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Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Middletown, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Middletown, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Middletown, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Middletown, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
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The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Middletown, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Middletown, NJ
We're Exhausting Every Possibility, Superintendent Says At Budget Hearing Monday
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/middletown-superintendent-we-are-exhausting-every-budget-possibility
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown schools superintendent Jessica Alfone started off Monday night's public budget meeting by saying:"We have had a lot of productive conversations over the last several days and those discussions are continuing to happen in small groups with the Board of Education and the administrative team. We are exhausting every single possibility that comes our way. April 8 is our board meeting where we will have an executive session and then a public portion, and we hope to have some specific information to gi...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown schools superintendent Jessica Alfone started off Monday night's public budget meeting by saying:
"We have had a lot of productive conversations over the last several days and those discussions are continuing to happen in small groups with the Board of Education and the administrative team. We are exhausting every single possibility that comes our way. April 8 is our board meeting where we will have an executive session and then a public portion, and we hope to have some specific information to give you at that time."
"The things you've brought forward are things we're having conversations about behind the scenes ... about what our next steps will possibly be," she added.
That April 8 meeting will begin with a private executive session, then followed by a public session — where Alfone said additional information will be revealed.
Also, later today the Middletown school district intends to send a survey to all parents/guardians. The school district wants to send that same survey to all community residents — not just public school parents.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Monday night, one dad presented an idea he said the parent community came up with:
The Board of Education should sell two distinct properties it owns on Kings Highway: One 10-acre tract near the intersection of Sleepy Hollow Road, and another 8-acre wooded lot directly behind Village Elementary School. If using the sale price of land from the recent Mater Dei sale, the combined 18 acres could be sold for more than $10 million, which could plug the district's current $9.8 million budget gap, he said.
It remains unknown if the district will consider this idea. Neither Alfone nor the school board has said anything publicly about this idea, or other alternatives the community proposed.
The Middletown school district proposed a tentative $197 million budget for next year, with a $9.8-million budget hole the district says it has to close. The school district proposes closing Leonardo and Navesink elementaries, and Bayshore Middle School, plus close an additional one or two more elementary schools in the coming years.
Monday night's meeting was attended by many parents from the savemiddletownschools.com movement, wearing their signature bright blue T-shirts.
The first speaker accused "certain members of the board" of "playing partisan politics and ended up with lawsuits because of it."
Parents called the district's proposal to close three schools a "half-crafted plan" and one that was not backed up with data or evidence.
"Our seniors feel pushed out," said another mom. "Our parents feel even more pressure and we're destroying our property values. These are our largest personal investments. Why didn't you mention all this before the election last fall?" she asked the board, to much applause. "Why didn't you tell us about that before you asked us to vote on an open space initiative?"
Watch Monday night's public budget hearing:
It's Not Just 3 Schools: Middletown Seeks To Close More In Future (March 20)
The first public budget hearing: Older Middletown Residents: We Can't Afford 10 Percent Tax Hike To Keep Schools Open (March 27)
Gov. Murphy Responds To Proposed Middletown School Closures (March 27)
2nd Middletown Schools Budget Meeting Will Be Monday Night
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/2nd-middletown-schools-budget-meeting-will-be-monday-night
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here's a reminder that the second emergency public budget meeting for the Middletown school district will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Middle School gymnasium.If you cannot attend tonight's meeting in person, it will be livestreamed via the district's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe...These are "emergency" public hearings on the budget because the school district has ...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here's a reminder that the second emergency public budget meeting for the Middletown school district will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Thompson Middle School gymnasium.
If you cannot attend tonight's meeting in person, it will be livestreamed via the district's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe...
These are "emergency" public hearings on the budget because the school district has until April 30 to come up with a balanced 2025-'26 budget that does not include closing three schools, as the school district has proposed.
Other alternatives include a 10.1-percent school property tax increase (the district already tentatively plans to raise school property taxes 4.88 percent next year, in addition to closing the three schools; see this letter), or possibly laying off 120 school employees, and eliminating some extracurriculars for students.
