Ocean County · Waretown · Ocean Township · 08758
Waretown / Ocean Township
Waretown is the community identity at the heart of Ocean Township in Ocean County, where the Pine Barrens meet Barnegat Bay. The township combines bayfront neighborhoods, marinas and fishing with more than 900 acres of forest at Wells Mills County Park, a deep local shipbuilding history and one of New Jersey's best-known homes for traditional Pinelands music.
NJTGO uses Waretown as the shared page set for Ocean Township, Ocean County. This guide does not refer to the separate Ocean Township in Monmouth County.
Waretown and Ocean Township, Ocean County
Waretown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place within the Township of Ocean in Ocean County. Township government, schools, police, recreation and other municipal services serve the broader municipality from Waretown.
NJTGO Page IdentityWaretown is the canonical NJTGO page set for Ocean Township, Ocean County, preventing duplicate town and township pages.
Not Monmouth CountyNew Jersey also has a separate Township of Ocean in Monmouth County. Government, school, business and community information on this page is specific to Ocean County.
Township Municipal Building50 Railroad Avenue · Waretown, NJ 08758 · 609-693-3302.
Community SettingWaretown stretches from Barnegat Bay waterfront and lagoon neighborhoods west through Route 9 and into extensive Pinelands landscapes.
Waretown / Ocean Township at a Glance
9,314U.S. Census Bureau population estimate for July 1, 2025
8,835residents counted in the 2020 Census
32.9%of residents are age 65 or older in the 2020-2024 Census profile
1876year the Township of Ocean was incorporated
Community profile: Ocean Township blends year-round family neighborhoods, active-adult communities, historic Waretown, bayfront living, Route 9 businesses and large preserved Pinelands areas.
Waretown / Ocean Township, Ocean County · NJTGO community photo
Ocean Township Celebrates 150 Years · 1876-2026
Ocean Township is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. The Township was incorporated on April 13, 1876, bringing together Waretown and Brookville, and the anniversary program highlights the area's history, historic houses, music, parks and waterfront.
April 13, 1876Official incorporation date of the Township of Ocean in Ocean County.
150th Anniversary ParadeScheduled for August 29, 2026 at 10 a.m., beginning at Waretown Bayfront Park & Pier and continuing toward the Town Hall area.
Historic Homes TourThe Township created a self-guided Foundation Homes Walking Tour highlighting houses and families connected with the community's early years.
Little Red SchoolhouseThe Historical Society museum at 182 Wells Mills Road is a key anniversary destination for learning about Waretown history.
Community ExhibitionThe Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library hosts 150th-anniversary art, photography and essay exhibits during summer 2026.
Township EventsConcerts, fireworks, historic programs and community celebrations have been incorporated into the anniversary year.
From Waier's Mill to Waretown
Waretown's history reaches well before the Township's incorporation. The Township's 150th-anniversary history traces the community name to Abraham Waier, who arrived in the area in 1737 and established a gristmill.
1737 · Abraham WaierWaier settled in the area and established a gristmill. The place became known first as Waier's Mill and later as Waretown.
Revolutionary EraWaretown men served in the Fifth Company of the Monmouth Militia and local privateers participated in maritime action against British shipping.
Shipbuilding CommunityBirdsall, Soper and other local families operated bayfront shipyards, building vessels used in coastal trade carrying seafood, charcoal, lumber and other goods.
Late 1800sAs the age of sail faded, fishing, hunting and seasonal lodges became increasingly important to the local economy and identity.
1876 · Ocean TownshipThe Township of Ocean was incorporated with Waretown and Brookville as its historic population centers.
Modern WaretownGrowth along Route 9, lagoon and bayfront development, active-adult communities and preservation of the Pine Barrens created today's township.
Wells Mills County Park & the Pine Barrens
Wells Mills County Park at 905 Wells Mills Road is the largest park in the Ocean County park system, with approximately 910 acres of pine and oak forest.
Nature CenterThe renovated Nature Center features three floors of displays covering nature, local history, forest fires and other Pine Barrens topics.
TrailsMultiple hiking routes provide varying difficulty levels through forest, wetlands and lake landscapes.
Passive RecreationThe County currently designates Wells Mills for passive recreation, making it particularly useful for hiking, nature study, birding and quiet outdoor visits.
Seasonal Closing TimesThe park generally opens at 7 a.m., with closing time changing seasonally according to daylight.
Visitor tip: check Ocean County Parks for current trail conditions, nature-center programs and seasonal closing times before a longer hike.
Barnegat Bay, Waretown Bayfront & Boating
Waretown's eastern side opens onto Barnegat Bay, giving Ocean Township a strong boating, fishing and waterfront identity.
Waretown Bayfront Park & PierAt the end of Bryant Road with a fishing pier, benches, bay views and community-event use.
