Firemen’s Convention 2020 has been CANCELLED; parade and other weekend events pending

The Wildwoods event calendar has been dealt another major blow, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

This morning, the executive committee of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Associstion voted unanimously to cancel its 2020 convention, one of the annual highlights of the resort’s fall season.

Firemen’s Weekend, including convection, parade and other events, was to take place September 18-20.

A statement on the NJSFA’s official website reads:

“The Executive Committee held a special meeting today, 5/30 and voted 21-0 to cancel the 2020 Convention and incorporate the necessary voting at “walk through” county caucuses.”

Next year’s convention weekend is planned for September 17-19, 2021.

The Wildwoods' dog-friendly beaches and parks are now open!

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods, NJ - The Wildwoods' dog friendly-designated beach on Glenwood Avenue is now open!

From May through October, every four-legged friend has this special, designated place to call their own. Just to be safe, all dogs have to be licensed, must always be leashed, except inside the dog park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. Social distancing must also be practiced by owners.

The Wildwoods Dog Beach has been named one of the Top 10 'Best Dog Friendly Beaches' in the 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest sponsored by USA TODAY.

USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with BringFido.com to nominate the 20 most dog-friendly beachees in the nation. The Wildwoods Dog Beach received the second highest number of votes, ranking it #2 overall in the nation.

Tails have been wagging as dogs make their way across the Boardwalk, and onto the sand as they approach the 25-foot-tall Fire Hydrant Sculpture at the Dog Park - right at the entrance to the Dog Beach. The Dog Park is completely fenced-in, so your furry friend has enough room to run and stretch their legs, and is also separated into two sections - one for large breed dogs, and the other for small breed dogs.

As with the Dog Beach, all dogs entering the Dog Park must be licensed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. The block-and-a-half-long, 190-yard-wide area is open from 6 am until dusk, and this section of the beach is well equipped with all-furry amenities including water stations and signs reminding doggy owners to clean up after their loved ones equipped with free plastic bags for scooping after their pets.

Additional dog friendly recreational attractions throughout the Wildwoods include Sunset Lake, the Sea Wall in North Wildwood, and the Wildwoods Bike Path

Dog Friendly Accommodations

When you're on vacation, it's often hard to find accommodations to suit the entire family. Below is a list of dog friendly places in the Wildwoods. Hotels, motels and short-term rental properties opened in Wildwood and North Wildwood on Tuesday, May 26. Wildwood Crest properties will open on Monday, June 1. Please call to confirm that the hotel/motel of interest is reopening and that dogs are welcome.

Short-term rental properties, like all aspects of reopening the Wildwoods for summer, will take measures to meet social distancing guidelines by initially opening at 60 percent capacity. Increased sanitizing and cleaning protocols, especially in high-touch areas, will be encouraged to ensure an optimal visitor experience. Additional measures may include having later check-in times to allow additional time for guest room preparation and enhanced sanitizing.

Admiral Resort Motel
7200 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest  -  609-522-7704

Beach Colony Motel
500 E. Stockton Road, Wildwood Crest  -  609-522-4037

Enchantras Inn Bed & Breakfast
2814 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood  -  609-523-1101

Howard Johnson Wildwood Oceanfront Hotel
423 E. 23rd Avenue, North Wildwood  -  609-522-7508

Island Breeze Motel
411 E. 26th Avenue, North Wildwood  -  609-522-2700

Jade East Motel
510 E. 4th Avenue, North Wildwood  -  609-522-1867

Red Horse on the Lake
7705 New Jersey Avenue, Wildwood Crest  -  609-522-1667

Royal Hawaiian Motel
500 E. Orchid Road, Wildwood Crest  -  609-522-3414

Rus Mar Motel
5010 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood  -  609-522-0101

Sand Box Motel
5310 Park Boulevard, Wildwood  -  609-846-1200

Sandy Shores Resort
2511 Atlantic Avenue, North Wildwood  -  609-522-7422

Skylark Resort Motel
3917 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood  -  609-522-5082

Surf 16 Motel
1600 Surf Avenue, North Wildwood  -  609-522-1010

Tide Winds Motel
231 E. Davis Avenue, Wildwood  -  609-522-0901

GWTIDA is working collectively with the island's three municipalities, the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association (GWHMA), the Wildwood Business Improvement District (WBID), the Wildwood Special Improvement District (WSID), and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce to encourage them to implement initiatives among the destination's businesses and attractions to enhance safety of employees and guests as the Wildwoods gradually reopen. These include increased intensive sanitizing protocols and social distancing procedures.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.

