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Now That Summer Is Here, Township Beach Upgrades Are Underway
By Catherine Snipe
The inevitable summer flock to township beaches is underway, and beachgoers were greeted to some improvements to shore facilities when they got there.
In a recent round of upgrades, the Brick Township Public Works Department focused on aging wood planks at the township beaches, replacing them with a composite plastic.
At Brick Beach I, Route 35 North, workers are replacing the wood in the boardwalk and shower area with plastic composite material. Beaches I and III also have a new shower.
"Our ocean beaches are the most popular place to be during the summer," said Mayor Dan Kelly in a prepared statement. "These improvements will make going to the beach a safer and more enjoyable experience this summer."
Officials said they chose to replace wood planks not just because of their age, but because plastic composite is a better material. The material does not require any sanding or staining, and it does not splinter, making the maintenance costs much less than wood.
Besides the lack of splinters, it is also durable, making the area safer for beachgoers. Elsewhere, outdoor-grade wood was treated with arsenic, whereas plastic composite leaches no such chemical into the ground.
Kelly said the materials for the project cost $16,363.
In the spring, the project calendar was impacted by rough seasonal weather, but "the weather finally cooperated and gave them the opportunity to tackle the beach project. They have done a fantastic job and I have no doubt beachgoers will be impressed," Kelly said.
Next season, more improvements may be due, such as a new concession stand completed at Brick Beach I, Kelly said.
Beach III's concession stand was due for a roof, which the township council awarded the bid for in September.
Smaller improvements include the addition of recycling bins at other recreational areas in Brick. The recycling cans sit alongside trash cans and help collect plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
In other locations, graffiti remains a problem and township officials are encouraging those who spot vandalism in the township's parks and beaches to report it for clean up. Public works has removed vandalism in recreational areas throughout April and May.
While Brick Township is located on the mainland, Beaches I, II and II are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, across Barnegat Bay. Township Beaches I and III are off Route 35, South Mantoloking. Beach passes are available on a daily or seasonal basis at either the beach or in the municipal building on 401 Chambersbridge Road. Seasonal parking passes can also be purchased at the recreation office. Beach II is primarily used for fishing.
Windward Beach, on the mainland, is the fourth shorefront used for a variety of activities ranging from horseshoes to large-scale concerts.
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