Longport officials marked the completion of a major transformation at The Point with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Held Saturday, June 13, the event celebrated the long-anticipated restoration of the borough’s bayside landmark.
In January 2025, when Mayor Patrick Armstrong took office, he identified the rehabilitation of The Point as a top priority for his administration. He later reflected that the project carried added importance due to ongoing shoreline loss, noting the borough’s past reduction in parking and historic land changes along the island.
In a statement to Shore Local, Armstrong emphasized that Longport could not afford to continue losing additional shoreline and described the site as one of the most scenic areas on Absecon Island and in South Jersey.
The mayor also credited the completion of the project to strong community backing, highlighting that resident support and donations played a key role in bringing the work to fruition.
“Finishing this project and giving it back to the people was most important and could not have been done without the gracious support and donations of our Longport residents and I am so thankful to live and represent these great people,” he said.
The Board of Commissioners awarded a $505,800 contract to L. Feriozzi Concrete Co. to construct the bayfront retaining wall at the end of Atlantic Avenue, an area known for its views of the bay, Atlantic Ocean and the northern tip of Ocean City.
Funding for the project came from a combination of private donations, a $71,000 New Jersey Local Recreation Grant and a previously approved recreation bond issue.
The Longport Police Department worked alongside borough officials, engineers and contractors throughout the project to monitor safety protocols, manage traffic control and ensure compliance with construction operations. Officials emphasized coordinated efforts among all parties to maintain public safety during the build.
Located at the end of Atlantic Avenue, The Point has long served as a popular gathering space for residents and visitors. A newly installed interpretive sign now details how shifting land and powerful storms shaped Longport’s shoreline over time and explains why the borough’s municipal boundaries begin at 11th Avenue.
The redeveloped park now features a series of upgrades, including a new concrete retaining wall and curb, a widened and repaved turnaround, a protective sand dune, improved pedestrian access paths to the fishing area and enhanced landscaping.
Additional amenities include bike racks, vintage-style lighting, a Van Duyne surf boat filled with flowers, a red brick walkway leading to the jetty and a water fountain for both people and pets.
Point Park is open daily from dawn until dusk, with nine on-site parking spaces and additional parking available along Atlantic Avenue. Dogs are required to be leashed, and swimming is prohibited.
