Ortley Beach's Rebirth Continues With Reopening Of Park

Despite the continued foot-dragging on dune protection, Ortley Beach continues to slowly rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

On Saturday, Bayside Park on Bay Boulevard was fully reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that preceded the protest march from the bay to the beach.

Reopening the park required extensive cleanup and repairs to restore it, Toms River officials said in a news release. Those repairs included restoring and reconstructing all facilities. The shoreline has been hardened and fortified with concrete armor matting and integrated wetlands plantings. In addition, all lighting was upgraded to LED, all sidewalks were replaced, and the bathrooms were upgraded with new doors, privacy partitions and fixtures. There were also significant landscape improvements and a sidewalk and sitting area was added near the south end of the park with a water view.

“We are finally able to reopen Bayside Park, which was totally destroyed during Sandy,” Mayor Thomas Kelaher said. “Whether you are a long-time resident or new to town, considering a move to our community or just visiting, we hope that you enjoy this beautiful, brand new park.”

The park has two tennis courts, two handball courts, a basketball court, a playground with swings and a pavilion.

There was no cost to taxpayers, as the project was fully funded by FEMA.

Damaged storm pipes that ran under the basketball court caused a delay in restoration of the park. The state Department of Transportation and Ocean County Road Department were required to complete repairs of the pipes prior to the township starting its repairs.

“The official reopening of Bayside Park is an important step in the recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. While it returns an important recreational facility to the community, it is more important as a symbol that our community is moving forward and progressing with our rebuilding efforts,” Council President Jeff J. Carr.

“The reopening of Bayside Park marks an enormous day in our town’s efforts to fully recover after Sandy. We are pleased to have this beautiful park reopened for all of our residents to enjoy,” said Councilwoman Maria Maruca, whose Ward 1 includes the park.

Bayside Park will be open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk. Equipped with LED lighting, the tennis and basketball courts will remain open until 10 p.m.

(Photos: 1. Members of the Ortley Beach Voters & Taxpayers Association celebrate the reopening of Bayside Park. 2. councilmen Maurice B. Hill, Brian S. Kubiel, Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, OBVTA President Paul Jeffrey, Council President Jeffrey J. Carr, and Councilman George E. Wittmann, cut the ribbon at Bayside Park. Credit: Stacy Proebstle, Toms River Township)