Dog Beach clean-up slated for Saturday
Improvement discussions continue through social media
The Friend of Asbury Park Dog Beach have organized another cleanup for 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, with a rain date on Sunday at the time.
“I am asking for all of those who truly enjoy and use the 8th Avenue dog beach in Asbury Park to come out for an hour to help clean up,” said organizer Josephine Sidhu. “As a continual effort to keep the cherished area clean and shared by all, I am asking that everyone bring a trash bag, gloves and a smile to lend a hand.”
Conditions at the dog beach came under scrutiny earlier this month after nearby residents complained about its conditions.
A petition with suggested improvements garnered close to 100 supporters. Their requests included additional trash receptacles, better cleaning, enforcement, and a fenced in designated area for the dogs.
A fence was erected but taken down within one day after on online petition against the bordered area garnered over 90 signatures within hours of its creation.
In an online social media post Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn said, “The fence went up due to series of miscommunications. No one on the [City] Council gave the direction to do it. We have a specific ordinance designating the area of the dog beach, which is the entire area from jetty to jetty…”
Sidhu said the silver lining to the fence debate sparked an awareness, evident by social media discussions and forums created to discuss possible future improvements.
“It is perhaps more important than ever to have open communication followed by action and consistency in order for everyone to keep enjoying the area – dogs, fishermen and surfers alike,” Sidhu said. “An hour of time every couple of weeks is well worth the smiles on our pups and I would like to keep that in focus.”
Saturday’s cleaning will be the third such effort to maintain beach shared by surfers and fishermen. Previous cleanings occurred on April 4 and June 17.
While license dogs are allowed on the beach and along the boardwalk all day from September 15 through May 15, their access is restricted to 6 p.m. through 8:30 a.m. during the summer season.
For more information, visit the Friends of Asbury Park Dog Beach Facebook page.
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