Toms River, NJ

Formerly known as Dover Township, the Township of Toms River, New Jersey is situated on the Atlantic coast, approximately 60 miles south of New York City. Its population is approximately 95,000.

Toms River was the center of a major scandal during the 1990s, when it was discovered that incidences of childhood cancer in the area had increased dramatically between 1975 and 1995. After a series of in-depth investigations, it was determined that the Toms River Chemical Plant, in operation since 1952 and one of the township's leading companies, was the likely cause. In the wake of the controversy, the plant was closed in 1996. A follow-up study from 1996 to 2000 subsequently revealed a marked decrease in cancer rates. As a result of the scandal, the Toms River water system is now subject to some of the most stringent testing in the state.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Toms River is the county seat of Ocean County, New Jersey. In addition to the central mainland area, a portion of Toms River is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, which is home to the township's popular beaches. The peninsula is divided into two primary districts:

• Dover Beaches North: Like many communities on the Jersey shore, this area is quiet in the winter and crowded in the summer. A favorite vacation spot, it is home to several beaches, including Ocean Beach, Chadwick Island, Monterey Beach, Silver Beach, and Seacrest Beach. The people who live in Dover Beaches North are primarily middle to upper class.
• Dover Beaches South: Also known as Ortley Beach, this area has stunning views of Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. Home to a wide range of beach and water activities, the area is known for its uniquely laid-back atmosphere.
• Barnegat Peninsula: Among the most frequently-visited stretches of the New Jersey shore, the area is known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious homes.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Most of the township's population works in the industries of healthcare, construction, educational services, professional and technical services, finance, and insurance. One of the largest employers in Toms River is Community Medical Center, which is the largest and busiest healthcare facility in Ocean County.

FAMILY FUN

• Cattus Island County Park: Boasting nearly 500 acres of preserved wilderness, the park offers miles of hiking trails that allow residents and visitors to explore the surrounding coastline, forests, and wetlands. The park's Cooper Environmental Center displays collections of snakes and reptiles. Many of the park's activities are handicapped accessible.
• Winding River Park: This family-oriented park includes baseball fields, picnic areas, a playground, and a popular ice-skating rink.

SHOPPING

The Township of Toms River boasts two popular shopping centers, the Seacourt Pavilion and the Ocean County Mall. Located across the street from one another, they are the primarily source of retail sales in the township. The Ocean County Mall features more than a hundred stores and services, while the Seacourt Pavilion houses retail outlets and a movie theater.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Fine Arts Center: Part of the Ocean County College, the center presents a variety of musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year.

EVENTS

• Downtown Toms River Art & Music Festival: Part of a popular local music series, the festival showcases dance, music, and visual arts, and holds a competition with prizes for best artworks.
• Toms River Fest: A two-day music festival, the event takes place in August and draws an audience of roughly 15,000 music lovers each year. The concert lineup typically includes major pop, country, and rock bands. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks finale.
• Wooden Boat Festival: Wooden ships of all styles come from all over the world to line up along Toms River's waterways. The public is invited to board and tour many of the boats.
• Pizza, Pasta, Pastry Festival: Each September, chefs and artists alike set up their stands along Washington Street, offering food, entertainment and crafts to residents and visitors. The festival also features live music, and a variety of fun contests.
• New Jersey State Chili & Salsa Cook-Off: Held each year in May, the event is spicy enough to draw thousands of people from all over the tri-state area. Cooks compete for cash prizes, while visitors can purchase "Tasting Kits" to sample the cuisine.
• Ice Cream Festival: Part of the "Best in New Jersey" competition series, this event takes place each July, and also offers rides and entertainment.

EDUCATION

Ocean County College: A two-year community college founded in 1969, the school offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees, in addition to a number of certificate programs.