County Sets Aside $8M For Rebuilding of Berkeley Island Park

The Ocean County freeholder board this week set aside $8 million for the restoration of Berkeley Island County Park in Bayville after the park was battered by Superstorm Sandy.

"The park was overrun by water, and the real damage was done as the water receded when it rushed through the low points of the park and created gullies," said Freeholder John C. Bartlett, describing the park's condition.

Small steps have been taken since the storm hit to reopen a portion of the park, a fishing area and bulkhead that is currently the only area open to the public. Fences keep park visitors out of the remainder of the park and portable toilets have replaced permanent restrooms for the time being.

"The parking is pretty far away because we lost most of the parking lot in the storm," said Bartlett.

The county is currently in a design phase and has set aside the funding to plan for beach, shoreline and bulkhead Reconstruction, plus playground, restroom and pavilion reconstruction. Plans also call for the rebuilding of underground utilities, roadway and parking lot reconstruction, plus site lighting and landscaping. There will also be equipment purchases.

Bartlett said the county allocated $8 million toward the reconstruction effort as a precaution, as officials are hopeful the final price will be much less.

"I hope we will not be spending $8 million, but that is an up-figure we will be using for bonding purposes," said Bartlett.

The $8 million allocation is being funded through $7.6 million in bonds or notes.