Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County Celebrates Grand Opening of Wellness Garden

The Wellness Garden is located across the street from the Boys & Girls Club’s Asbury Park Unit on Monroe Avenue on land donated to the Club by long-time supporter and Club alum, Vince Gifford. The garden promises to be a vital resource for the Asbury Park community and exemplifies BGCM’s commitment to fostering personal growth, community engagement, and emotional well-being among the youth and families it serves.

Douglas Eagles, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, spoke passionately about the garden’s significance, stating, “The Club is thrilled to share this beautiful space with the entire community. Our long-term vision is to use this garden as an extension of the trauma-informed support we provide to our Club kids, their families, and the community as a whole. In addition, we hope to continue partnering with local west-side artists to provide a venue to showcase their art.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including board members and staff of the Boys & Girls Club; Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn; Asbury Park City Council members Yvonne Clayton and Eileen Chapman; Asbury Park Board of Education members Barbara Lesinski, Anthony Remy, and Jessie Ricks; Monmouth County Commissioner Ross Licitra; key stakeholders; funders of the project; and local musicians and artists who share a deep commitment to community enrichment.

The Wellness Garden will serve as a hub for numerous activities and programs aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being. BGCM plans to use the garden for yoga and meditation, nutritional education, art installations, and community gatherings that encourage residents to connect with nature and each other. Designed by landscape architect Eleanor James, the space also features the Jean Jaslovsky Memorial Garden, a serene and contemplative space that will memorialize individuals who embodied the values of the Club. The memorial garden is named in honor of Vince Gifford’s late wife.

Funding for the garden and for BGCM’s trauma-informed care initiatives was provided by Monmouth Cares; RWJBarnabas Health Foundation; Breath, Bread, and Blessings for Life Foundation; Appropriations through Congressman Frank Pallone’s office; County of Monmouth COVID-19 Community Recovery Grant Program; Impact 100 Jersey Coast; Monmouth Park Charity Fund; and Manasquan Bank.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Vince Gifford, who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the organization and the community. His generous contribution of the land for the Wellness Garden underscores the importance of collaboration and community support in advancing the mission of BGCM.