reconstructing the boardwalk in Highlands’ Veteran Park. Photo courtesy HBP
HIGHLANDS – The elevated deck overlooking the mouth of the Shrewsbury River, affectionately called “the Boardwalk” by locals, was smashed in Super Storm Sandy. But now it’s being pieced together again.
It was an integral feature of Veterans Park, the site of the 9/11 memorial and the Daniel Barden Sandy Ground playground, and within strolling distance of local bars and restaurants.
Next month it is expected to be restored and picture- ready, thanks to leadership from the Highlands Business Partnership and companies who have donated time and labor in anticipation of the summer tourist season.
Estimates to construct a 160-foot walkway with 40-foot bandstand area with black aluminum railings could have exceeded $100,000, but local residents pitched in by cutting costs and contributing supplies and materials, said Highlands Business Partnership President Carla Cefalo-Braswell.
The HBP was able to secure decking for $15,000 – an estimated one-fourth of the price it could have cost, and has applied for grants from home improvement companies to cut costs.
“It’s a miracle that we’re able to pull it off,” Cefalo-Braswell said. “A little grant here, a little donation here, getting material at cost because the vendors were working with us due to
the nature of our project. All of these things combined have probably taken a $100,000 project and [have turned] it into a project that costs probably a third of that.”
TriBar Services of Leonardo has contributed $30,000 in labor and equipment for the project. The boardwalk project is also supported by tax- deductible donations from sponsors and fundraising initiatives at Highlands Business Partnership events, such as the popular Taste of Highlands.
Deconstructing the wrecked walkway was handled by local volunteers. “We’re a blue-collar town,” Borough Councilman Douglas Card said. “A lot of the skilled carpenters approached me saying ‘Let’s go, let’s get it done.’ Myself and several other firemen in this town stepped up to the plate and de-nailed and prepped it. It’s a joint coalition of a lot of different people.”
Despite the harsh winter delaying the project, Cefalo-Braswell hopes for the boardwalk to be finished in a month for the start of summer.
“It’s definitely an important part of our town,” said Borough Administrator Tim Hill, who said the borough is not funding the restoration, but is supportive of the project.
— By Joey Dominguez
