white letters proclaiming the acreage Mater Dei Park, celebrated the agreement reached by the church and township in March when the Township announced an agreement to purchase the 25-acre property, formerly home to Mater Dei Prep, for $11.75 million. Seventy-five percent of the total was funded by a Monmouth County grant and the remaining 25 percent from the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund. The Township Committee unanimously passed the ordinance to acquire the property at its April 28 meeting.
This landmark agreement symbolizes the strength of collaboration to preserve Middletown’s unique character,”said Mayor Tony Perry before the crowd seated in front of the table where the three signed the papers completing the transaction. “Through the power of shared values and strategic investment, this Township park will forever hold the memories of the terrific games, athletes, famous alumni, and incredible individuals who called this place their alma mater.”
“Today, I am proud to announce that Middletown Township is being awarded an $8,812,500 grant under the County Commissioners’ Municipal Land Preservation Incentive Program,” said Director Arnone. “Through this grant, the County will hold a conservation easement which ensures that the new park is permanently preserved and can never be developed for non-park or non-recreation purposes. Monmouth County is known for its beautiful landscape and commitment to open space and this investment helps Middletown build on that legacy.”
With the financial assistance of the county making the transaction a reality, the township takes the first step in preserving the land as protected open space. Reimagining it as Mater Dei Park, the township land also pays homage to its sacred and cultural roots and offers residents Middletown’s first outdoor track, a football field, and four baseball fields.
Father Kegley, the pastor who has led the parish and residents from throughout Monmouth County through the sadness of losing the catholic high school when it shut its doors in June 2022, due to a decline in enrollment and the Covid pandemic which led to the school’s financial hardship.
In the following year, the school was used for filming the movie Mean Girls, while negotiations were underway with the township .
Wednesday, Father Kegley said it was a joy to share the commemoration day with the new owners of the property and praised their commitment to open space.
He also noted that the partnership extends beyond the signing ceremony and marks a great day for education as well. Part of the funds for the sale will go into an endowment for St. Mary’s elementary school, the pastor said, ensuring that education for the elementary schools in a catholic school is still an opportunity for parents.
The church and township have also agreed to shared access of the site’s parking lot to accommodate both park visitors and parishioners. The church’s beloved fairs and seasonal events will also remain annual staples for the community and helping to support continued catholic education further honors the school’s legacy.
Demolition of the Mater Dei Prep building has been underway since it no longer meets safety standards and is expected to be completed by early fall. At present there are no further plans for any modifications or changes to the acreage in the near future, and residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the recreational hub that is now open to the public. Access to the property is easiest and most direct from the Cherry Tree Farm road entrance.
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