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Bradley Beach advances Riley Beach recreation center design; construction to follow after August 15
Summary
Engineer Ben Mack told the council the Riley Beach Recreation Center design is complete and the project is estimated at about $600,000–$625,000, with major costs for drainage and court repaving. Equipment is on state contract; construction is expected after Aug. 15 with grant reimbursement timing a key constraint.
Bradley Beach officials told residents on July 1 that the Riley Beach Recreation Center project is ready to be advertised for bid and is expected to begin construction after Aug. 15.
Engineer Ben Mack said design work is essentially complete: playground layout and a “green apple” safety-surface color palette were chosen, and the team finalized playground components. He said equipment was ordered via state purchasing agreement and will be installed by certified installers coordinated with the site contractor. Mack estimated the total project cost at roughly $600,000 to $625,000 and said drainage improvements and repaving of the courts are major cost components.
Council members and residents raised questions about alternate items (a new Main Street display board, shade structures and seating) that will be included only if budget allows. Mack explained the borough applied for a Monmouth County Open Space grant of $265,000 (50/50 match) and a Local Recreation Improvement Grant (~$74,000) that together drive most of the funding estimate. He also said the project timeline reflects a 60–75 day contract, projecting completion from mid-August to the end of October.
Residents asked about fence color, bench selection, and whether work should wait until after Labor Day to avoid summer disruption. Council said schedule details will be set after public bidding, and that some in-house work by DPW will reduce outside costs. Separately, Ben provided an update on Main Street design and HUD grant paperwork; the council said phasing the $1.4 million initial allocation will help match grant opportunities and minimize rework.
The council opened public questions while the engineer was available and asked staff to confirm bonding and procurement timelines before awarding contracts.
