Ocean Grove's cross-shaped pier opens to the public on April 15

NEPTUNE - The Ocean Grove pier, damaged in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy, has been rebuilt and will open to the public on April 15.

The cross-shaped pier, which has drawn some local criticism, is 500 feet long and cost the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which owns the property, $1.3 million to build.

Michael Badger, president of the camp meeting association, described the pier as "privately owned, publicly accessible."

"To hear the ocean under your feet, to feel the breeze that you get. It is just so different out there (on the pier). It is amazing," Badger said. "I think people are just going to fall in love. It is going to be great. I am so grateful to the camp meeting."

He added, "It is going to be a great gift to the general public for people to have that access."

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"I don't know of another pier in Monmouth County where you can go all the way to the end," Badger said.

Badger said the pier, which is on the beach near the intersection of Ocean and Embury avenues, has temporary lights powered by solar panels. Permanent classical lamp posts will be added at a later date.

According to the association's website, "The Ocean Grove pier has been an iconic beach front landmark of the OGCMA since 1889. A completed pier will provide a publicly accessible attraction for all to enjoy."

Construction of the pier began in late September 2022.

During construction, Ocean Grove was fined by the state Department of Environmental Protection because an inspection found sand moving activities were occurring near the dunes south of the pier. A sand stockpile was seen adjacent to the eastern side of the southern-most dune. During the DEP investigation, sand was removed from the stockpile with an excavator and relocated to the east.

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ocean Grove NJ cross-shaped pier, Superstorm Sandy damaged, to reopen