Ocean Grove will receive a $500,000 state grant for the creation of the Ocean Grove Fitness Path scheduled to be ready for next summer.
Sen. Vin Gopal secured the state budget appropriation for the fitness path which will provide a safer environment for runners, cyclists and others to exercise on the street. He said it was the first time in years the state has given a direct grant of this magnitude to Ocean Grove, the historic district of Neptune.
“By clearly designating lanes to separate people taking a bike ride or a run from cars, Ocean Grove will make the streets safer for everyone,” Gopal said. “The Fitness Path will be especially beneficial during summer, when Ocean Grove streets swell with visitors.”
In a letter thanking Gopal for his efforts, Michael Badger, president of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, said cyclists and skateboarders have been hit by cars in the streets and the Fitness Path will reduce those incidents.
“The funding will highly increase public safety by relocating those performing fitness activities both out of the vehicular traffic lanes and out of the pedestrian walkways,” Badger said. “Previously, cyclists and skateboarders have been struck by cars in the streets. Conversely, pedestrians and dogs on leashes have been mowed down by bikes. The funding you secured will provide enhanced opportunities for exercise while greatly reducing the risk of accidents.”
The path will run along the oceanfront from Bradley Beach to the Asbury Park border and will border the curbing. It will be made of Flexipave or a material equivalent to it.
