Traders Cove Boaters Facility Opens In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Boaters stopping at Traders Cove Marina for a short stay will have access to showers, laundry facilities and a lounge in the new boaters lounge at the marina that opened to the public Wednesday.

The $1.39 million facility, funded in part by a 2010 federal grant Brick Township accepted for the development of Traders Cove several years ago, is designed primarily to serve transient boaters, who come and dock and stay overnight.

The facility was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday that included township officials, boaters, residents and dignitaries, the township said in a news release.

“This facility will enhance the appeal of Traders Cove to boaters and will offer them conveniences such as showers and laundry,” Mayor John Ducey said. “It is our expectation that these transient boat slips will be filled with boats all season long for years to come.”

The cost of the transient boaters lounge facility was $1,396,960 and was funded in the township's 2013 capital budget, township officials said. Part of that funding came from an $807,501 National Boating Infrastructure Grant awarded by the federal Department of the Interior in 2010 that was to pay for the installation of a transient boating dock, gangway and the building.

The boaters lounge facility provides restrooms for the public as well as a lounge, laundry facilities, restrooms and showers for transient boaters. The transient boater facilities will be accessible with key-codes that are provided to transient boater customers, officials said. Transient boaters are generally defined as those who stay 10 days or fewer at a marina.

Traders Cove has 20 slips for transient boaters with electricity and freshwater provided as part of the transient fees. The marina has 140 boat slips overall and expanded its floating docks for jetskis this year.

The building was designed by Barlo Associates and the construction was done by Wallace Contracting, which was awarded the contract one year ago, at the Aug. 23, 2016, council meeting. Both firms are based in Brick Township.

The Traders Cove site was purchased in 2005 to stop the development of high-density condominiums, with funding from the township and Ocean County. A portion of the site was turned into the Mantoloking Bridge County Park and the remainder renovated by Brick Township into the marina and park that were officially opened in 2013.

The proposal that was submitted with the application for the National Boating Infrastructure Grant included the following description: "The Redevelopment Plan envisions a 'Marina and Park' that includes the amenities necessary for marina operations (docks, bulkheads, parking, boat ramps, maintenance facilities, laundry, restrooms, showers, etc.), while also providing an all-season public waterfront park complete with waterfront walkways, playground, water play features, café/kiosk, benches, and recreational fishing opportunities. The primary impetus for the transient portion of the project was originated in the planning process’ recognition that 1) the adjoining Intracoastal Waterway is a transient boating marketplace, 2) the proposed Marina & Park will provide a unique destination for transients in need of tie-up facilities, and 3) visiting transients will provide a “value-added” atmosphere to the marina and park that comes with the uniqueness of the community and its vessels."

Boaters seeking information on Traders Cove Marina, including the availability of transient slips, can call the township at 732-920-7373.

Photos provided by Brick Township