Despite Sandy, Traders Cove Park Coming Along

The docks might need some work, but all in all, the road to the completion of the bayfront park at the former Traders Cove Marina site on Mantoloking road is nearing a pleasant end.

"Punchlist items" are still being waited on, but the construction of a parking area, a playground and several other aspects of the long-awaited park have been completed, Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said.

Completed is a future picnic area, barbecue are, gazebo, playground and floating docks.

Still in the planning stages is a resource building, which will include restrooms.

Restrooms were initially planned as part of a splash park that would have been included at the site, though that aspect of the project was eliminated after the township council changed hands in the beginning of 2012.

"We are looking at finalizing the plans for the resource center which will have the bathrooms in it, but that won't be bid until the end of the year," said Acropolis.

A recent tour of the park yielded a view of significant progress, including a parking lot made of sea shells, fences, sidewalks and a large playground.

Many of the site's docks were damaged during Superstorm Sandy, which will require repair.

The township council authorized the solicitation of bids for that work at the Feb. 5 council meeting. The cost of the repair work and the new docks will be covered under FEMA's 75 percent reimbursement rate, Acropolis said.

Officials are hoping floating docks on the north lagoon area will be installed by Memorial Day weekend.

"That will give us the opportunity to rent some boat slips there," the mayor said.