Portion of Ortley Beach Expected to be Open for Recreation This Summer

A portion of Ortley Beach is expected to be open for recreation this summer after Superstorm Sandy caused considerable damage in the area. 

The current plan, which Toms River Recreation Director Jared Tate said remains "a changing situation," allows for a section of the north beach between approximately 2nd and 5th Avenues to be accessible during the summer of 2013. 

"Right now, that's the plan to be our beach," Tate said during a Recreation Committee meeting Monday night.

The southern portion of the beach "isn't going to have that accessibility," Tate said, given the condition of the roadway and beach structures in the area.

"We're hoping that people will still come out to see Ortley Beach," he said. 

Ortley Beach's boardwalk was lost to Sandy and is in the process of being rebuilt. According to the township, it may be ready in mid-August, though that timeframe remains "subject to favorable weather conditions."

Reconstruction work is moving ahead on the Lord House, since a plan was already in place to rehabilitate that lifeguard headquarters and public restroom before Sandy struck. The township will be considering options with respect to the reconstruction of the Block House once work is underway for the Lord House, officials have said.

"We are planning on having the parking lot ready," Tate said.

Lifeguards will be stationed at the beach, but "to a lesser extent than last year," Tate said. "So one of the things we're working out now is staffing."

Reconstruction work on Route 35 through the area will be ongoing this summer, and Toms River officials have said that they expect the season to be full of rebuilding. 

The township suspended the issuance of beach buggy permits for 2013, citing poor conditions following Sandy and continued reconstruction efforts. Permits are issued on an annual basis, meaning no one will be able to operate a buggy on the beach during that time.