Shared services agreement on school parking lot construction project expanded to provide significant savings to Wildwood Crest taxpayers

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST - The Borough of Wildwood Crest has entered into a shared servicers agreement with the Wildwood Crest School District pertaining to a construction project to repave parking lots at Wildwood Crest Elementary School that is expected to provide significant savings to borough taxpayers.

The Wildwood Crest Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to enter into the shared services agreement during its regular bimonthly meeting on May 20. The Wildwood Crest Board of Education, at the recommendation of its business administrator, also voted unanimously for the measure at its regular monthly meeting held May 18.

The agreement calls for Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. to repave two parking lot areas at Crest Memorial Elementary School that are adjacent to and accessible from St. Louis Avenue. The school's parking lot is also expected to gain a minimum of four additional parking spaces through this work.

This work will be done in conjunction with borough street construction work being performed by Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. that has already commenced in the area. The work includes improvements to water mains, sever lines, storm sewers and street surfacing.

As part of the agreement, the borough will absorb costs for engineering, design and inspection services provided by DeBlasio and Associates P.C. engineering firm.

This shared services agreement is expected to save taxpayers in the Borough of Wildwood Crest approximately $100,000.

"The borough is always seeking opportunities to enter into shared services agreements, particularly when the opportunity arises with our school," said Wildwood Crest Mayor Don Cabrera, who also serves as Commissioner of Public Works. "With the borough already invested into a massive street construction project in the area, the resources were already in place for the school to benefit.

"In the long run, the taxpayers of Wildwood Crest will see significant savings through this shared services agreement. We are happy to give the school this opportunity not only to this needed work completed but also to do so at a savings to our taxpayers."

Street construction work along St. Louis Avenue is expected to be complete by the end of June. The repaving of the two school parking lots is expected to be complete by mid-July.

"The school district certainly welcomed the overture from the borough to help offset its costs for this project at our school," said Wildwood Crest Board of Education president Joseph Schiff. "The school district would have paid much more in design, engineering and construction costs had it chosen to have this project done independently.

"This was also an opportune time to get this work done, with the school currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, contact the Borough of Wildwood Crest at 609-522-5176, the Wildwood Crest Memorial School at 609-522-1522 or DeBlasio and Associates P.C. at 609-854-3311.

Pompeo’s to return, along with Little Nicky’s, this summer

Not one, but two beloved institutions will be reborn at 17th & Boardwalk in the weeks to come.

Back in February, fans of Little Nicky’s Pizza rejoiced after new owner Elaina Galdo announced that the corner pizzeria was planning a reopening (with original recipes and new menu items), after sitting empty last summer.

At the time, Galdo told us that there were no immediate plans for neighboring Pompeo’s Restaurant, which was available for lease after being closed for most of the past three years.

Enter Rich Merlino.

Earlier this week, Merlino confirmed to Wildwood 365 that he has taken over as the new owner of Pompeo’s and is actively planning its relaunch. He is aiming for a Fourth of July grand opening - contingent, of course, on current COVID-19 restrictions.

The reopening will come with an expanded menu. The new Pompeo’s will continue serving up the “Best Breakfast on the Boardwalk,” along with lunch and dinner options.

A definitive reopening date for Little Nicky’s has not yet been set. 

