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Waterfront redeveloper iStar Residential will kick off the summer season with attendance at the city’s grand reopening ceremony 3 p.m. Friday at Asbury McLoone’s Grill, located at 1200 Ocean Avenue.

The city-sponsored, ribbon cutting event officially opens the beaches and boardwalk for the 2015 summer season.

iStar officials say The Crew [shown above] will be in attendance.

A part of  their Summer Experience program, The Crew is made up of 24 seasonal employees who help manage guest relations along the waterfront by answering questions and giving directions.

“iStar is excited to bring back the Summer Experience program and continue to support the Asbury Park community, residents and visitors,” Marketing Vice President Tracy Scarlato said. “The Crew serves as Asbury Park ambassadors and they help create a connection to the waterfront.”

Scarlato said the program “provides much needed employment opportunities and job training to members of the local community.” It focuses on contributing to the local community through philanthropic efforts, provides support for the Boys and Girls Club of Monmouth County three days a week, and work with the Asbury Towers senior residents on the landscaping and beautification of the surrounding area.

“Being a member of The Crew allows me to use my leadership skills,” said city native Markim Purvis, a Crew member since its inception.  “Since The Crew started three years ago, we have gained the support of the community and we are involved in just about all of the activities in the city.”

The Free Ride is an environmentally friendly shuttle service that provides transportation from the Asbury Park Waterfront to the downtown, according to a news release. The free shuttle service runs seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Riders can be picked up at seven sponsored locations and dropped off anywhere in the designated coverage area.

iStar’s information center, located at 200 Cookman Avenue, offers beach lockers, restrooms and showers for out of town guests and hosts a variety of special event throughout the summer season.

Beach badge packages, both seasonal and day passes, are available through the program. Passes may include exclusive access to shade gardens, VIP daily locker rooms, a large VIP beach locker and lock, and a beach umbrella.

iStar Residential, a division of iStar Financial, overseas redevelopment of a mile long, two block region along the waterfront. When complete, the redevelopment projects are expected to bring 2,400 homes along the city’s waterfront.

Photo courtesy of Asbury Park Waterfront.

For more information, visit http://asburyparkwaterfront.com.

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