Sands Point Park & Boat Ramp49 Dock Avenue · boat launch, fishing pier, fish-cleaning facility, trailer parking, tennis, pickleball, playground, picnic tables and restrooms.
Crystal Bay Peninsula ParkPassive waterfront park at the end of Tuscarora Avenue with benches and picnic tables.
Marinas & LagoonsWaretown's bayfront and lagoon neighborhoods support marinas, private docks, recreational boating, fishing and access to Barnegat Bay.
FishingBay, pier, freshwater and charter-fishing opportunities are an important part of Waretown's outdoor economy and recreation.
Water SafetyBoaters should review current weather, tides, New Jersey boating requirements, navigation conditions and local marina procedures before departure.
Albert Music Hall: Pinelands Music in Waretown
Albert Music Hall at 131 Wells Mills Road is one of Waretown's signature cultural institutions. Operated by the Pinelands Cultural & Historical Preservation Society, it has presented traditional music since 1974.
Every SaturdayAlbert Music Hall presents live country, bluegrass, folk, Americana, old-time and Pinelands music nearly every Saturday night year-round.
2026 Special ShowsThe current calendar includes bluegrass, outlaw country, Pineystock, songwriters, Heritage Fest, Jersey Devil, Veterans and holiday-themed programs.
Affordable Community VenueTypical Saturday shows remain intentionally inexpensive and the nonprofit venue offers free parking and wheelchair accessibility.
Living Pinelands CultureThe hall preserves more than artifacts—it keeps the region's musical traditions active through performances, jams, volunteers and community participation.
Parks, Recreation & Trails
Corliss Park Lake & Recreation Area182 Wells Mills Road · fishing lake, dog park, playground, picnic tables, restrooms and lighted pickleball courts. Current Township concerts are held here.
Tuomey Park239 11th Street · baseball, basketball, horseshoes, children's playground and picnic tables.
Waretown Bayfront Park & PierFishing pier, benches, waterfront views and a gathering place for Township events.
Sands Point Park / Boat RampMulti-use waterfront recreation with launch facilities, fishing, courts, playground and picnic space.
Crystal Bay Peninsula ParkQuiet passive waterfront recreation at the end of Tuscarora Avenue.
Barnegat Branch TrailCounty rail-trail following the former Central Railroad of New Jersey corridor between Barnegat and Toms River, including a Waretown/Ocean Township segment.
Current trail work: Ocean County Parks reports maintenance work on the Barnegat Branch Trail in Ocean and Lacey Townships, including fencing, bollards, signage, paved approaches and resurfacing. Temporary closures may occur in work areas.
Township Government & Public Safety
Township of Ocean50 Railroad Avenue · Waretown, NJ 08758 · 609-693-3302.
MayorKen Baulderstone serves as Mayor in 2026.
Township CommitteeDeputy Mayor Lydia M. Dodd and Committeeman Ben LoParo serve with Mayor Baulderstone on the three-member Township Committee.
Municipal GovernmentVoters elect Township Committee members to staggered three-year terms. The Committee selects a mayor annually from among its members.
Ocean Township Police50 Railroad Avenue · Waretown · 609-693-4007. Chief of Police: Michal J. Rogalski.
Public Works & ServicesTownship departments provide public works, recreation, construction/code functions, tax services, emergency management and other municipal services.
Ocean Township Schools
Ocean Township School District serves Waretown children through sixth grade. Students then continue to Southern Regional School District, where Waretown is a sending district for grades 7-12.
Waretown Elementary SchoolPreK-Grade 2 · 64 Railroad Avenue · Waretown · 609-693-3131
Frederic A. Priff SchoolGrades 3-6 · 139 Wells Mills Road · Waretown · 609-693-3131
Southern Regional Middle SchoolGrades 7-8 · Southern Regional campus, Manahawkin. Waretown is an official sending district.
Southern Regional High SchoolGrades 9-12 · 105 Cedar Bridge Road · Manahawkin · 609-597-9481.
Current district structure: Waretown Elementary serves PreK-2 and Frederic A. Priff serves grades 3-6. Older references that show different local grade configurations should not be relied upon for current enrollment planning.
Ocean County Library · Waretown Branch
Waretown Branch112 Main Street · Waretown, NJ 08758 · 609-693-5133.
Current HoursMonday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Sunday.
Community ProgramsThe branch supports children, teens, adults, readers, writers and community organizations with year-round programs and resources.
150th Anniversary RoleThe library is one of the community venues participating in Ocean Township's 2026 anniversary programming and exhibitions.
Little Red Schoolhouse Museum
The Historical Society of Waretown operates the Little Red Schoolhouse Museum at 182 Wells Mills Road. The building is a faithful replica of the schoolhouse that served Waretown children for 83 years before the current Waretown Elementary School opened.
Local HistoryCollections cover Waretown families, education, maritime history, community development and everyday life across generations.
