TOMS RIVER – An estimated $8 million has been earmarked by the Ocean County Board of Freeholders to rebuild Berkeley Island Park, which was destroyed in superstorm Sandy almost 20 months ago.…
The five-member, all-Republican governing body introduced the funding ordinance on Wednesday. The measure authorizes the reconstruction of the shoreline, bulkheads, beachfront, playground, pavilion, restrooms, underground utilities, road, parking lot, exterior lighting, landscaping and the purchase of equipment for the county park. A public hearing will be held at the next regular freeholder meeting at 4 p.m. June 18 at the Ocean County Administration Building at 101 Hooper Ave.
“Berkeley Island County Park was severely hit by superstorm Sandy,” said Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr., who is chairman of parks and recreation. “It was overrun by water and the real damage was done as the water receded, as it rushed through the low points of the park and created gullies, undermined walkways.”