Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk Honored Among NJ's 'Great Places'

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — The Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk is a favorite place for lots of people to go spend time, whether it's a leisurely stroll, a night out dancing or a few hours to entertain the kids.

Now, it's been named one of the Great Places in New Jersey for 2022. The award is presented by the New Jersey chapter of the American Planning Association, and the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk is one of four honorees this year.

"Great Places in New Jersey represent the gold standard of exemplary character, quality and planning," the organization says. "These places have a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow."

The Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk was honored as "a historic attraction for Point Pleasant Beach for generations" that has "evolved over time to respond to the needs of the population it serves and the environment in which it exists," the organization said.

"Today, the current one-mile-long boardwalk is well-known for its Jersey Shore nightlife and attractions: bars, dance clubs, live music, restaurants, amusement rides, video arcades, games of chance, and a myriad of boardwalk gastronomic specialties from saltwater taffy, ice cream, and sweets to pizza, sausage sandwiches, and seafood. The boardwalk is also home to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, which is dedicated to public education on all aspects of marine life and conservation and rehabilitation, mainly focusing on local species," the award information said.

It highlighted the boardwalk's role in hosting events, including the annual Making Strides of Point Pleasant Beach breast cancer awareness walk, which is the fourth-largest walk in the country, and the Point Beach Cares: A Concert for Ukraine held in March that raised roughly $200,000 for Ukrainian aid.

It also highlighted the boardwalk's rebound from Superstorm Sandy and its accommodations for "all levels of mobility," through its construction of composite materials that make for a smooth surface and the 12 ADA-accessible public entrances "to the beautiful, wide beaches."

"Local organizations use the boardwalk for fundraising and hosting photo ops or press conferences; local schools often use the boardwalk as a class trip destination, and the boardwalk is where many local kids earn their first paycheck," the organization said.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra hailed the award as "the ultimate validation" of efforts to make the beach and boardwalk area a place that welcomed families.

"Four years ago when our team ran for office, the number one complaint we received revolved around the beach and boardwalk area," Kanitra said in announcing the award. "Residents and guests alike were frustrated with an abundance of litter and noise, a lack of direction, and the overall loss of a family-friendly atmosphere. We took those concerns seriously and worked tirelessly to institute numerous reforms."

Kanitra said Point Pleasant Beach and the other places honored will be celebrated at an event Dec. 15 with dignitaries from all over the state.

"We couldn’t be prouder," he said.