N. Middletown residents enjoying the obstacle course.
Nothing brings a neighborhood together like sharing good treats and good times. That’s why the Affordable Housing Alliance teamed up with the Ideal Beach Community Association (IBCA) to transform Roosevelt Park in North Middletown into a full-on extravaganza of fun on August 25, 2026. An ice cream truck, an inflatable obstacle course, boardwalk games, and a beautiful late-summer evening set the stage. The local residents brought the fun.
The Affordable Housing Alliance works to strengthen the fabric of communities like North Middletown by fostering a deeper sense of connection and belonging through outreach, community events, and partnerships that support residents of all ages. The strong outcomes were certainly on display at the ice cream social. For this event, we teamed up with the IBCA, an organization whose mission is to protect, improve, and preserve the local neighborhood and enhance the quality of life for residents near the Raritan Bay. Looking to add members and to increase their impact, the organization was delighted to work together with the AHA and bring some fun to town for North Middletown.
For two hours, tiny Roosevelt Park seemed to grow three times as big in order to accommodate all the fun as attendees enjoyed ice cream treats from Scooper Stars, navigated the obstacle course, and enjoyed fun games like Duck Hunt, Connect Four, and Balloon Pop.
N. Middletown residents try their luck at boardwalk games.
AHA has worked for many months to build strong relationships with the people of Middletown and the IBCA. Connecting with residents, local businesses, and town officials has been critical to our growing presence. Together we are advancing a shared vision for equitable growth promoting stability, building climate resilience, and ensuring that revitalization benefits all who call the Bayshore home.
North Middletown Residents enjoying free ice cream.
Kathy Howard, a founding member of the IBCA and its current treasurer, was very pleased with the event’s outcome, noting that “The IBCA was thrilled to see so many local families enjoying the festivities at the Ice Cream Social. Working with the Affordable Housing Alliance to bring this lighthearted fun to the neighborhood didn’t just make for a wonderful community event, it also helped us to advance our goals to expand interest and engagement in our organization in order for us to better serve North Middletown.”
AHA and IBCA interact with neighbors at the Ice Cream Social.
AHA gratefully acknowledges the PNC Bank Foundation and M&T Bank Foundation for their investment in community outreach throughout AHA’s NRTC communities. Special thanks to Scooper Stars, and Shore Inflatables for their participation in the day’s festivities.
As a charter member of the NeighborWorks America network of nearly 250 organizations, AHA is proud to be part of a movement dedicated to affordable housing, financial stability, and strong neighborhoods. When we take care of our shared spaces, we take care of each other.