Island Beach State Park Sees Restoration of ‘Fisherman’s Walkway’

Island Beach State Park has restored the popular 'Fisherman's Walkway' after the devastation of Sandy.

As reported at the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website:

Fisherman’s Walkway, a popular surf fishing access point at Island Beach State Park that was decimated by Superstorm Sandy, has been completely restored and is now open to the public. The wooden walkway is about 1,000 feet in length that runs from Parking Area 7 to the beachfront, making it easier for persons with disabilities or other park pedestrians to reach the beach for fishing without using mobile sport fishing vehicles.

According to nj.com, since Superstorm Sandy, the park has had to repair or replace boardwalks, a lifeguard station, gatehouses and maintenance buildings.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in October finished major repairs to the Sandy-damaged north jetty at Barnegat Inlet, which is at the southern tip of the park.

Also, last month the state Department of Environmental Protection bought the site of the former Berkeley Restaurant & Fish Market, which sat at the entrance to Island Beach State Park for 87 years.

After the owners decided to retire, the building was demolished last month, and all that's left is a vacant lot that now greets park visitors.

Bob Considine, a DEP spokesman, said there are no definitive plans yet on how the state will use the property. He said the state officially bought the site for $1.1 million on Dec. 30.