Both establishments are still looking for help; those interested can inquire at the addresses here:

Little Nicky’s - looking for experienced pizza makers 

Contact: egaldo8669@gmail.com

Pompeo’s - hiring experienced line cooks

Contact: ralphe81@aol.com

The additions - or, shall we say, re-additions - of Little Nicky’s and Pompeo’s should be a huge boon for the northern end of the Boardwalk. They will join Steak ‘em Up, directly across 17th Avenue at Montego Bay Resort, which debuted last summer.

Little Nicky’s and Pompeo’s were previously owned and operated by the Klug family, dating back to 1978. Both properties were sold to 1610 Boardwalk LLC after the 2018 season.

"The Wood" set to debut on Pacific Avenue

A new bar and nightspot is coming to Downtown Wildwood, at the former home of 2nd Street Annie’s.

The Wood, a collaboration between Exit 6 and DoubleDown Entertainment, will open at 3601 Pacific Avenue, DoubleDown DJ Jason Weiss has confirmed.

The establishment will be open seven days a week, and will feature DJ entertainment on the weekends.

Opening date and events are pending due to current COVID-19 restrictions.

For additional info and updates, check out The Wood's official website at www.thewoodnj.com and follow on Facebook and Instragram.

Morey’s Piers: “We are planning for several scenarios”

With New Jersey’s amusement industry in a holding pattern while waiting for directives from Governor Phil Murphy on when it can begin reopening, questions and confusion continue to mount.

Yesterday, Morey’s Piers sent an email to guests who had previously booked cabana rentals at Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters water parks, informing of an updated refund policy.

In the message, it was noted that the current plan calls for Ocean Oasis to remain closed this season, while Raging Waters would eventually open.

The key phrase here is current plan.

As of now, no permanent decisions as it relates to Summer 2020 operations have been made, Morey’s representative Maggie Warner confirmed.

We reached out to Morey’s Piers to gain further clarification on this matter and received the following statement:

“At this time, we are planning for several scenarios; the most likely is to have 2 piers and 1 water park open along with limited concessions, games, and restaurants. As it currently stands, the water park that would open first, when safe to do so, will be Raging Waters Water Park.  

“A recent email went out to guests that booked cabana rentals at both Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters Water Parks informing them of our updated cabana refund policy. This email did state that we are planning for Ocean Oasis Water Park to remain closed for the 2020 season. 

“However, as we continue to monitor the current situation and await on additional guidance from the Governor, we will continue to evaluate our operating plan.”

On May 14, Morey’s Piers confirmed that it would not be able to open for Memorial Day Weekend.

It was subsequently announced that Curley’s Fries at Surfside Pier would open for weekends beginning Friday, May 22, and Morey’s Hotels would begin welcoming back guests on Monday, June 1.

For additional info, visit Morey’s Piers’ COVID-19 update page:

https://www.moreyspiers.com/covid19

Wildwood Mayor calls for timetable to reopen Jersey Shore

PRESS RELEASE 

Wildwood, NJ – Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron today called on Governor Murphy to take immediate action and lay out a definitive timetable for the reopening of Wildwood and the rest of South Jersey’s seaside resorts.

“As a seasonal economy, summer is critical to Wildwood and the rest of the Jersey Shore communities. While I understand and supported the Governor’s initial statewide stay-at-home order and closure of all non-essential retail businesses, it is time to reopen shore towns. 

“For the last three months people have adopted to the necessary safeguards that can allow us to appropriately function with more normal activities. While we certainly have to be steadfast in maintaining effective crowd behavior and other limitations, we need to act quickly to prevent an economic catastrophe to the Jersey Shore,” Byron said.

The Mayor continued to emphasized the unprecedented fear and hardship local businesses are experiencing. 

Byron said, “Countless workers, small business owners, and their families depend exclusively on the twenty or so weeks of our seasonal economy. This short span of time cannot be further reduced without permanently crippling people’s year-round survival.”

“I respectfully urge the Governor to relieve the pressing fears of workers and businesses by laying out a definitive timetable for the reopening of Wildwood and the rest of Jersey Shore. 

“I further request that he help businesses prepare for the reopening by providing a specific framework that immediately allows outdoor seating for restaurants as well as  reopening small retail businesses. With the loss of the Memorial Day weekend behind us, we simply cannot afford any further delay,” concluded Byron.