Original School BellThe replica incorporates the original school bell in its tower, linking the museum directly to the earlier schoolhouse.
2026 ReopeningThe Historical Society reopened the museum following renovations and expansion, including new exhibit and gathering space.
Summer HoursThe Society publishes Friday afternoon openings during July and August along with monthly open houses and special events; verify current hours before visiting.
Community Events & Activities
Summer Concert SeriesOcean Township's 2026 concerts are held at Corliss Park Lake & Recreation Area with a lineup of regional bands and community entertainment.
Bayfront FireworksWaretown Bayfront Park & Pier is a centerpiece for the Township's annual fireworks celebration and other waterfront gatherings.
150th Anniversary ProgramsHistoric tours, contests, exhibits, concerts, commemorations and the August 29 parade mark the Township's sesquicentennial year.
Albert Music HallWeekly performances and special shows give Waretown a year-round live-music schedule unusual for a community its size.
Recreation ProgramsTownship recreation offers adult and youth programs, classes and trips throughout the year.
Fishing & BoatingBayfront access, boat ramps, marinas, fishing piers and freshwater recreation support an active outdoor community.
Places of Worship
The following are representative local congregations and community faith institutions in Waretown. Service times and programs can change.
Barnegat Bay Assembly of God378 Route 9 · Waretown
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church367 Route 9 · Waretown
Waretown United Methodist Church27 Bryant Road · Waretown
Community Faith ResourcesAdditional congregations are available in nearby Barnegat, Forked River/Lacey and Manahawkin.
Getting Around Waretown
Garden State Parkway · Exit 69Waretown's principal Parkway interchange provides fast north-south regional access.
U.S. Route 9Main commercial and local north-south corridor through Waretown, connecting Barnegat and Lacey Township.
Wells Mills Road · County Route 532Major east-west route connecting Route 9, schools, Albert Music Hall, Corliss Park and Wells Mills County Park.
Barnegat Bay RoadsBryant Road, Dock Avenue and lagoon-community streets provide access toward the bayfront, pier, ramps and marinas.
Barnegat Branch TrailWalking and bicycling route following the historic rail corridor north and south through the region.
Car-Oriented CommunityWaretown covers a broad area from bay to Pinelands, so a car is the most practical way to combine waterfront, parks, shopping and regional destinations.
Nearby Communities
Barnegat TownshipSouthern neighbor with Route 9 shopping, services, residential neighborhoods and access toward Barnegat Bay.
Forked River / Lacey TownshipNorthern neighbor and major nearby source of shopping, dining, marinas, recreation and community services.
Manahawkin / Stafford TownshipMajor Southern Ocean County shopping, healthcare and employment center reached via Parkway or Route 9.
Long Beach IslandBarrier-island beaches, restaurants and attractions are reachable through Manahawkin and Route 72.
Barnegat LightNorthern LBI destination known for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and maritime character.
Toms RiverOcean County's largest regional center for government, healthcare, shopping and employment north of Waretown.
Explore the Full Waretown / Ocean Township Guide
Business & ShoppingRoute 9 businesses, marine services, healthcare, home services, professional services and everyday shopping.
Food & DrinkRestaurants, seafood, pizza, casual dining, markets and nearby dining options with verified dietary badges where supported.
Real EstateBayfront and lagoon homes, traditional neighborhoods, active-adult communities, taxes, flood considerations and buyer resources.
Visiting & LodgingWells Mills County Park, Albert Music Hall, Waretown history, bayfront recreation, boating and regional lodging.
ClassifiedsLocal marketplace categories, boating gear, yard sales, community notices, lost and found and resident announcements.
JobsTownship, schools, marine, healthcare, retail, trades, hospitality and regional Southern Ocean County employment.
Official & Public Resources
Township of Ocean · Ocean CountyOfficial Waretown municipal government, departments, services, meetings, notices and current community information.
Township CommitteeCurrent mayor, deputy mayor, committeeman, agendas and government structure.
150th AnniversaryOfficial 2026 anniversary programs, historic-home tour, contests and community events.
Township Parks & FacilitiesCurrent parks, waterfront access, boat ramp and recreation-facility information.
Wells Mills County ParkOcean County's official park page with acreage, hours, trails and Nature Center information.
Barnegat Branch TrailOfficial County trail information and current maintenance notices.
Ocean Township School DistrictCurrent PreK-6 schools, calendars, registration and district information.
Southern Regional School DistrictGrades 7-12 school information for Waretown students.
Ocean County Library · WaretownCurrent branch address, hours and library access.
Historical Society of WaretownLittle Red Schoolhouse Museum, local history, tours and current programs.
Albert Music HallNonprofit cultural venue with current Pinelands music schedule and visitor information.
U.S. Census Bureau · Ocean Township, Ocean CountyOfficial population and demographic statistics for the correct Ocean Township.
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