By WILLIAM CLARK
Fletcher Lake, between Ocean Grove and Bradley Beach, has a new bulkhead.
The project renovated the old bulkhead and installed new features including a walking path around the lake.
The $1.2 million dollar project was much needed, officials said, as the old bulkhead was a hazard to visitors due to the gap between it and the land. To improve the area, the committee also approved a new walking path. The four-foot wide path is made of pervious materials, allowing the water to drain through and preventing puddling and potential flooding.
Neptune Township Committeeman Rob Lane said the new boat ramp will allow first responders and lifeguards to train there.
Access to the lake via the ramp will be chained off and for official use only.
Work on the project began after the July 4th weekend. Lane said officials appreciate the help the township received from the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association to work throughout the summer months.
“When something needs to be done, people come together,” Lane said in terms of the OGCMA permitting the township to use some of its parking in a high demand area.”
Lane said that the safety of the area was a driving factor in the collaboration.
The township ultimately footed the bill for the project, which Lane said was budgeted for in the past but not used. The remainder was bonded by the township.
The spirit of collaboration also extended to the Shade Tree Commission since one tree had to be removed from the area during construction and needed to be replaced. The commission planted a new tree.
Lane pointed to the bulkhead paying immediate dividends as kids were fishing in the lake and local residents were walking their dogs along the path.
“Thanks to the Avakian firm for getting everything to come out the way it came out,” Lane said.
