Ortley Beach’s 96 New Kayak Racks Will Be Repositioned at Bayside Park

Kayak racks being constructed at Bayside Park, Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., March 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)

In a compromise between residents favoring more access to Barnegat Bay and some who were concerned a series of kayak racks would block their view of the sunset at Bayside Park and degrade the area’s aesthetics, the township has said they will move the racks to a location that makes better use of the space.

“We’re moving them,” confirmed Mayor Dan Rodrick. “They’re going to be moved.”

The appearance of the racks near the streetside on Bay Boulevard turned the heads of a few neighborhood residents, who said they were surprised to see the racks placed there. In all, there are 48 racks which hold 96 kayaks. Bayside Park is located on Ortley Cove near Third Avenue, just north of the Docksider marina and condominium complex. The township had been paying $12,000 annually for 12 racks holding 24 kayaks at the marina, however there were only two parking spaces reserved for kayakers and some residents reportedly had trouble navigating the steps of the marina – traditionally used by power boats – with heavy kayaks.

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The new kayak racks are based on a similar set of racks at the Belmar municipal marina in Monmouth County.

“The location where the other kayaks were had about 12 racks, and we a countless number of people looking for racks,” said Rodrick, adding that the Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association had originally favored racks at the park.

Regardless, after a number of complaints about locating the racks close to Bay Boulevard came in, Rodrick said he and his staff looked to move their location and quickly authorized the work to be completed.

Kayak racks being constructed at Bayside Park, Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., March 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Kayak racks being constructed at Bayside Park, Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., March 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)

“I believe we got seven complaints, but rather guess about who wants them and who doesn’t, we’re going to move them to be behind the fencing and the tennis courts,” the mayor said. “What we’re trying to do is be more responsive to Ortley Beach and the island which we believe has been left behind for many, many years. I’m very sorry that what we did was offensive to some people – it really was just us trying to do something positive for the community.”

A few residents at a township council meeting advocated for higher fees for kayak storage to generate revenue, however Rodrick said the goal of the racks was to serve the community and provide additional recreation rather than use the park as a money-making venture.

While a few residents, for a number of reasons, were not fond of the original location of the racks, the park was always intended as a space for a kayak launch, officials said.

Kayak racks being constructed at Bayside Park, Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., March 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Kayak racks being constructed at Bayside Park, Ortley Beach, Toms River, N.J., March 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)

“When I took office in January of 2022, people said they were upset because Bayside Park was supposed to have been the location of the launch,” said Councilman Justin Lamb, who represents the barrier island ward.

A group of residents who came to the meeting last week indicated they were happy that the location would be changed.

“It is great that you’re moving them, and putting them behind the tennis courts are a good idea, but you’re probably going to have to move the swingset back some more,” said Third Avenue resident Gary Zampella.

Rodrick said the swingset would only have to be moved by a minimal amount.

The racks themselves will be moved on a weekend when manpower is available and the weather cooperates.

“There are so many requests that come in that we didn’t anticipate people being upset … but I thought we could move it, and I’ve already authorized the overtime,” said Rodrick. “It just has to occur on a weekend since we’re getting all the parks ready in town.”