Manchester Township is a township in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States. It is one of the largest and most populous municipalities in the county, with an area of 82.7 square miles and a population of 43,070 as of 2010. The township is known for its natural beauty, historical heritage, and diverse communities.
History
Manchester Township was founded by William Torrey for its namesake, a British manufacturing city, on April 5, 1865. It was the seventh municipality formed in Ocean County, after Little Egg Harbor Township (1740), Stafford Township (1750), Dover Township (now Toms River) (1767), Jackson Township (1844), Plumsted Township (1845), and Union Township (now Barnegat) (1850).
The township was originally a rural farming area that produced crops such as cranberries, blueberries, potatoes, corn, and hay. The township also had several industries such as lumber mills, iron works, glass factories, and brick yards.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the township experienced a growth of population and development due to the arrival of railroads, roads, and resorts. The township became a popular destination for tourists, vacationers, and retirees who enjoyed its scenic landscapes, lakes, rivers, and forests.
Some of the notable historical landmarks and events in Manchester Township include:
- The Lakehurst Naval Air Station: This is a military base that was established in 1917 as a training center for naval aviators. It is also famous for being the site of the Hindenburg disaster on May 6, 1937, when a German airship caught fire and crashed while landing at the base.
- The Whiting Hotel: This is a historic hotel that was built in 1898 by James A. Bradley, a prominent developer and founder of Asbury Park. The hotel was designed by Stanford White, a renowned architect who also designed Madison Square Garden and Washington Square Arch.
- Woodland Township: This is a historic township that was formed in 1866 from parts of Manchester Township and Pemberton Township. The township is home to several state forests and wildlife management areas, such as Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, and Franklin Parker Preserve.
Population
According to the 2010 census, Manchester Township had a population of 43,070, an increase of 25.1% from the 2000 census. The township had a population density of 536.1 people per square mile, and a land area of 81.4 square miles.
The racial composition of the township was 91.6% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population.
The median age of the township was 64 years, with 13.9% under the age of 18, 4% from 18 to 24, 11% from 25 to 44, 23% from 45 to 64, and 48% 65 years of age or older. The gender ratio was 46% male and 54% female.
The median household income in the township was $37,342, and the median family income was $46,150. The per capita income was $23,403. About 4% of families and 6% of individuals were below the poverty line, including 7% of those under age 18 and 5% of those age 65 or over.
Health
Manchester Township has several health care facilities and services for its residents, such as:
- Community Medical Center: This is a hospital that provides acute care, emergency care, surgical services, rehabilitation services, cancer care, cardiac care, and behavioral health services.
- Crestwood Manor: This is a senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and hospice care.
- Manchester Family Medical Center: This is a primary care clinic that offers family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health services.
- Ocean County Health Department: This is a public health agency that provides health education, disease prevention, immunization, environmental health, animal control, and emergency preparedness services.
The township also has several wellness and fitness centers, such as Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and Manchester Wellness Center.
The township has been proactive in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the guidelines and recommendations of the Ocean County Health Department, the New Jersey Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The township has implemented measures such as mask mandates, social distancing, testing, contact tracing, vaccination, and quarantine to protect its residents and staff from the virus.
Education
Manchester Township has a public school district that serves students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district consists of five schools:
- Whiting Elementary School: This school serves students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.
- Ridgeway Elementary School: This school serves students in grades one through five.
- Manchester Township Elementary School: This school serves students in grades one through five.
- Manchester Township Middle School: This school serves students in grades six through eight.
- Manchester Township High School: This school serves students in grades nine through twelve.
The district has a total enrollment of 3,057 students as of 2019-2020. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11.7 to 1, and a graduation rate of 93% as of 2018-2019.
The district offers various academic programs and extracurricular activities for its students, such as Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment courses, honors courses, special education services, gifted and talented programs, English language learners programs, career and technical education programs, athletics, clubs, arts, music, and community service.
The district also has a volunteer program that encourages parents, guardians, and community members to participate in various school activities and events. The district also conducts surveys and strategic planning sessions to solicit feedback and input from its stakeholders.
The district is overseen by a nine-member Board of Education that is elected by the township voters for three-year terms. The board sets policies, goals, and objectives for the district, and hires and evaluates the superintendent of schools.
In addition to the public school district, Manchester Township also has several private schools, such as:
- St. John’s Roman Catholic School: This school serves students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It offers a faith-based curriculum that integrates academics, religion, service, and character development.
- Manchester Christian Academy: This school serves students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It offers a Christian education that emphasizes biblical principles, academic excellence, and spiritual growth.
- The Goddard School: This school serves students in preschool through kindergarten. It offers a play-based curriculum that fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence.
Transport
Manchester Township has several modes of transportation for its residents and visitors, such as:
- Roads: The township is served by several major highways, such as Route 70, Route 37, Route 547, and County Route 571. The township is also accessible by Interstate 195, which connects to the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway.
- Rail: The township is served by the Lakehurst station of the NJ Transit River Line, which provides light rail service to Camden and Trenton. The township is also near the Hamilton station of the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, which provides commuter rail service to New York City and Philadelphia.
- Bus: The township is served by several bus routes of NJ Transit, such as Route 139 (to New York City), Route 317 (to Philadelphia), Route 559 (to Atlantic City), and Route 67 (to Toms River). The township also has local bus service provided by Ocean Ride, which operates fixed routes and dial-a-ride services within Ocean County.
- Air: The township is served by the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, which is a military airport that hosts various naval aviation activities and operations. The township is also near the Trenton-Mercer Airport, which is a regional airport that offers commercial flights to several destinations.
Recreation
Manchester Township has many recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors, such as:
- Parks: The township has several parks and open spaces that offer various amenities and activities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, sports fields, fishing ponds, and wildlife viewing. Some of the parks in the township are Harry Wright Lake Park, Pine Lake Park, Whiting Memorial Park, Manchester Township Community Park, and Heritage Minerals Park.
- Lakes: The township has several lakes that offer scenic views and water activities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Some of the lakes in the township are Lakehurst Lake, Pine Lake, Horicon Lake, and Crystal Lake.
- Golf: The township has several golf courses that cater to different skill levels and preferences, such as Renaissance Golf Club, Pine Ridge Golf Course, Cedar Glen Golf Course, and Fountain Green Golf Course.
- Museums: The township has several museums that showcase its history and culture, such as the Manchester Historical Museum, the Ocean County Historical Museum, the New Jersey Museum of Transportation (Pine Creek Railroad), and the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society Museum.
- Shopping: The township has several shopping centers and malls that offer a variety of goods and services, such as Manchester Plaza, Whiting Commons, Lakehurst Circle Shopping Center, and Ocean County Mall.
- Dining: The township has several restaurants and eateries that offer a range of cuisines and flavors, such as Italian, Chinese, Mexican, American, and seafood. Some of the popular dining spots in the township are Charlie’s Pizza & Restaurant, China King Restaurant, El Familiar Mexican Restaurant, The Mug Rack Diner, and Captain’s Inn Restaurant & Dockside Bar.
- Entertainment: The township has several entertainment venues and events that offer fun and excitement for all ages, such as the Strand Theater, the Surflight Theatre, the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, the Lakewood BlueClaws Baseball Stadium, and the Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park. The township also hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Manchester Day Festival, the Lakehurst Harvest Festival, the Whiting Fall Festival, and the Easter Egg Hunt
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