By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
If youve ever daydreamed about sitting lazily on the banks of a river while casually holding a fishing pole, but have never fished before, head on over to the Shark River Marina Saturday for free fishing lessons and make that dream a reality.
Neptune Township and the Harbor Commission are hosting the towns first National Marina Day event Sat., Aug. 9.
Both groups are promising a celebration of water activities, free refreshments, free fishing lessons (bring your own rod and reel) and an inflatable basketball hoop.
The festivities begin at 1 p.m. at the Shark River Municipal Marina on South Riverside Drive.
Adding to the day’s festivities, Vessel Safety Check Examiners will be on hand to conduct courtesy safety checks for free.
Beverly Fey, Chair of the Harbor Commission, said, “National Marina Day is an annual event that celebrates the important role that marinas play in towns all across America.
She called marinas a safe, family-friendly community.
Mayor Randy Bishop said, Its like having an open house, welcoming everybody into our home that weve started fixing up,
Bishop is also hoping that people from all areas of town come and see what is happening on the river.
Its part of our comprehensive look at the incredible resources we have in Neptune and the Shark River.
The Harbor Commission was set up after the township bought the Shark River Hills Marina and is an advisory board appointed to ensure safe operations and to help establish future goals.
The township bought the marina in 2006 with Green Acres funding.
It was in poor condition and deteriorating.
The township began upgrading and improving the site using grant funding, to date investing over $500,000 for various projects.
Noticeable improvements so far are upgrades to bulkheads, docks, water and electrical systems, and the building and grounds.
A complete redesign of the docks is planned including expansion of boat slips and floating docks.
Again the funding will be through grants.
Tim OConnor, marina supervisor for Neptune, said he will be there answering any questions people have about the work completed on the marina as well as future plans.
OConnor said there will be rides for the kids and the Coast Guard Auxiliary will on hand giving safety advice.
OConnor said the commission decided to participate in National Marina Day this year because of the work that has been done on the marina over the past two years.
The shape the facility was in that first year we decided not to go forward with that, he said.
OConnor has been involved in the marine business most of his professional life and started working in the business in high school at the Atlantic Highlands marina when he was still in high school.
When he left college he began selling marine supplies and later became president of his own marine supply company..
Ive had a long line of marine experience, he said.
OConnor is proud of the work that has been done.
It was bad, the whole condition of the marina was in poor condition, he said.
Bishop speaking of Saturdays event said, Its an opportunity for the township to highlight not only the progress that we have made with the incredible recreational resource, but also the work that still lays ahead”
A regional plan, The Shark River Visioning Plan, includes the towns of Avon-By-The Sea, Belmar, Neptune City, Neptune Township and Wall Township.
According to Roberta Grace, special projects coordinator, dredging of the river is a top priority, but dredged material must first be ‘dewatered’ (dry out).
“As we all know, the Shark River is an integral economic and environmental resource, not just for Neptune Township, but for all the municipalities that border this waterway. It is imperative that we put aside political and short term concerns to make certain that this treasure remain viable and alive. We must all work together to get this river dredged so that it may continue to bring beauty and opportunity to our towns, but also so that we may reverse the damage that has been done over the years so that it remains for the enjoyment and health of future generations who will call this region home” concluded Mayor Bishop.
To help in dredging efforts, said Grace, a meeting has been set up with DEP Commissioner, Lisa Jackson, in early September.
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
Half the fun of fishing is being outside at a beautiful lake, not really doing much of anything but enjoying it all the same. Sounds great!