File/Eighth graders at the Ventnor Educational Community Complex enjoyed the Ventnor City PBA’s annual beach party at Newport Avenue beach Tuesday, June 11, 2019.
VENTNOR – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Local Government Services announced that Ventnor was awarded a $50,000 Local Recreation Improvement Grant for improvements to the Newport Avenue beachfront park.
“The city requested this grant to help fund a new pavilion at the city’s oceanfront park adjacent to the Ventnor Library/Cultural Arts Center/Senior Center at 6500 Atlantic Avenue,” Mayor Beth Holtzman said in a release.
“The grant will help move forward one of our administrations goals to encourage residents and guests to spend more time in Ventnor,” Commissioner Tim Kriebel said. “The concert series is popular and a new stage will be a great asset to an already wonderful city.”
Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver said the grant helps local governments repair and upgrade parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities into spaces that promote residents’ physical and mental well-being.
“A big part of what makes a community healthy and vibrant is giving residents the opportunity to take a walk, play a game, and participate in sports and other activities with friends and neighbors in a safe and accessible place,” Oliver said.
The Local Recreation Improvement Grant Program is competitive based on set criterion. A total of $10 million was awarded to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor recreation and community resources.
The city’s grant consultant, Rutala Associates, prepared the application in conjunction with city engineer Ed Stinson.
“This is part of an ongoing effort to improve recreational opportunities in the City of Ventnor,” Commissioner Lance Landgraf said. “This need has been especially heightened over the last couple of years as people searched for outdoor activities during the pandemic.”
