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Residents press Belmar council to repair parks and courts as skate-park plans move forward with private funding
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to prioritize repairing existing recreation assets — pickleball/tennis courts, basketball courts and the water tower — while noting that the proposed skate park is largely funded by donations; residents also asked the borough to pursue DOT safety inspections for River Road.
At the June 9 public session several residents urged Belmar’s council to prioritize maintenance of existing recreation facilities and street safety before new projects.
Speakers described the town’s tennis and pickleball courts as in disrepair, recalled the borough’s past strength as a local hub for community sports, and said continued neglect has driven players to neighboring towns. A resident active in the pickleball community said more than 300 players are part of a local group and that residents are willing to help with fundraising and volunteer maintenance to revive local play.
Other residents criticized the borough’s apparent slow pace on capital projects such as repainting a water tower and repairing aging DPW facilities. One public commenter noted the skate park under discussion is being funded through donations and private fundraising, not the borough’s capital budget, and asked that council be transparent about liability and operating plans.
Separately, River Road residents asked the borough to submit a petition to the state Department of Transportation for a speed and safety inspection, providing a draft letter to the mayor for signature and requesting police and DOT follow-up on pedestrian improvements.
Council members acknowledged the complaints, noted that the borough has a multi-year capital plan (including a water-utility capital program across several years) and said faster work would require additional borrowing or funding. Council also said the police and lifeguard leadership will be asked to coordinate on beach safety enforcement and other public-safety matters.
Next steps: council asked staff to accept the River Road petition for DOT submission and to continue efforts to identify grant and fundraising options for recreation projects; skate-park organizers and volunteer groups indicated a willingness to work with borough staff on fundraising and operating details.
