Access continues to expand at Island Beach State Park as the summer season approaches.
The state Department of Environmental Protection announced today that the park, which was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy, will now be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all visitors. Hours for fishing have also been extended to 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The state agency also said that more beaches are now open to beach buggy users, including access to trail A-23 that runs 8.2 miles south into the park. Mobile sport fishing permits are required to access the beach and those can be purchased at the main park office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Guests may also now visit the park's two bayside trails at A-15 and A-21.
The main gatehouse to the park will begin collecting entrance fees May 1.
Still, park officials asked visitors to be cautious when driving on Shore Road because of trucks hauling debris from the Ocean Bathing Area 2 parking and road sweeping.
The state environmental agency also awarded a $268,000 contract this week to New Brunswick-based Tekton Development Corp. to rebuild four beach access boardwalks — two of which are expected to be finished by Memorial Day — damaged during the Oct. 29 storm. The other two boardwalks should be completed by July 4.
I hope you find this article helpful as the summer season approaches. The park has come a long way and now with the trail leading to the back bay area open this will allow kayakers and canoeists the ability to launch once again back there.
Happy Catching
Paul
