Longport’s Beach Terrace Park Moves Toward Completion for Summer 2026

A long-awaited transformation is taking shape in Longport. The Beach Terrace Park project, located on the 1500 block of Beach Terrace, continues to progress steadily with completion targeted for July 4, 2026. What was once the former site of the Consolidated School is now becoming one of Longport’s most anticipated public amenities — a landscaped green space designed for relaxation, reflection, and community gatherings.

Construction Updates and Features

According to recent reports, construction crews have already installed paved walkways, irrigation systems, and new fencing outlining the park’s footprint

Ocean City, NJ

. Upcoming phases include planting trees, adding flower beds, and building seating areas.

The nonprofit Beach Terrace Park, Inc., which manages the project, has overseen most of the fundraising and coordination with local contractors. Donations have nearly reached the final goal, ensuring that the project will remain privately funded and community-driven.

Once finished, the park will include:

• A Zen-style meditation area designed for quiet reflection.

• Landscaped gardens with native plants chosen to withstand coastal conditions.

• A pavilion for small gatherings, concerts, and seasonal celebrations.

• Paved paths that connect seamlessly to nearby streets for walkability and accessibility.

A Community Effort Years in the Making

The project’s origins date back several years, when residents sought to repurpose the former school property into something beneficial for all ages. Through the creation of Beach Terrace Park, Inc., volunteers and donors have led an initiative that keeps Longport’s small-town character intact while enhancing its public spaces.

Local supporters say the park will provide both beauty and function — a quiet alternative to the nearby beaches and a safe, open area for events without increasing congestion.

Why It Matters for Homeowners

Neighborhood parks have long been linked to higher property satisfaction and community appeal. For Longport, where available land is limited, the addition of a centrally located park introduces new value not only in lifestyle quality but also in long-term investment potential.

“These islands are already built out, so there’s only so much property to go around,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “Projects like this show that Longport can keep improving without losing what makes it special.”

Buyers looking for second homes or full-time residences often consider access to amenities like parks and walkability to be as important as ocean proximity. The upcoming park reinforces Longport’s appeal for those seeking both peace and community connection.

Community Voices

Volunteers involved in the foundation describe the effort as “a love letter to Longport.” One board member explained that nearly every tree and bench will be sponsored by local families, creating a park that reflects the residents’ shared pride.

That local ownership model also keeps maintenance simple: with donor funding and community oversight, the park can remain vibrant without straining the borough’s budget.

What’s Next

As of late 2025, the focus is on landscaping and finishing details, with the goal of opening by Independence Day weekend 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected, bringing together donors, volunteers, and residents who supported the project from day one.

Once complete, Beach Terrace Park will stand as a physical reminder of what collaboration can achieve — a gathering place designed by and for the people who call Longport home.

Why It Matters

Projects like Beach Terrace Park go beyond beautification. They help preserve Longport’s quiet charm, strengthen property values, and create the kind of walkable, neighborly setting that modern buyers increasingly seek. For both longtime residents and newcomers, the park signals that even in a built-out town, there’s room to grow in meaningful ways.

Sources: Downbeach Buzz (Nov. 2025); Borough of Longport; Beach Terrace Park, Inc.

Ocean City, NJ