def #222 10/19/09
COUNTY TAKES STEPS TO CREATE FISHING PIER PARK
BRICK TOWNSHIP – Ocean County has unveiled plans on a new county park that will complement the area surrounding
the Mantoloking Bridge and tap into Barnegat Bay’s natural recreational activities.
The spit of land located on Barnegat Bay will be crafted into a park that will include lighted paths, a boardwalk,
benches, two multiuse piers, a clam hatchery, a gazebo, a bait cutting and fish cleaning station and interpretive
exhibits.
“This is a very unique park we are building in Ocean County,” said Freeholder Director John C. Bartlett Jr., who serves
as liaison to the Ocean County’s Department of Parks and Recreation. “This park, situated on a little more than two and
a half acres, will highlight many recreational activities that are related to Barnegat Bay including crabbing and
fishing.”
Bartlett recently unveiled the plans for the new park during a meeting of the Brick Township Mayor and Council.
The park will be located on the northwest side of the Mantoloking Bridge.
Bartlett noted the county took advantage of an exceptional opportunity to create the park when it partnered with Brick
Township to buy the property, which is adjacent to the Mantoloking Bridge, which connects Brick Township to Mantoloking.
“When we opened the new Mantoloking Bridge in 2006, a unique feature to the span was the adjacent 152-foot fishing pier
which is actually a portion of the former bridge.” Bartlett said. “However, this new park greatly expands the recreational
activities in the area. By featuring two new piers, one 130-feet long and the other 70-feet long, residents and visitors
alike will be able to crab and fish while enjoying a host of other amenities at the new park.”
In addition to using the piers, visitors can stroll the new boardwalk, they can picnic in the picnic area, take shelter
from the sun in a 20-foot by 12-foot sun shelter, relax in the gazebo or take a walk along the lighted paths.
“The new park will nicely complement the area of Traders Cove and provide residents with a great place to enjoy the bay
and all it has to offer,” Bartlett said.
Bartlett said the county expects to go out to bid for the work at the beginning of the New Year and would anticipate
construction of the park to take about nine months.
The work is estimated to cost about $2.4 million.
“This area is very popular already,” Bartlett noted. “Many people have been using the pier for fishing and also have been
crabbing in the area under the bridge.”
The new park will also provide parking for 55 vehicles, restroom facilities and a sun shelter.
“This park will be great not only during the tourism season but also for our year-round residents,” Bartlett said. “It
combines a part of this county’s rich history and our bay heritage. It will bring a number of recreational benefits to
Brick Township, Mantoloking and the surrounding area.”