Wildwood Crest allows short-term rentals effective immediately

PRESS RELEASE 

WILDWOOD CREST – In conjunction with an amended resolution by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, short-term rentals in the Borough of Wildwood Crest can commence immediately.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, short-term rentals in the borough had been banned through May 31 in conjunction with the original county resolution. 

The resolution was amended by the county freeholders on Tuesday, May 26.

The amendment now permits short-term rentals for hotels, motels and private homes and condominiums in Wildwood Crest, which has been following the county’s guidance on the matter.

For further information, contact the Borough of Wildwood Crest at (609) 522-5176.

Participating Wildwoods Boardwalk and Downtown retailers reopen for curbside pickup

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods - Participating retail shops in the Wildwoods, NJ now offer curbside pickup.

"At their discretion, retailers located on the Boardwalk, in the Downtown and elsewhere are permitted to open their shops to accommodate curbside pickup orders. If retailers are able to process pre-paid orders of merchandise in their shops, we encourage them to do so," said Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement & Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. We are excited to restart our destination's economy, and this is another step toward that goal."

Social distancing precautions are encouraged for all curbside transactions - retailers as well as customers are encouraged to wear facemasks and keep a six-foot distance while curbside transactions are taking place. Customers are not permitted inside stores at this time.

A list of Boardwalk and Downtown Wildwood retail stores can be found at Dooww.com. It is recommended to call ahead and confirm if your favorite shop is participating in curbside shopping and pickup.

Retail shops in the Wildwoods are plentiful and unique, and include: surf shops for everything you need to enjoy the beach and ocean; sweet shops for that must-have salt water taffy and fudge; t-shirt shops for a unique or kitschy shirt or Wildwood souvenir sweatshirt; souvenir shops where you can take home memorabilia to remember your Wildwoods visit; shoe stores; men's and women's sportswear, beachwear and apparel, jewelry and so much more.

GWTIDA is working collectively with the island's municipalities, the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association (GWHMA), the Wildwood Business Improvement District (WBID), the Wildwood Special Improvement District (WSID) and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce to encourage them to implement initiatives among the destination's businesses and attractions to enhance the safety of employees and guests as the Wildwoods gradually reopen.

These include increased intensive sanitizing protocols, social distancing procedures and expanded restaurant seating onto the sidewalks and parking lots allowing for social distancing while dining. And, of course, our wide spacious beaches allow plenty of room to stretch out and practice social distancing.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com.

The Wildwoods, NJ Tram Cars resume Boardwalk operations

PRESS RELEASE

The Wildwoods, NJ - "Watch the Tram Car, Please" will once again be heard along the Wildwoods Boardwalk as the Sightseer Tram Cars resume operations for the 2020 season today, Tuesday, May 26.

"The Wildwoods Sightseer Tram Cars, and the passangers riding them, will be a welcomed sight and sound on our Boardwalk this summer, especially after a long dormant winter and spring," said Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. "This is yet another exciting step toward the opening of a fun-filled summer season in the Wildwoods."

The tram cars, like all aspects of reopening in the Wildwoods for the summer, will meet social distancing guidelines and enhanced sanitizing protocols. Modifications include being fitted with plexiglass dividers and plastic shields between seating areas; and a full sanitizing regimen with quick-drying disinfectant every half-hour. Tram employees will also wear masks while interacting with visitors and passengers.

In addition, a new Tram Car App is being developed that will allow for cashless payments. App users can purchase and redeem tram car tickets, and track the location of the trams along the boards. App-exclusive discoutns for the tram car as well as partnering businesses will also be available.

First introduced on the Wildwoods Boardwalk in 1949, the Tram Cars are an iconic part of the Wildwoods Boardwalk experience, transporting tens of thousands of guests along the two-mile Wildwoods Boardwalk each year. The four original Tram Car trains are some of the oldest, continually operating modes of public transportation in the United States.

