Brick’s Bayside Park, devastated during Superstorm Sandy and in relatively poor condition ever since, will undergo a major turnaround over the winter and retake its spot as one of Brick’s most beautiful public properties come spring.
The park, in the Normandy Beach section across Route 35 from Brick Beach III, is a major hot spot for crabbers and anglers during the summer. The park is also a place of respite for residents and visitors alike, who have enjoyed its gazebo surrounded by small intimate paths through the dune grass and native plants. The newly-rebuilt park will maintain all of these aspects and build on them, Mayor John Ducey said.
The township council on Monday night awarded a $722,022 contract to Price Construction, of Freehold, to undertake the rebuild. In a separate measure, the governing body awarded an $84,690 contract to Albert Marine, of Waretown, to rebuild the bulkhead and boardwalk that runs along the perimeter of the waterfront park.
“We’re going to construct it over the winter so it can be opened in time for Memorial Day weekend,” said Ducey. “That’s the goal – we want it to be enjoyed by everybody once the beaches are open.”
The park will feature extensive amenities, including fish cleaning and bait stations, a meditation “zen” garden (which may be used for waterside yoga practice) plus brand new playground equipment for children. Additionally, a cornhole game will be located at the park.
The signature gazebo will also be rebuilt and placed at the center of the park.
