Freeholders will support upgrades to planetarium

Noting the successful fundraising efforts that have been undertaken so far to upgrade and renovate the Robert J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College, Toms River, the Ocean County Board of Freeholders is poised to follow through on its commitment to fund the building's renovations.

"The Ocean County College Founda-tion, under the leadership of Steve Leone and Robert Fall, has been very successful in its fundraising efforts to purchase new equipment for the Novins Planetarium," Freeholder James F. Lacey said. "The Reach for the Stars campaign has brought in pledges totaling $375,000 which certainly helps the efforts to upgrade this very popular facility.

"This effort is also being helped by the Save the Planetarium Fund, a community effort which is also raising money for the facility," Lacey said.

And, the Ocean County College Foundation has pledged its proceeds - about $250,000 - from its annual gala to the fundraising efforts.

Last week Lacey asked his colleagues on the Board of Freeholders to join him in supporting appropriating $2 million to renovate the planetarium building on the college campus off Hooper Avenue.

"This is really more than just bricks and mortar," Freeholder Director John P. Kelly said. "This is a facility that has served generations of school children in the county. Making it the best facility possible is our goal and we are on the road to doing just that."

According to a press release from the freeholders, Ocean County has received a preliminary budget from the college administration outlining what will be needed to renovate the building.

An initial budget for the planetarium building renovations is approximately $1.5 million and includes the cost of upgrading the theater and support rooms, upgrades to the lobby, bathroom facilities, building facade and support spaces in addition to mechanical and electrical improvements.

"These renovations will improve the planetarium's programs and events as well as expand the educational use of the building for college students," Lacey said. "To ensure sufficient funding, I would request that this board introduce an appropriation ordinance of $2 million to put the funds in place that will be required to make these necessary renovations to the Novins Planetarium."

Once the ordinance is in place, the funds can be formally used by the college to begin renovations.

"This board is pleased to be able to provide the funding for this important program to continue at our community college," Lacey said. "We applaud the college board of trustees, the college foundation members and especially the Ocean County community for their outpouring of financial support for the planetarium."

The planetarium has been part of the college community for more than 30 years and provides cultural and educational programs for more than 30,000 visitors each year. Age and time, however, has taken its toll on the facilities, resulting in the need for upgrades and renovations.