Hundreds of families from the Lakewood area gathered Sunday afternoon at the John Patrick Sports Complex on Vine Avenue for the annual Fall Festival at Common Grounds Community Garden, enjoying a beautiful day filled with outdoor activities, entertainment, and community engagement.

Under sunny skies, visitors explored the garden’s colorful flowers and vegetables while children enjoyed a petting zoo, rides, and other attractions. The festival also featured local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations offering information and services to attendees.

The annual festival is organized by Common Grounds Community Garden, a project led by Tova Herskovits, founder and director of One Ocean County, and Ayala Schlossberg, head gardener. Developed with support from Lakewood Township and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the garden has become a gathering place for residents from diverse backgrounds, encouraging community connections through gardening and shared activities.

Members of the Lakewood Police Department and Department of Public Works have also played an active role in developing and maintaining the garden since its establishment.

Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein praised the initiative, saying the garden and its annual festival provide opportunities for residents to enjoy nature, strengthen community relationships, and build connections with local government.

Herskovits expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and thanked Lakewood Township, local departments, volunteers, and sponsors for their continued support. She noted that contributions from the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Jewish Federation of Ocean County, and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus helped keep the festival free to the public for the fifth consecutive year.

Additional participating organizations included Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County, Ocean County Library, Ocean County Parks and Recreation, Lakewood Resource and Referral Center, and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.