On Wednesday morning, Craig Theibault was joined by family, friends and area government officials as Lakewood Township dedicated the beautiful new “Theibault Family Garden” in Pine Park.
This colorful oasis of tranquility sits alongside the Lakewood Historical Museum, dedicated in honor of Craig, a lifelong fixture on the Lakewood scene, and his family. Craig’s Lakewood ancestry traces back to the Rockefeller era and he been active for decades in local government, serving on the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission and Municipal Utilities Authority, as well as leading local Republican Party activities.
The new garden features a slew of colorful flowers and plants, as well as a Japanese Red Cut Leaf Maple Tree planted in honor of Arbor Day 2025. A wood entranceway and fencing surround the garden, which also features benches and an array of dedications inscribed in brick. Lakewood Department of Public Works (DPW) crews helped plant and maintain the beautiful garden, whose new irrigation system was sponsored by A&C Sprinkler of Toms River.
Craig was joined by his wife Gina; and other family members, who traveled from as far as Delaware and Florida; a large group of friends; as well as all members of the Lakewood Township Committee; State Senator Bob Singer; Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines; and various other government officials and employees.
This strong show of love and unity was not lost upon attendees.
Mayor Ray Coles noted that while he and Craig are leaders in opposing political parties, they always shared a common goal. “Craig has dedicated his life towards Lakewood and all people of Lakewood,” the Mayor stressed.
“Party affiliation or background never mattered. This sense of service towards the common good is unique and permeates Lakewood government. We all owe Craig immense gratitude for helping foster that.”
Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller noted how the Theibault Family’s Lakewood roots were always evident in Craig’s activities. “Craig and his Family are literally as they call ‘the furniture of Lakewood’ and they’re practically synonymous with Ridge Avenue,” he exclaimed. “It has been an honor to work together with Craig all these decades on behalf of Lakewood. And it is an honor to dedicate this beautiful garden as a tribute today.”
Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes was visibly emotional as she presented an official Township Proclamation in honor of her longtime friend. “This Garden is a place where Lakewood residents will sit, reflect and enjoy – for many years to come,” says Committeewoman Fuentes. “This is such a powerful tribute to all that Craig has done to improve life in Lakewood in so many ways.”
Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein noted that the rich greenery in the Garden is a particularly ideal testament to Craig’s years of work on the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission.
“Lakewood has seen substantial population growth and development over the years, and still maintains lots of green spaces for residents to enjoy,” he explained, surrounded by the 149 acre park. “Craig was influential in maintaining and planting trees in Lakewood’s natural spaces, including the beautiful park in which this Garden has been dedicated.”
Committeeman Isaac Akerman noted the tranquil, peaceful aura in the Garden. “Craig was always a man of peace, and a force for peace and cooperation amongst the political turmoil that can be found in government,” he exclaimed. “This beautiful Garden is the perfect tribute to Craig’s service to Lakewood, and how he served Lakewood.”
