Work at the Traders Cove Marina site is progressing on schedule, and if things go according to plan, the park could be open to the public by mid-summer 2012.
"Phase one of the project is pretty much complete," Brick Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis told Brick Patch.
That phase included the delivery of soil to the site, and the grading needed to eventually turn the entire area into the intended park. Additionally, new bulkheading was installed in various areas at the site. Crews, during the summer, also completed several other projects, including moving the boat maintenance pit from the east side of the site to the west side, building a walkway and maintaining the site's living shoreline.
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The Brick Township council at its June 21 meeting authorized the search for bids for the second phase of the project, which covers the installation of a boardwalk, parking lot and other park features.
The funding for the second phase of development has already been allocated, Acropolis said.
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Over the winter, Acropolis said, crews can continue work on getting the grounds ready. Another 5,000 cubic yards of fill will probably be needed before all is said and done. But the majority of the work along the shoreline has been completed, since after Dec. 1, such work must cease because it could disturb the winter flounder breeding season. Winter flounder are abundant in the area near the Mantoloking Bridge.
There is a lot of work to be done, but, "We still hope to be up and running by the middle of next summer and generating revenue," Acropolis said.
The site will generate revenue from services such as seasonal and transient boat slips, admission to a splash park area and kayak rentals, among other services. But the park itself, including waterfront areas for fishing, crabbing and enjoyment of the scenery of Barnegat Bay, will be open to the public for free.
The site will share an entrance and some parking spaces with an , which is set to open later this fall.
"Between these two government entities, it's great," the mayor said.
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