The Duryea-Navesink Library Association Inc

Dear Friends and Families of Navesink,

We are excited to share our plans to restore Navesink Library's beloved historic tennis courts! These tennis courts have been a treasured part of our community for almost a century, but over time they have fallen into disrepair and neglect. Please read on to learn more about their history and how you can help make them available once again to our whole community.

A Brief History of the Courts

Located in the heart of Navesink village, The Navesink Library property was purchased in 1917 by Ellen W. Duryea and the Parsons family. Mrs. Duryea funded the construction of the Library. The Library and surrounding property were intended to serve the residents of Navesink and Locust. In 1927, two tennis courts were constructed, providing the community with a wonderful resource to enjoy during the warm weather months.

Throughout the 20th century, the Navesink tennis courts have seen community tennis clinics, town tournaments, lessons, and special events, not to mention countless informal matches between friends and family members. Many locals raised in the area learned to play the game on these courts. Unfortunately, due to years of wear and tear, and neglect, the courts have become unsafe and unusable. For so many residents it has been heartbreaking to see such a beloved community resource go to waste.

The Plan to “Save Our Courts”

The Duryea-Navesink Library Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, owns and manages the Library property to this day, and currently receives no funding or support from Middletown Township or Monmouth County. The volunteers of the Navesink Library Board have spent many months creating a plan to "Save the Courts"... consulting with experts in the field, gathering multiple quotes from local businesses, and creating plans for design and usage. The plan includes lining the courts for both tennis and basketball use and making them accessible to all members of our community - both residents and students.

How You Can Help

Our goal is to raise $60,000 to cover the cost of repairs and upgrades to renovate and restore the courts. These costs include:

• repairing and paving the courts

• installing new fencing

• repairing and painting fence poles

• applying new surface paint/ court lines

• miscellaneous costs such as nets, lights, basketball hoops, etc.

We have launched this GoFundMe as one part of our campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the restoration. By donating, you will be helping to preserve an important piece of our history, provide a safe and enjoyable place for future generations of residents, and beautify what has become an unfortunate eyesore in the heart of Navesink. Every dollar counts. Your contribution will make a real difference in our community.

Large donations are preferred by check, which can be made payable to The Duryea-Navesink Library Association. All donations are tax-deductible.

We are grateful for any support you can offer, whether it's a small donation or simply spreading the word about our campaign. Let's come together and SAVE our historic tennis courts!

For further information on details, plans, and questions please visit www.thenavesinklibrary.org

Thank you for your support.

-Board Members, Navesink Library