BEESLEYS POINT – Cape May County residents and visitors can now enjoy a wholly renovated and enhanced Beesley’s Point Park, with its path along the Garden State Parkway bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay, a modern boardwalk, paved parking, landscaping and lighting.
There is a picnic shelter with a rooftop observation area that provides visitors with an expansive view of the Great Egg Harbor Bay.
A grand opening celebration took place Tuesday.
The project was created and funded in partnership with Upper Township and Cape May County through the county’s Open Space Program.
County and Upper Township officials said the design inspiration is the county’s Creative Placemaking Plan, which provides robust guidelines for public spaces funded through the Open Space Program. Creative Placemaking uses materials, patterns, colors and other aesthetic elements inspired by the county’s rich natural and cultural history, officials said.
The Beesley’s Point Park was recreated as a collaborative partnership with Upper Township that has resulted in completely renewed space designed for public access, both visual and physical, to the coastal environment. Through the use of innovative design and nature-inspired improvements, the new park can be enjoyed for people of all ages, abilities, and interests for many years to come, officials added.
“What better way to introduce the beauty and scenery of Cape May County than through our Beesley’s Point Park, a gateway for beach goers, boaters, anglers, pedestrians and cyclists,” Upper Township Mayor Richard Palombo said. “Working through a close partnership with Cape May County Open Space, Cape May County Commissioners and the Township of Upper, we have collectively created a recreational showpiece that will be enjoyed year-round. Whether by jet ski or paddle board, fishing boat or boogie board, bicycle, wheelchair or sneakers, this park is made accessible to the many who cherish this scenic treasure.”
“Beesleys Point is uniquely suited as a showcase for our Creative Placemaking initiative, and for celebrating the accomplishments that result from strong public partnerships,” Cape May County Commissioner Will Morey said. “The new multi-use path over the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the vista of this site from the parkway bridge makes the park an iconic gateway into the Cape and creates a memorable impression with high-quality public spaces and a wealth of recreational amenities and opportunities to explore.”
Peter Lomax, who chairs the Cape May County Open Space Board, said, “One of the primary drivers of the Creative Placemaking Plan is to develop a brand identity and visual awareness for accessible parks throughout the county, and to develop recognition of the investment by county taxpayers in these public lands. The Beesley’s Point Park makes this Plan a reality and serves as a demonstration site for the program. It is truly rewarding to see the design and amenities that embody the spirit of land preservation in the county and help to showcase such a beautiful and historically significant site.” For more information on the Cape May County Creative Placemaking Plan, visit the Open Space & Farmland Preservation page of the county website at capemaycountynj.gov