The remaining meeting schedule:
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The administrative team and the Board of Education are actively working on vetting further alternative options to eliminate a significant shortfall in next year's budget," said superintendent Jessica Alfone in this March 21 letter to Middletown public school parents and guardians. "After the first two forums, the district will be putting out a survey to all community members for feedback, and the Board of Education will be holding a special executive session on April 8 to discuss the feedback from the community. Following this meeting, alternatives will be shared with the school community. The final two forums will be for the community to express feedback on the various alternatives to balance next year's budget and ensure a path forward for the future. I want to reiterate to the school community that nothing is finalized in regards to the budget until our April 30 meeting."
Here's some of what was said at the first public budget hearing: Older Middletown Residents: We Can't Afford 10 Percent Tax Hike To Keep Schools Open
Everything Planned This April In Monmouth County Parks
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/everything-planned-april-monmouth-county-parks
Huber Woods Environmental Center in Middletown will host an Earth Day Open House April 26.Patch StaffLINCROFT, NJ — This April, the Monmouth County Park System is showering local residents with fun – the Spring Craft Show, Earth Day Open House, nature walks and so much more!Here’s what’s planned for the month:19th Century Woodworking DemonstrationSaturday, April 5 from 12-3 p.m.Historic Longstreet Farm, HolmdelFind out what's happening in Middletownf...
Huber Woods Environmental Center in Middletown will host an Earth Day Open House April 26.
Patch Staff
LINCROFT, NJ — This April, the Monmouth County Park System is showering local residents with fun – the Spring Craft Show, Earth Day Open House, nature walks and so much more!
Here’s what’s planned for the month:
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, April 5 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!
Milling Demonstrations
Saturdays & Sundays, April 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!
Climb Time
Sunday, April 6 from 3-6 p.m.
Shark River Park, Wall
Try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Splendid Spring Stroll
Wednesday, April 9 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.
Wednesday, April 30 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Clayton Park, Upper Freehold - Meet in the Emley's Hill parking lot.
Welcome the season by joining a Park System Naturalist on a peaceful trail walk through the park. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. FREE!
Spring Craft Show
Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls
This seasonal craft show features 40 + local artists and crafters. Admission and parking are free.
Open Shoot Archery
Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, April 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturdays, April 12 & 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!
Seashore Open House
Tuesday, April 15 from 1-4 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Stop in during our annual Open House for some fun by the sea. Engaging hands-on activities will entertain and educate you and your family about the shore and the ocean. Speak with a Park System Naturalist about your own shell collection or the aquatic animals on display. Free admission and parking.
Seabrook-Wilson House Open
Sundays, April 20 & 27; Mondays, April 21 & 28; and Thursday, April 24 from 1-4 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Visit this house, which dates back to the early 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and see displays on the ecology of the bay and local history. FREE!
Earth Day Planting
Tuesday, April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel - Use the Forest Edge parking lot.
Join a Park System Naturalist as we restore our native forests. Your actions will provide valuable food and shelter for local wildlife. Supplies provided, but plants are limited.
Nature Lecture: Skate Fish Along the Jersey Shore
Thursday, April 24 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Skates are flattened fish related to sharks and rays and live in the waters off the New Jersey coast. Learn more about this unique fish that calls the Jersey Shore home during this talk by a Park System Naturalist. FREE!
Earth Day Open House
Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Huber Woods Environmental Center, Middletown
Celebrate Earth Day with live animal displays, guided nature walks, crafts and more. Local nature organizations will be on hand to provide valuable information. FREE!
Wool Days/Sheep Shearing
Saturday & Sunday, April 26 & 27 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See the farm staff use traditional blade shearing practices to remove the fleece from our sheep. Gene Sheninger will return with his collies to demonstrate their herding skills. FREE!
Earth Day Beach Cleanups
Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Sunday, April 27 from 1-3 p.m.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park Activity Center, Long Branch
Help clean our coastline of trash and plastic debris while discovering more about the local environment.
Wood Carving Demonstration
Sunday, April 27 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how the wood carver whittles a block of wood into a beautiful work of art. FREE!
Casual Birder
Tuesday, April 29 at 9 a.m.
Big Brook Park, Marlboro
Join a Park System Naturalist for this laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first come basis. FREE!
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711. The Monmouth County Park System, created in 1960 by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, is Monmouth County’s Open Space, Parks, and Recreation agency.
