A new chapter for Marlboro NJ
The future of one of Marlboro NJ’s most notable properties is taking shape. The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has officially reached an agreement with the State of New Jersey to take over land management responsibilities for the 411-acre site that was once home to the Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital.
Located along County Route 520, this massive property sits in the heart of Marlboro NJ. The site will be transformed from an abandoned institutional space into a preserved area for passive recreation, nature exploration, and community connection.
Check out amazing photos of the hospital in Marlboro NJ HERE
From a psychiatric hospital to public parkland
The Marlboro State Psychiatric Hospital first opened in 1931 and operated for 67 years before closing in 1998. For decades, it was a state-run mental health facility, but its reputation suffered after an undercover investigation by then-State Senator Richard Codey revealed inhumane treatment, unsafe conditions, and misuse of funds.
Following these revelations, a Senate Task Force uncovered environmental violations, bribery, and a series of operational irregularities. By the late 1990s, the decision was made to shut the hospital down.
Since its closure, the land became both a curiosity and a mystery, often featured in “Weird NJ” for its ghost stories and urban legends. However, to many Marlboro NJ residents, the property has always represented a significant opportunity for community improvement.
The new agreement between Marlboro NJ, and Monmouth County
Under the recently announced agreement, Monmouth County will manage the land through its park system. Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone explained that the plan is to create passive recreation opportunities, such as walking and hiking trails. The goal is to have these amenities open to the public by the end of 2025.
The county will not be paying the state to acquire management rights, aside from legal costs. Long-term ownership is expected to be funded by Monmouth County’s open space tax. Once the transition is complete, the county will also handle maintenance, landscaping, and property upkeep.
Why preserving open space in Marlboro NJ matters
Commissioner Ross Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System and a Marlboro resident, stressed the importance of this preservation. Open space not only provides residents with recreational benefits but also draws visitors to Marlboro NJ, supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.
For families, the addition of a large, accessible park in Marlboro NJ means more opportunities for outdoor activities, nature exploration, and healthier lifestyles. For the community, it adds to the area’s appeal as one of Monmouth County’s most desirable places to live.
Years of planning and dedication
When Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik took office in 2008, he made the cleanup and preservation of the property a priority in his first 100 days. By 2011, he stood alongside state, county, and local officials to announce a commitment to remediate the land and preserve it as open space.
Now, more than a decade later, that vision is becoming a reality. With the county taking control, the property will finally be converted into a community asset rather than an abandoned landmark.
Marlboro County Park: a legacy for the future
Mayor Hornik has called this agreement a legacy project, one that future generations will benefit from for decades. The upcoming Marlboro County Park will give residents and visitors a place to walk, hike, and connect with nature, all while preserving a vital piece of Marlboro NJ’s history.
Impact on Marlboro NJ real estate and community growth
The transformation of this historic site is also expected to have a positive impact on Marlboro NJ’s real estate market. Proximity to parks and open space is a major selling point for homebuyers, and the creation of Marlboro County Park will only enhance property values.
Families looking to move to Marlboro NJ will be attracted to the combination of top-rated schools, convenient location, and now, an expansive public park. For current residents, it’s a reminder of the town’s commitment to quality of life and community investment.
Marlboro NJ: blending history, nature, and community
The journey from psychiatric hospital to public park reflects Marlboro NJ’s ability to honor its history while building a better future. By turning an abandoned property into a thriving green space, the township is making a statement about community pride, environmental stewardship, and the value of public amenities.
As work begins on the walking and hiking trails, residents and visitors alike will be able to watch the transformation unfold — a transformation that solidifies Marlboro NJ’s place as one of Monmouth County’s most desirable destinations.
Read the article in the Asbury Park Press
Read the history of Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital
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