Ocean City Details $8M Sandcastle Park Project

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City plans to begin work after Labor Day on a full-block reconstruction of Sand Castle Park on 34th Street, with city officials saying the project should be ready by next summer.

During a recent town hall meeting, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian urged residents to seek information from the city rather than social media.

“So if you want the facts, come to us,” Gillian said, adding that the city website and elected officials are available to answer questions.

The project covers “a whole block” and is intended to remake the site “curb to curb,” Gillian said. The work is backed in part by a $3.5 million county grant. The overall project cost is about $8 million, according to the remarks, and the city will be “looking for more.”

The park has been themed for Martin Z. Mollusk so it has “a little more Ocean City flavor to it,” Gillian. The timeline was pushed back somewhat because it had been difficult to get materials, Gillian said. The playground equipment is now in stock at the manufacturer, easing concerns that an order could be delayed.

The updated playground will be twice as big as originally planned, according to Gillian, who also noted that an early concept circulating online was outdated.

Additional features outlined during the presentation include two turf courts, four hard courts, renovated bathrooms and storage space. Officials also said a small stage will be added in front of the building, along with turf for events.

The project also includes one basketball court that “is going to be adaptable dunk court,” with Gillian saying that feature is for “special needs people.” Gillian thanked Councilman Tony Polcini in connection with that court.

Gillian said the renovated site will also have “brand new family bathrooms” and shaded areas to help protect children from the sun. He said the city had been trying to build more neighborhood activity around 52nd Street, West Avenue and 34th Street rather than sending everyone downtown and to the Boardwalk, and described a recent event there as a success.