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Middletown has announced plans for the former Mater Dei school
Amanda Oglesbyhttps://www.app.com/story/news/local/red-bank-middletown-area/middletown/2025/03/28/mater-dei-prep-middletown-nj-park/82700087007/
MIDDLETOWN -- The property of the former Mater Dei Prep school will soon become a public park used for youth sports and recreation, Mayor Anthony "Tony" Perry announced Thursday evening in a video posted to Facebook."The Township Committee has reached a tentative agreement to preserve the 20-acre Mater Dei property, a place where so many memories were made and friendships were formed and dreams began," the mayor said.The purchase price will be $11.75 million and will be paid for through the township's open s...
MIDDLETOWN -- The property of the former Mater Dei Prep school will soon become a public park used for youth sports and recreation, Mayor Anthony "Tony" Perry announced Thursday evening in a video posted to Facebook.
"The Township Committee has reached a tentative agreement to preserve the 20-acre Mater Dei property, a place where so many memories were made and friendships were formed and dreams began," the mayor said.
The purchase price will be $11.75 million and will be paid for through the township's open space trust fund and money from Monmouth County officials, he said.
"We are protecting this land from development and giving it new life as Mater Dei Park," Perry said. "This isn't just about saving space. It's about creating space, space for our children to run and play, for families to gather, and for our community to grow stronger together."
By the end of May, the former private school's running track and sports fields will be opened to the public and youth sports teams for exercise and recreation, he said.
The former school building will be demolished, according to Middletown officials.
An official with the Parish of St. Mary's in Middletown, which currently owns the property, declined to comment. A spokesperson with the Catholic Diocese of Trenton also could not be reached for comment Thursday evening.
Mater Dei Prep closed to students in 2022, after officials announced that enrollment had declined by half since 2014.
"Fewer students and the resulting loss in revenue through the years has created an operational deficit that depleted the school’s reserve despite aggressive fundraising efforts," school officials said at the time.
The year it closed, its enrollment was down to 220 students.
The Middletown Committee will introduce an ordinance to complete the purchase and hold a public hearing on the issue at its April 7 meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. and be held at the municipal building at 1 Kings Highway. A final vote on the purchase is scheduled for the Committee's April 28 meeting.
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.
Middletown Twp. Will Purchase Mater Dei High, Make It Town Park
patch.comhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/middletown-twp-will-purchase-mater-dei-high-make-it-town-park
The Mater Dei high school building will indeed be torn down, this summer.MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Thursday evening, St. Mary's Catholic church in Middletown confirmed a rumor that has been circulating through town this week: St. Mary's parish will sell the former Mater Dei High School building, and surrounding grounds, to Middletown Township.Middletown plans to buy the 20-acre property and turn it into a recreational park. The existing sports fields will be kept as is, said Mayor Tony Perry. The new park will be called Mater...
The Mater Dei high school building will indeed be torn down, this summer.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Thursday evening, St. Mary's Catholic church in Middletown confirmed a rumor that has been circulating through town this week: St. Mary's parish will sell the former Mater Dei High School building, and surrounding grounds, to Middletown Township.
Middletown plans to buy the 20-acre property and turn it into a recreational park. The existing sports fields will be kept as is, said Mayor Tony Perry. The new park will be called Mater Dei Park.
However — in what will likely be difficult news for many Middletown residents to hear — the Mater Dei school building itself will indeed be torn down. The entire property will be used for youth and adult recreational sports, said Mayor Tony Perry. The Township has no need for the aging former Catholic school building on site.
"Plans call for the former high school building to be razed," confirmed St. Mary Mother of God in a press release.
Interior demolition will begin very soon, as soon as the sale is completed, said the mayor. The building itself will be torn down this summer.
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None of these plans affect St. Mary's grammar school, which will still continue to operate as usual on site and which has a healthy enrollment of Middletown youngsters.
The sale price is $11.75 million. However, an agreement made between Middletown and the county determined that Middletown will pay just 25 percent of that price (just under $3 million) and the county will pay the remaining 75 percent, over $8 million. Monmouth County will make this large purchase using tax dollars from the county's Open Space Trust Fund.
It will be a Middletown town park, not a county park.
