Beachfront project celebrated

OLD BRIDGE — Middlesex County and township officials held a formal dedication of Waterfront Park Saturday, marking the completion of plans along a stretch of the Raritan Bay beach.

The dedication of the 52-acre beachfront park came about 10 months after the groundbreaking on phase two of the park effort. About a hundred people attended the ceremony, according to Ward 1 Councilman Robert Volkert.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Volkert said. “I think the people are really going to enjoy it.”

With the addition of phase two, the park now stretches for 2.3 miles, from Cheesequake Creek to the Monmouth County border. Phase two also included a pedestrian bridge across Margaret’s Creek, providing a link between different sections of the park.

Mayor Jim Phillips described the expanse as “a living, breathing two-and-a-half miles of beachfront.”

Phillips said other improvements for the area could happen in the future, especially for the Sidler’s Beach area.

Volkert said that everyone he spoke to on Saturday mentioned that they liked how the park had turned out.

“A good time was had by all,” Phillips said.

Phase two includes an irrigated “great lawn,” a gazebo, playground, parking, scenic lookouts, a self-guided environmental education trail, and a canoe- and kayak-launching area at Whale Creek.

“I encourage you to visit the park often, bring your family and friends and enjoy its many facilities,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, chairman of the county’s parks and recreation committee.

State Green Acres and Middlesex County funds paid for both phases of the project. Phase two was constructed for $1.8 million by H.C. constructors.

Phase one, which was completed in August 2002, included over a mile of walkways and bikeways, a concession area, a playground, fishing piers, a performance gazebo, and nature study and observation areas.

— Lauren Matthew