Today's Tram Cars are environmentally friendly, running on battery power. Each Tram Car can run up to 12 hours on a single charge from their 2,000-pound electric batteries.

GWTIDA is working collectively with the island's municipalities, the Greater Wildwood Hotel and Motel Association (GWHMA), the Wildwood Business Improvement District (WBID), the Wildwood Special Improvement District (WSID) and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce to encourage them to implement initiatives among the destination's businesses and attractions to enhance the safety of employees and guests as the Wildwoods gradually reopen.

These include increased intensive sanitizing protocols, social distancing procedures and, of course, social distancing by stretching out on the wide, spacious beaches.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com.

Wildwood officials appeal to businesses to obey restrictions

PRESS RELEASE 

Wildwood, NJ – With Memorial Day ushering in the traditional summer opening this weekend, Wildwood officials are calling on businesses to strictly follow the established restrictions regarding retail businesses and hotels. 

Nonessential retail businesses are permitted to offer curbside sales, but stores cannot allow inside shopping. With few exceptions, hotels can operate at 60% occupancy on May 26th for rentals less than 30 days. 

Restaurants are still only permitted to offer takeout or curbside delivery. Amusements and games of chance are still prohibited.

“With the crowds expected to be in Wildwood this weekend, we can’t lose sight of the continued threats from the pandemic. Despite our anxious frustrations, we have to follow the phase-in approach outlined by health officials to prevent a backslide of the virus. 

“All eyes are on tourism resorts this weekend; I’d like to see Wildwood be a model for long-term recovery with safe crowd behavior and businesses cooperating with the restrictions,” Mayor Pete Byron said.

Public Safety Commissioner Steve Mikulski expressed his department’s concerns for the weekend. 

“It is critical that businesses exercise personal responsibility in following the reopening rules. Although our public safety professionals will do everything they can, widespread violations will be difficult to enforce and could likely turnback the reopening phases of businesses. 

“It’s best to be especially vigilant this Memorial Day weekend so we are well-positioned for a more prosperous rest of the summer,” said Mikulski.

Commissioner Krista Fitzsimons also emphasized the impact Memorial Day weekend will have on the remaining summer season.

“This weekend will test our efforts in balancing economic recovery with public health. I certainly understand the pain businesses are feeling and the growing fear of livelihoods being lost. But we have to be diligent in following the reopening restrictions so we can keep gaining ground in our war against the pandemic. 

“As harsh as these restrictions are affecting our businesses this weekend, it would be a far worse nightmare of a summer if we recklessly trigger a fallback to isolations and stay-at-home mandates,” concluded Fitzsimons.

Any person violating the imposed restrictions shall be charged as a disorderly person subject to fines and potential imprisonment.

Wildwood Crest provides update ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

PRESS RELEASE 

WILDWOOD CREST – These are challenging times, and this will certainly be a different Memorial Day weekend than most of us have ever experienced.

The Borough of Wildwood Crest is doing all it can to allow its residents and visitors to enjoy the many amenities the borough has to offer, while also following guidelines set forth by the State of New Jersey and the County of Cape May with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is an update on the Borough of Wildwood Crest as Memorial Day weekend approaches:

BASKETBALL COURTS/TENNIS COURTS: Public basketball courts and tennis/pickleball courts are currently open to the public. The usage of basketball courts is limited to individuals and small groups, with no organized games. The usage of tennis/pickleball courts is limited to small groups. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

BEACHES: All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31. Beginning Saturday, June 6, all beaches will be open and protected daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. 

The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol strongly advises all bathers to swim at lifeguard protected beaches only during the hours of operation. 

Transport service for the handicapped with be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever lifeguards are on duty. Social-distancing measures are still in effect and should be utilized efficiently considering the relatively vast width of the Wildwood Crest. 

Beach visitors must remain at least six feet apart, excluding family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners. Groups should be limited to 10 or less people. 

Masks are recommended but not required when safe social-distancing measures can be followed. Masks are required when coming into close contact with others or when social distancing is not practicable. 

