Community Corner

Record Number of Beach Badges Sold This Month in Manasquan

More than a thousand so far in December, compared with less than 200 last December

Pre-season parking passes have sold out for Manasquan, and an influx of customers have bought pre-season badges.

Pre-season prices are in effect through Dec. 28 in Manasquan, and more than a thousand seasonal badges were sold, said Borough Administrator Joseph DeIorio.

Compared to Dec. 2011, nearly nine times the number of seasonal badges were sold this month — and the month isn’t over.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Manasquan sold 1,380 season beach badges this month. Last December, 178 were sold, DeIorio said.

All 600 pre-season parking passes, at $75 each, have sold out already.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The beach and parking passes were sold in spite of so many variables still to be decided for 2013 after the damage of Hurricane Sandy. Though Manasquan aims to be ready for the 2013 summer season, the borough must rebuild bathrooms, gazebo and other structures as well as continued sifting of the sand of debris.

“This is a good sign people are willing to invest back in our beach,” the councilman said. “There is a major challenge ahead. Now there is much more to do.”

An ordinance spending $7.4 million for beachfront projects after Hurricane Sandy is before the council Dec. 27.

“We on the beach committee are fully committed to be operational by summer,” he said.

Beach badges and parking permits were sold starting Dec. 10 at Borough Hall, 201 E. Main St., Manasquan, at the 2012 rate, although the approved resolution allows the borough to increase fees "during the 2013 calendar year."

Pre-season badge rates are: $70 for adult; $35 for junior (ages 12-16); and $25 for senior (ages 65 and over). Documentation of age for the junior and senior badges is required.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here