The westernmost bridge which is truly a walking path, and is probably in A. Park. We really should give these bridges names. All photos by Paul Goldfinger. Blogfinger.net. 2024.
Well, the headline was too tempting. Actually, our Congressman Democrat Frank Pallone, from the 4th District. (we used to be represented by a Republican Smith 6th District—but what did he ever give us?) is arranging for the Feds to give us (ie Neptune Township which votes D) $1,000, 000 to fix one of our Wesley Lake foot bridges.
It wasn’t clear if any particular bridge was selected—there are 2 ; or maybe 2 1/2 if you count the western one near the hot dog place, where the lake ends, which may actually be in Asbury Park.
The other two: New Jersey Avenue and Founders Park have those names, but I suspect that the Asbury side has different names for them.
We asked the town clerk Gabriella Siboni to look into the question of which bridge is the million dollar bridge. We are still waiting for her answer.
This bridge emanates from Founders Park. Paul Goldfinger photo. If you are pedaling, is it a bridge too far?
Wesley Lake bridge at New Jersey Avenue. Paul Goldfinger photo.
No, it’s not Pont Neuf. Cross here and get beer, not Beaujolais. New Jersey Ave. Paul Goldfinger photo.
LeANN RIMES: You know, whatever they do to the million dollar bridge won’t fix those troubled waters. And the ducks won’t care. It’s not what it’s quacked up to be. And neither will the Great Blue Heron who likes to visit the Retention/detention basin. (aka Wesley Lake.)
The Great Blue Heron comes to Wesley Lake from Fla. Paul Goldfinger. photo Ft. Myers.
Wesley Lake proper originally extended almost to the railroad tracks. It was filled in stages with Wesley Brook being confined to a pipe. The last reduction was part of the Ocean Boulevard project which was envisioned a highway running down the coast along the ocean front.
Ocean Grove had strong objection to this as it would be open to all on Sundays. Eventually, an extension of Asbury Park’s Bond Street was built. This was approved by the Association in late 1910 with a completion date of June 1911. This allowed traffic to more easily move from Ocean Avenue North and Lake Avenue, then diagonally to Main Street bypassing Ocean Grove. Ocean Boulevard resumed south of Ocean Grove.
David H. Fox