Organized beach games, contact activities and water play equipment are still prohibited at this time. Portable toilets are available to the public at various points along the beach. They will be cleaned and sanitized regularly. Smoking is permitted in designated areas of the back beach only when smoking stations are available. 

Call Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol headquarters at (609) 522-3825 for transport service or for further information.

BIKE PATH: The Wildwood Crest Bike Path (Cresse Avenue to Rambler Road) is open for all activities. Social distancing should be practiced at all times and groups should be limited to 10 or less people. Those using the bike path are encouraged but not required to wear facial coverings.

BOROUGH BUILDINGS: Wildwood Crest Borough Hall is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access is limited to one person per floor at a time. Masks/facial coverings must be worn inside the building at all times. 

The Tourism Information Center near the Rambler Road beach entrance is currently open seven days per week for the pickup of 2020 trash and recycling center tags only. 

The Wildwood Crest Pier Recreation Center, the Joseph Von Savage Memorial Pool and the Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 remain closed at this time.

FREE EVENTS: The Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert scheduled for Sunday, May 24, has been canceled. The Wildwood Crest Health and Wellness Expo at the Crest Pier Recreation Center scheduled for Thursday, June 18, has been postponed to Friday, Oct. 18. The Sunset Lake Food Truck Festival scheduled for Saturday, June 20, has been postponed to Sunday, July 12. 

At this time, the Wildwood Crest Summer Music Series at Centennial Park, which includes live music shows each Saturday from June 27 through Sept. 19 and each Wednesday from July 1 through Sept. 2, will be held as planned. 

At this time, all other borough events scheduled for July, August, September and October will also be held as planned.

OUTDOOR FITNESS CLASSES: The Wildwood Crest Recreation Department offers a large variety of outdoor fitness classes. 

At this time, the schedule is as follows: outdoor Zumba at Centennial Park, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. from June 27 through Sept. 7; various daily fitness classes on the Beach Pier at Heather Road at 8:30 a.m. from June 27 through Aug. 30; sunset yoga classes at Sunset Lake (Louisville and New Jersey avenues) each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. from June 30 through Aug. 27.

POOLS: As per the County of Cape May, hotel, motel and condominium pools must remain closed under the terms of Executive Order 107 put forth by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. There are no restrictions on pools at private residences.

PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS: All public parks in the borough are currently open. Social distancing should be practiced at all times and groups should be limited to 10 or less people. Those using any public park are encouraged but not required to wear facial coverings. 

All public playgrounds are currently closed to the public.

RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES/FOOD: In-person dining is prohibited, as per Executive Order 107 put forth by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. All restaurants are permitted to sell prepared food for takeout only. All grocery stores are permitted to open. Employees and customers are required to wear masks/facial coverings.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS: Short-term rentals (under 30 days) may commence Monday, June 1, as per a resolution passed by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

STREET RECONSTRUCTION: A street construction project along Pacific Avenue and some side streets south of Rambler Road is currently ongoing. Construction includes extensive sanitary sewer and other infrastructure improvements in an effort to increase drainage, alleviate flooding issues and improve sidewalks and road surfaces in those areas. 

This work is being done ahead of plans by the County of Cape May to repave Pacific Avenue from Rambler Road to the borough’s southern border. Some street closures and detours are expected while work is being done. Most of the current street work is expected to be suspended by June 13, with no work planned during the main summer season. 

Work will again commence in early September with completion slated for the spring of 2021.

SUNSET LAKE KAYAK LAUNCH: The kayak launch dock along Sunset Lake at Louisville and New Jersey avenues is currently open for usage by the public. Social distancing should be practiced at all times and groups should be limited to 10 or less people. Those using the kayak launch dock are encouraged but not required to wear facial coverings.

TRASH AND RECYCLING CENTER: The Wildwood Crest Department of Public Works Trash and Recycling Center along Bayview Drive between Newark and Jefferson avenues is currently open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday. All visitors must wear masks or facial coverings. 

