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With an anticipated growth in beach patrons, Asbury Park officials are moving forward with plans to make beach access available through a smart phone APP.

A request for proposal [RFP] has been issued for an electronic beach badge systems, according to a city news release. A downloadable App currently exists for its parking utility, allowing patrons to remotely add more time and money.

Beach Utility Manager Garrett Giberson Sr said, close to 350,000 visitors came to Asbury Park beaches during the 2015 summer season, a 30 percent increase over 2014 figures.

The number of visitors is expected to grow as the city’s business offerings continue to increase. The winter season saw the opening of more eateries and bar venues, like Cookman Avenue located The Complex, Bangs Avenue Barrio Costero, and Main Street Chocolate Sage and Dark City Brewing Co. On May 26, the city’s first hotel in more than 50 years, The Asbury [at right], will open for business, offering a host of entertainment options.  And as boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette readies to offer expanded vendor options, the chances are more and more visitors will be drawn to the little city on the Jersey Shore.

“We want to bring our information up to date for sure, as far as ways to serve people on the beach,” Giberson said. “The convenience is that you won’t have to wait in line to buy your badge; it’s easier access to the beach. And, it’ll give us a way of dealing with the information on ticket sales a little more efficiently.”

The App will also expand the option to pay by credit or debit card and should allow users to view information about Asbury Park, create a personal profile, and purchase daily, seasonal, and special access beach badges, according to the news release.

Also, looking to meet the needs of increased patronage, the City’s Beach Office is accepting applications for seasonal staff. Job openings include maintenance, lifeguards, gate guards, cashiers, and more.

Applications may be submitted at the Public Works Office at 9 Main Street and more information is available by calling 732-775-0900.

Proposals for the electronic badges are due by 10 a.m. May 25. Full details for proposals are available at cityofasburypark.com.

The Asbury Park beach season kicks off Memorial Day weekend. Badges will be required for beach access during the holiday weekend as well as for the first two weekends in June.

The full beach season runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays from June 18 through September 5.

Daily beach badges are $5 for weekday access and $7 on weekends.

Adult seasonal badges are $70.

Seasonal badges for children and seniors are $20 for ages 13 to 17 and over 62.

Badges are available at the First Avenue Beach Office [above right] on the boardwalk, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.

Additional badge kiosks will open Memorial Day Weekend at Third, Fifth, and Seventh avenues on the boardwalk. The kiosks accept cash only for daily badges but the Third and Seventh avenue kiosks accept check payments for seasonal badges.

Credit card badge purchased can be made at the First Avenue kiosk and at parking pay stations along Ocean Avenue. The pay stations issue a receipt, which can be exchanged for a physical badge at a gate guard.

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