Friends of the Asbury Park Dog Beach Meetup & Cleanup
Volunteer group aims to keep 8th Avenue beach safe and clean for all
When complaints about the state of affairs at the Eighth Avenue Dog Beach surfaced last year, an all-volunteer group, immediately sprang into action.
The Friends of Asbury Park Dog Beach organized four meetup and cleanup events to keep the beach clean and safe for sun bathers and swimmers who used it by day and the dogs who play and run in the evening hours.
“The meetup and cleanups honestly come from more of a sentimental place for me,” said organizer Josephine Sidhu. “My dog, who had passed away a couple Christmases ago, loved running and roaming this beach so much that when issues came up with it last summer, I felt a personal responsibility to him to keep it going for other dogs, their owners, and beachgoers to enjoy together.”
While the dog beach is open all day from October 1 to May 15, its summer hours of 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays are now in effect, beach officials said.
The group continues their work this season.
“Our first cleanup of this season in May was fantastic,” said Sidhu. “Although we tend to pick up more litter than what other dog owners have left behind, it’s a good way to make sure that the beach stays clean and safe while meeting other owners and their dogs. It gives us a chance to chat about the importance of being a responsible dog owner because it’s not just a dog beach; it’s also home to surfers, fisherman and those who enjoy the quieter section of beach that the north end provides.”
The group’s second meetup and cleanup of the season will take place 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday. Those interested in volunteering in the effort should meet shortly before the 8 a.m. start time at the north end of the boardwalk, across from Asbury Tower, Sidhu said.
“Please wear old clothes, bring gloves and any tools necessary to help clean up the beach,” she said.
The 2016 Saturday cleanup dates are as follows, with rain dates reserved for the following Sunday during the same 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. time frame: June 25, Aug. 6 and Sept. 24.
For more information and up to date information, visit http://www.facebook.com/asburyparkdogbeach.
[Photos courtesy of Sidhu]
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