The City of Long Branch moved forward with the new Health, Wellness and Technology Center and Park, a transformative community destination at the corner of Bath and Third avenues. The groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 19, marking the official start of a project expected to be completed within the next 12 to 15 months.
The project was planned to span about four acres, making it one of the largest park developments in the city. The land and existing buildings were donated by RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center in 2021, a gift valued at about $30 million.
A hub for health, learning and community connection
The development was set to feature a state-of-the-art Health, Wellness and Technology Center, a satellite branch of the Long Branch Free Public Library, a historic Railroad Museum, a public park, and recreational amenities including:
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Pickleball courts
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Playgrounds and a tot lot
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Outdoor fitness area
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Walking trails
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A seasonal outdoor café kiosk
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An amphitheater for concerts and community events
The project was designed not only as a recreational space, but as a hub for community health, digital inclusion and cultural enrichment.
Blending history with modern innovation
The architectural design honored Long Branch’s historic character with a large covered porch, a grand staircase and a distinctive decorative tower. The center was planned to include two main buildings:
Health and Wellness Center
The three-story facility would promote physical and mental well-being:
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Lower level: A full-service fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, yoga and dance studios, and preserved historic elements from a former Gilded Age mansion on the property. A restored parlor with hand-crafted paneling and a stone fireplace would be featured, along with a Long Branch Railroad Museum showcasing model trains and artifacts.
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Main floor: A commercial teaching kitchen for cooking classes and nutrition programs.
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Top floor: Community meeting rooms and offices for city and nonprofit health service providers.
Technology Center
The adjacent building would serve as a new library satellite with:
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Computers and digital workspaces
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Resources for job seekers, students and residents bridging language or technology gaps
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A professional podcasting studio open to the public
A bold vision for a healthier, more connected Long Branch
“This center represents a major step forward in creating inclusive, innovative spaces where health, education and community thrive together,” Mayor John Pallone says. “It reflects our city’s commitment to honoring its history while investing in the future.”