Summer weather arrives on time

BY COLLEEN LUTOLF
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY staff This beach is open for business. Although the beaches were packed, the water, peaking at a chilly 54 degrees, stayed relatively free of swimmers over the holiday weekend, beach officials said Tuesday. The unofficial start of summer felt official enough.With temperatures reaching the low 90s, residents and visitors alike turned out to Brick's beaches.

A final tally counted Tuesday showed over a 100 percent increase in the number of daily beach badges issued over Memorial Day weekend last year, according to figures supplied by the township's acting superintendent of recreation, Andrea Zapcic.

Zapcic said she hopes the sunshine sticks around for the season.

"I'd have to say, I can't remember a Memorial Day weekend in the past few years where we had a Saturday, Sunday and Monday, each day more beautiful than the [last]," she said.

Last year, Brick issued 446 daily badges over three days. This past weekend, the beach department, which falls under recreation, issued 896 daily badges, Zapcic said.

Last Memorial Day weekend, 668 season badges were issued. This year, beach workers handed out 1,043, Zapcic said.

More people mean more cars.

Brick issued 392 seasonal parking permits this holiday weekend. Last year, 232 were handed out.

Daily parking permits almost doubled with 199 issued on Memorial Day weekend in 2005; 390 were given to motorists this past weekend, Zapcic said.

Any resident who has not yet purchased a seasonal badge may still do so for $20; out-of-towners pay $30 for a seasonal badge.

Only interested in a daily badge? Those are $5 each no matter where you live. Daily parking is also $5 a day.

Until July 1, seniors who are age 65 or older as of Aug. 31, 2006, may apply for a free season badge and free season parking permit in person at the Brick Recreation office by bringing proof of age (valid driver's license, passport or county identification card).

Only one badge per person is allowed. Seniors requesting free season parking must present a valid driver's license. Only one parking permit per license is allowed. Senior beach badges and senior parking permits are not transferable.