Ribbon Cutting At Berkeley Island County Park This Afternoon

BAYVILLE, NJ - County and local officials will happily cut the ribbon and unlock the gate at Berkeley Island County Park today, which has been closed since Superstorm Sandy slammed into the popular park on Oct. 29, 2012.

The park, which juts out into Barnegat Bay and sits about three feet above sea level, was inundated by flood waters.

Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. and other officials will hold a ribbon cutting and "gate opening" ceremony at 2 p.m. at the entrance to the park on Brennan Concourse.

You will have to wait until Friday, May 25 to use the park, when it officially opens permanently at 3:30 pm.

Almost six years and $8 million later, the park has all new infrastructures, a new parking area with ADA accommodations and improved lighting for easy access will improve the function, aesthetics and recreational opportunities available at the 25-acre park.

The fishing pier has been rebuilt, new bathrooms and two gazebos have been installed and eroded areas have been shored up. And Berkeley Island will be the first county park to have a "splash park," Bartlett has said.

The long wait is almost over.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller