Liberty Oak Park’s name holds significance for township woman

After reading Freehold Township Committeeman David Salkin’s reply to a query regarding the renaming of Liberty Oak Park, I felt compelled to share with the residents of Freehold Township the history and origin of the name Liberty Oak Park.

The name was the result of a contest advertised and sponsored by the Township Committee in Freehold Township. Residents were invited to create and submit names with a short essay explaining the significance of the name. A committee of three members of the community (Elizabeth Oakley, Mike Blumberg and Bob Ferrell) was appointed to evaluate the many submissions and make a recommendation to the Township Committee. It was of particular importance to the committee that the name of the new park be universal and represent the spirit of the township. After careful review, the committee members selected the name Liberty Oak Park.

In a recent conversation with the young woman who created the name, she conveyed the essence of the term Liberty Oak. Liberty was inspired by the New Jersey state motto, "Liberty and Prosperity." It was to represent the American concept of freedom, so dearly defended on the battlefields nearby, and that the park was free and available for all to enjoy. The red oak is the state tree of New Jersey. Oak was to symbolize the strength and stability of the community. Hence, the name Liberty Oak Park.

There was a ceremony, an award to Diane Scarlini Losquadro for the very appropriate and meaningful name she created, and an oak was planted in the park to be ever present and to forever represent this spirit of freedom and strength.

Therefore, I take exception to Mr. Salkin’s statement that "We have a policy of naming parks and buildings after people who have contributed to the community, rather than just picking a name that doesn’t have any significance."

On the contrary, the name and the selection process were extremely meaningful and quite significant.

Gail Polise

Freehold Township