One of Atlantic City’s most beloved attractions, Historic Gardner’s Basin, has seen significant renovations over the past year, with more improvements on the horizon. The updates, along with news of the upcoming reopening of the Atlantic City Aquarium, were announced during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 30, held at the Gardner’s Basin pier near the Back Bay Ale House.
Originally scheduled to reopen this summer after a four-year closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary repairs, the Atlantic City Aquarium’s grand reopening has been delayed. Supply chain issues and funding challenges slowed the completion of the final stages of interior and exterior renovations, including Phase II of the HVAC system replacement. Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. secured additional funding for this crucial phase, which was not part of the initial project scope.
Mayor Small emphasized the importance of ensuring that both the interior and exterior of the aquarium were in top condition before reopening. “The Atlantic City Aquarium is looking more beautiful than ever, and I promise when the doors finally reopen, everyone will agree it’s been worth the wait,” he said. “We will never rush a project just to say it’s done—that would be a disservice to our taxpayers. Our goal is to make this the best aquarium it can be, and I’m confident it will be able to compete with any in the country.”
Renovations already completed at the aquarium include interior rehabilitation, window and roof replacements, and Phase I of the HVAC replacement. Exterior work, which was added later to the project, is nearing completion and includes siding, trim, deck and railing repairs, new front entry doors, and the addition of a vibrant mural at the entrance. The city hopes to reopen the aquarium by the end of the year, offering visitors new and exciting exhibits.
In addition to the aquarium updates, Mayor Small announced that the city has secured $1.4 million in grant funding to demolish the outdated seawall bathroom facility attached to the aquarium. A brand-new public bathroom will be constructed in its place, with completion expected by the 2025 summer season.
Recent upgrades at Gardner’s Basin include pier and piling replacement, dredging, improved lighting and signage, enhanced parking areas and sidewalks, and the installation of new EV charging stations. Additional projects are planned for the near future, including repairs to the maintenance building, security camera enhancements, and the construction of a centralized trash and recycling enclosure. These improvements are expected to begin by the spring.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is owned by the city and operated by the Department of Public Works, while Gardner’s Basin management oversees the aquarium’s exhibits. Joining Mayor Small at the press conference were City Business Administrator Anthony Swan, City Engineer Uzo Ahiarakwe, City Council President Aaron “Sporty” Randolph, Gardner’s Basin Nautical Park Manager Lisa Schall, and Aquarist Sarita DuCote-Stroud.
The revitalization of Gardner’s Basin and the reopening of the Atlantic City Aquarium promise to bring new life to this historic waterfront destination, offering residents and visitors alike a fresh and exciting experience.
