Community Corner

Though Battered by Sandy, Ortley Beach Welcomes Recreation This Summer

A portion of the devastated community's beach will be open in 2013

Though ravaged by Superstorm Sandy, Toms River officials said that a section of Ortley Beach will be restored and open for recreation this summer. 

If all goes well, the plan is to have the section of beach between 2nd and 5th Avenues open on weekends beginning Saturday, May 25, according to Recreation Department Program Manager Jared Tate. 

Then, starting on June 22, the beach will open daily. Lifeguard hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Tate said there is a chance the beach opening may be delayed a weekend or two depending on how restoration efforts progress. 

This year, beach badges will remain at the $35 presale rate all season -- they will not increase to $50 as in years past. Toms River residents age 62 and older are entitled to a lifetime senior beach pass for free.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Badges will be available for sale only at the beach.

Sand will be cleaned prior to the beach's opening and Tate said that fire department divers and lifeguards will examine the ocean to ensure that hazardous debris was not deposited by Sandy. 

"As far as we know, there's nothing big in there," he said. 

The 3rd Avenue parking lot is expected to be reconstructed by May 24 and will feature 150 parking spaces, up from 138 before Sandy struck. Temporary restrooms will be available at the parking lot. 

Senior passes can be picked up at the Toms River Recreation Administration Building (1810 Warren Point Rd.) or Senior Center (652 Garfield Ave.). 

For questions about beach badges, the number to call is (732) 341-1000 Ext. 8415. 

Daily badges cost $7 and $8 on the weekends, and are available at beach entrances. Children under 12 are free.

Free street parking is available year round.

Joey Harrison's Surf Club, which offered a private beach in Ortley, was destroyed by Sandy and will not be open this year. 


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