We continue to hear chatter about changes coming to make our beaches a bit more accessible to the public. With summer just a few months off, we need to see progress soon. One of the stipulations for funding approval of the new Margate Fishing Pier includes allowing the public access for fishing. The bulkhead rebuild should be underway soon. After a series of delays, the Margate Dunes Project finally finished up in 2018. However, that brought up accessibility issues for some beachgoers with limited mobility. The debate about constructing a Margate Boardwalk continues. Now, talk of a floating Margate waterpark seems to be turning into a reality.
Margate Waterpark
Earlier this month, the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) approved the developer’s plans for adding a floating waterpark at Jefferson and Amherst. Maggie Day and Tom Tice plan on adding inflatable slides, obstacles, and trampolines on 50,000 square feet of space out on the water. Dredging was also approved. The next step is approval from the Army Corps of Engineers (although the City of Margate believes this should take place without any problem). After that, it goes before the Margate Planning Board. That could happen by Easter, according to the City’s Zoning Officer.
Long and Winding Road
Talk about bringing a waterpark to Margate began as far back as 2016. The closest waterpark to Margate is the OC Waterpark in Ocean City. Maggie Day, co-owner of Stone Harbor’s Island Water Sports spearheaded efforts to make this a reality. Day and Tice started talking with City officials back in late 2018. After months of back and forth, they finally presented their official plans last week. Their hope is that this allows more opportunities for local kids to enjoy the water in a safe yet fun way as well as catering to tourists during the busy summer season.
What do you think about building a Margate waterpark along Amherst? Do you have any concerns? Ideas? Please feel free to leave your thoughts on the project in the comments below.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate