Longport has officially broken ground on a major upgrade to one of its most recognizable bayfront spaces, Point Park, located at 11th and Atlantic Avenues. Construction began on December 1 and is scheduled to continue through March 1, 2026. According to the borough’s updates, the $500,000 project aims to modernize the popular gathering spot with improved facilities, refreshed landscaping, and safety enhancements designed to support both resident use and year-round enjoyment. Public access is currently closed during construction.

A Bayfront Cornerstone for Longport Residents

Point Park has long served as one of Longport’s most scenic public areas, often used for fishing, dog walking, morning coffee meetups, and quiet moments overlooking the bay. The park sits at the curve where 11th and Atlantic Avenues meet, just a few blocks from the ocean and close to several residential streets that feed into the bayfront corridor.

Given Longport’s small geographic footprint and limited number of public spaces, improvements to any park, especially one on the bay, tend to draw strong community interest.

What the Upgrade Includes

While the borough has not released a full blueprint to the public, local reporting notes several core elements of the planned enhancements:

• Modernized park facilities and fixtures

• Updated landscaping designed for durability in bayfront conditions

• A refreshed layout to improve usability and safety

• Infrastructure maintenance to extend the park’s long-term stability

Although not framed as a major reconstruction, the combination of new fixtures and landscape improvements marks a significant investment in a public amenity that sees consistent use throughout all four seasons.

Why Point Park Matters in Longport

Longport has fewer community-gathering spaces than neighboring Downbeach towns, which makes Point Park particularly important. It's one of the few places where residents can sit near the water without navigating dunes or beach access paths. The bay orientation also gives the park a calmer feel compared to the busy oceanfront.

For residents along Atlantic Avenue and nearby streets like 11th, Sunset, and Winchester, the park is part of their daily routine, whether it’s dog walking, sunset watching, or morning exercise.

Construction Timeline and Access Restrictions

Work officially began December 1, and the entire park has been closed for safety purposes. According to borough updates cited in Downbeach reporting, the schedule anticipates a March 1, 2026 completion date.

Throughout construction, visitors should expect:

• Full closure of the park until work is complete

• Construction fencing around the 11th & Atlantic perimeter

• Increased work vehicle staging along surrounding blocks

• Temporary parking limitations at certain times
  

What Nearby Homeowners Should Know

Homeowners in the nearby bayfront pocket may see short-term inconveniences from equipment staging and construction traffic. However, projects of this type typically improve overall property appeal once complete, especially when they enhance publicly accessible water views or increase neighborhood usability.

As a local agent, I’ve seen how neighborhoods with refreshed public spaces tend to draw more attention from buyers who prioritize walkability and outdoor amenities.

Why It Matters

Longport’s $500,000 commitment represents more than a cosmetic refresh. It’s a sign that the borough is investing in its limited but well-loved public spaces. Public parks play a large role in neighborhood feel, especially in small island communities where space is tight and open areas are limited.

“If you can combine a great location with water access, you’ve got something special,” said Mike Sutley, Team Leader at Lexy Realty Group. “That’s the kind of property people hang onto for decades.”

Given Point Park’s location along the bay and its centrality to everyday resident life, the improvements signal long-term value for the surrounding pocket of homes.

What’s Next

The borough will likely release additional updates as construction reaches different phases. Residents should watch for:

• Mid-project progress photos

• Any changes to fencing or access points

• Clarifications on updated features

• Anticipated reopening notices as work approaches early 2026
  

FAQ: Point Park Upgrade Questions

Is the entire park closed?
Yes. The full park is closed through the duration of construction for safety.

Will water access change?
No details have been released, but improvements appear focused on fixtures and landscaping rather than access points.

Will nearby streets be affected?
Minor impacts such as added construction vehicles or temporary parking disruptions are possible.

Final Thoughts

Point Park is a defining bayfront space for Longport residents, and the upcoming improvements reinforce the borough’s commitment to keeping small but essential public areas in excellent condition. Once complete, the park will continue serving as a calm, scenic retreat — with updated features aligned to how residents use and enjoy the bay.

Sources: Downbeach BUZZ, Borough of Longport updates