Toms River to Build Kayak Launch, Storage in Ortley Beach

Kayak (Credit: Arnold de Leon/ Flickr)

Toms River officials are planning to build kayak launches in numerous locations around town as well as racks where they can be stored by residents – and three are expected to be ready for this summer, including one in Ortley Beach.

“We’re adding a number of racks and launches along the Toms River and along the waterways,” said Township Administrator Don Guardian. “Three have been adopted for this year.”

The Ortley Beach launch will be located at the Docksider Marina, which is a small, private facility next to the large Docksider condominium development on a lagoon off 1919 Bay Boulevard.

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“We couldn’t find township property that had safe parking, access and egress, so it made sense to look for a marina,” said Guardian, of the Ortley Beach site. “We are leasing two spaces, building an ADA-approved dock and a kayak rack so residents can lock up their kayaks.”

The other two sites – both on the mainland – will be located at the Money Island beach, where residents already launch kayaks, and behind the former Red Carpet Motel on Water Street. Work to build that launch will begin after the motel is torn down in the coming weeks. The location was chosen because of its access to the narrows of the Toms River as well as nearby parking.

Docksider Marina, Ortley Beach, March 2019. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

The launches will also include a few benches as well as parking for kayak trailers. Guardian said all three sites are planned to be in place by this summer, pending state Department of Environmental Protection approval.