There is a limit of one person at a time. Those using the center must have possess a borough-issued trash and recycling center tag. 2019 tags are good only through June 14. Residents and homeowners can pick up a 2020 tag at the Tourism  Center at the Rambler Road beach entrance. Proof of residence/property ownership is required.

For further information, contact the Borough of Wildwood Crest at (609) 522-5176 or (609) 523-0202.

Memorial Day Weekend 2020 Events Update

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and restrictions placed on gatherings, most major events that are traditionally a part of Memorial Day Weekend in the Wildwoods have been cancelled.

The following is a listing of those events, followed by a primer on the ones that are still scheduled to take place.

For an overview on what to expect in the Wildwoods this weekend, click HERE.

CANCELLED Events

• Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony ~ May 22
• Regional Gymnastics Championship ~ May 22-24
• Wildwoods International Kite Festival ~ May 22-25
• Boardwalk Craft Show ~ May 23 & 24
• Wildwood Crest Summer Kickoff Concert ~ May 24

POSTPONED Events

• Opening Day at Morey’s Piers
• “Eggs with Peg” at Keenan’s Irish Pub
• Patrick Corcoran 5K Memorial Day Run

EVENTS still scheduled…

Downtown Wildwood Farmer’s Market

Memorial Day Parade

Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony - Virtual Event

North Wildwood Memorial Day Ceremony

Tram Cars to resume operations for the 2020 season after Memorial Day Weekend

“Watch the Tram Car, Please” will once again be heard along the Wildwoods Boardwalk as Tram Cars resume operations on Tuesday, May 26...

PRESS RELEASE

“The Wildwoods Sightseer Tram Cars, and the passengers riding them, will be a welcomed sight and sound on our Boardwalk this summer, especially after a long dormant winter and spring,” said Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA) Executive Director/CFO John Siciliano. 

“This is yet another exciting step toward the opening of a fun-filled summer season in the Wildwoods,” he continued.

The tram cars, like all aspects of reopening the Wildwoods for the summer, will meet social distancing guidelines and enhanced sanitizing protocols. 

Modifications include being fitted with plexiglass dividers and plastic shields between seating areas; and a full sanitizing regimen with quick-drying disinfectant every half-hour. Tram employees will also wear masks while interacting with visitors and passengers.

In addition, a new Tram Car App is being developed that will allow for cashless payments. App users can purchase and redeem tram car tickets, and track the location of the trams along the boards. App-exclusive discounts for the tram car as well as partnering businesses will also be available.

First introduced on the Wildwoods Boardwalk in 1949, the Tram Cars are an iconic part of the Wildwoods Boardwalk experience, transporting tens of thousands of guests along the two-mile Wildwoods Boardwalk each year. 

The four original Tram Car trains are some of the oldest, continually operating modes of public transportation in the United States.

Today’s Tram Cars are environmentally friendly, running on battery power. Each Tram Car can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge from their 2,000-pound electric batteries.

Wildwood Crest announces 2020 beach lifeguard coverage

PRESS RELEASE

WILDWOOD CREST – The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol has announced its coverage schedule for the 2020summer season.

All beaches will be open and protected by lifeguards, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 23-25, as well as on Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31.

Lifeguards will be placed on stands for the weekends of May 23-25 and May 30-31 at the following locations: 

Cresse-Morning Glory, Buttercup-Lavender, Crocus-Aster (surfing beach), Cardinal-Sweetbriar (surfing beach), Columbine-Rosemary, Fern-Palm, Myrtle-Primrose (surfing beach), Rambler-Orchid (surfing beach), Stockton-Stanton, Atlanta-Nashville, Miami-Monterey, Toledo-Denver, Hollywood-Preston, Pittsburgh-Charleston, Trenton-Newark, Washington-Jefferson.

Beginning Saturday, June 6, all beaches will be open and protected daily, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

The Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol strongly advises all bathers to swim at lifeguard protected beaches only during the hours of operation.

Transport service for the handicapped with be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever lifeguards are on duty. 

Call Wildwood Crest Beach Patrol headquarters at (609) 522-3825 for transport service or for further information.