The $11.75 million will go directly to St. Mary Mother of God Catholic church in Middletown. It will not go to the diocese in Trenton. That means the main Catholic church in Middletown has an $11.75-million check headed its way. This millions-of-dollars-cash infusion will be used to pay down debt service, parish maintenance, continue religious education and start a student endorsement fund to continue Catholic education in Middletown, said the St. Mary's pastor, Father Jeff Kegley.
The largest portion of funding from the sale will go to the student endowment fund for Saint Mary School, which is operated by the parish and provides Catholic education for students from age 2 through eighth grade, said Kegley. Proceeds from the endowment will support long-term educational initiatives, he said.
Remaining funding from the sale will be dedicated to the maintenance and upkeep of the parish and Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Shrine, he said.
“The decision to sell was not taken lightly, but we believe it is in the best interest of our parish and the broader community,” Father Kegley said. “It will secure our parish’s future and the mission for Catholic education in our town."
None of this can be done without public input: On April 7, the proposal to buy Mater Dei will be introduced at a Township Committee meeting. There will be a public hearing April 28.
Founded in 1961, Mater Dei was Middletown's longtime Catholic high school. Since the 1960s, it educated thousands of teenagers. Many in Middletown were heartbroken to see Mater Dei permanently close in 2022, but the Diocese of Trenton said enrollment had dwindled to a mere 220 students, and the school could not cover a $1-million yearly operating deficit.
Since then, the Mater Dei building has had a ... colorful history. You can see the building and grounds immortalized forever when it was used as the filming location for the "Mean Girls" movie revival, which filmed at Mater Dei in March/April 2023.
Then, St. Mary's tried to enter into an unusual arrangement last spring with College Achieve Public School (CAPS), a charter school in Neptune and Asbury Park. CAPS was going to rent the building from St. Mary's and bus 9th-12th graders up from Asbury Park to Middletown.
CAPS was going to pay St. Mary's $30,000 a month in rent, plus a $150,000 sign-on bonus.
But this bombshell Star Ledger report by reporter Matthew Stanmyre revealed that CAPS was paying its administrators exorbitant salaries, all in New Jersey taxpayer dollars: CAPS founder and CEO Michael Piscal was paid $697,528 a year. CAPS Paterson director Gemar Mills made $433,734 a year. Jodi McInerney, director of CAPS Asbury Park — who graduated from Red Bank Catholic — was paid $323,245.
Stanmyre also reported CAPS manipulated a loophole for it basketball team, which pummeled the Shore Conference in the winter of 2023/'24: An NJSIAA rule allows students from outside of town if a charter school is not at full enrollment. CAPS-Asbury Park said it was not fully enrolled, and put 11 of the most highly ranked basketball players in the state on its '23/'24 team, from towns such as Trenton, Keyport, Newark and Irvington. Critics say CAPS deliberately recruited and stacked its team with out-of-town players.
After that report, the Asbury Park school district sued CAPS, saying CAPS siphoned $1.4 million that should have gone to Asbury public schools by enrolling dozens of teenagers who live out of town. Out of 338 kids enrolled in CAPS-Asbury Park for the 2023-24 school year, Asbury Park BOE says they were only able to verify 53 actually live in Asbury Park.
After that report, McInerney and her husband, principal Tim McInerney, both went on administrative leave.
CAPS is currently being investigated by the state of New Jersey for possible misuse of taxpayer funds: The New Jersey Office of the Comptroller filed a subpoena in November 2024 seeking access to all of CAPS' contracts, lease agreements, spending documents, real estate transactions and financial documents, according to NJ.com and the Asbury Park Press.
CAPS abandoned its plans to rent Mater Dei. Middletown Twp. never granted them a certificate of occupancy, anyway.
The Catholic parish of Saint Mary was founded in Middletown in 1879 and currently counts more than 4,200 families as members of the church.
Here's a history of when St. Mary's tried to rent Mater Dei to CAPS charter school:
NJ Now Investigating CAPS Charter School, Which Wanted To Move Into Mater Dei (Feb. 2025)
Lawmakers Want CAPS Investigated, As It Seeks Expansion To Middletown (May 2024)
St. Mary's Plans To Bring Urban Charter School To Mater Dei Campus (April 2024)
'Mean Girls' Movie Musical Filming In Middletown In March And April (Feb. 2023)
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