Ocean Grove boardwalk getting $1 million renovation

OCEAN GROVE - For the next few months, the Ocean Grove Boardwalk will be under construction.

The historic boardwalk is getting a $1 million upgrade with replacement planks at the north end. The work, which began in early January, is expected to be completed in May.

The work is being paid for by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which owns and manages the boardwalk.

Construction is taking place from McClintock Street to Seaview Avenue, as you can see in the video above.

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The goal is to match the new decking material with the most recently renovated sections in the middle that were installed after superstorm Sandy, said David Lotz, a spokesman for the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.

"We’re being good neighbors to the community and providing the safest boardwalk possible," said Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association President Michael Badger.

The demolition contract is with Frank Lurch Demolition Co., Avon. The construction contract is with Bird Construction.

The stretch of the boardwalk being renovated will be closed for the duration of the construction. Some Ocean Avenue parking spots on the east side of Ocean Avenue will also be closed in order to provide a walkway for pedestrians, the association said. The new construction is only involving the boardwalk and will not include any retail or commercial development.

Rebecca Cavanaugh, director of the Ocean Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, said the new structure will benefit the business and tourism climate. "Anything that keeps the town looking polished and updated is great for our guests," Cavanaugh said.

The Ocean Grove Boardwalk isn't the only local Shore attraction getting refurbished. Asbury Park is also planning a $400,000 upgrade of its boardwalk, replacing the chevron planks with new ones in a project that will last through 2019.

Austin Bogues abogues@gannettnj.com.