AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Phone Icon 732-483-4611right-arrow

Personal Care Consultation

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Josie J.
551
Google

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”

Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Pamgoldberg
551
Caring

“I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care.”

I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Theodore S.
551
Facebook

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”

I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Leta J.
551
Caring

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Carla500226
551
Caring

“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver”

We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Judy367738
451
Caring

“We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now.”

We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Nancy176801
551
Caring

“We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in”

We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

Josie J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

Pamgoldberg
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

Theodore S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

Judy367738
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

Nancy176801
In-Home Care Belmar, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Belmar, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light
Senior Care Belmar, NJ

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Belmar, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Belmar, NJ gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Respite Care Belmar, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Belmar,NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Caregivers Belmar, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light

Latest News in Belmar, NJ

Feast of San Gennaro Returns to Belmar for its 11th Year

BELMAR, NJ — Be sure to save a hefty appetite for this weekend, because the Annual Feast of San Gennaro Festival is returning to Belmar for its 11th year on Saturday, September 16. Once again, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to celebrate and embrace Italian cuisine and culture.The festival honors St. Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, and is also a celebration of Italian-American heritage that started in New York City in the 1920s. Belmar’s festival is set to kick off at Pyanoe Plaza, 9th Avenue ...

BELMAR, NJ — Be sure to save a hefty appetite for this weekend, because the Annual Feast of San Gennaro Festival is returning to Belmar for its 11th year on Saturday, September 16. Once again, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to celebrate and embrace Italian cuisine and culture.

The festival honors St. Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, and is also a celebration of Italian-American heritage that started in New York City in the 1920s. Belmar’s festival is set to kick off at Pyanoe Plaza, 9th Avenue and Main Street, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rain date for the event is the following day, Sunday, September 17.

At 10 a.m., there will be a pre-festival Mass of San Gennaro at St. Rose Catholic Church, which is expected to be delivered in Italian. After the Mass, a procession will take place along Main Street, officially kicking off the festival. Visitors will be able to see the Statue of San Gennaro which will be displayed in the center of Main Street.

Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

As usual, four Belmar citizens will be recognized for the Feast of San Gennaro. This year, the honorees are Barry Trogu as the Son of San Gennaro, Diane Cioffi Meier as the Daughter of San Gennaro, Nicola Fuccilli, of La Dolce Vita, as the Businessman of San Gennaro and Jacqueline Dahrouge, of Daffodil Consignment, as Businesswoman of San Gennaro. The honorees will be recognized during Saturday morning’s Mass and will sport their honorary sashes.

Organized by the Belmar Tourism Commission, residents can expect a plethora of vendors selling Italian specialties including calamari, pasta, pizza, sausage, and, of course, cannolis.

Speaking of cannolis, don’t forget to sign up for Sweet!’s annual Cannoli Eating Contest, which will begin at noon. Located at 702 10th Avenue, Sweet! is a bakery that has operated in Belmar since 2010. The contest will feature two divisions: a kids’ division (12 and under) and an adults’ division. The contest has a $20 entry fee, and all proceeds go towards the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a non-profit that helps families going through financial hardships by assisting with medical and utility bills, transportation, housing, and more.

All participants will receive ten mini-cannolis, a Sweet! T-shirt, a 10 percent discount on their next Sweet! Purchase, and a bottle of water. The champions of the contest will get a $25 gift certificate to Sweet!, win half a pound of fudge or taffy, and have their names engraved into a plaque in Sweet!.

Participants are also invited to participate in the festival’s first-ever Cagnolino (Doggy) Costume Contest, which takes place at 3 p.m. All canine participants should be on a leash at all times and must be well-adjusted to crowds and noisy environments, according to organizers. Additionally, dog owners should be prepared to clean up after their dog and organizers maintain the right to turn away any dogs that appear to be aggressive. To pre-register your dog for the contest, click here.

Surfing Couple Save Man, Woman Drowning In Belmar

The young couple is Casey Flaherty, 21, from Monmouth Beach, and her boyfriend Alex Rosenthal?, 20, who are professional surfers:Posted Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 11:09 am ET|BELMAR, NJ — A pair of Jersey Shore surfers saved an older man and woman from drowning Wednesday afternoon in Belmar.The young couple is Casey Flaherty, 21, a Monmouth Beach native, and her boyfriend Alex Rosenthal, 20, from California. It was about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday and they were sitting in her car on 11th Avenue in Belmar.That's when th...

The young couple is Casey Flaherty, 21, from Monmouth Beach, and her boyfriend Alex Rosenthal?, 20, who are professional surfers:

Posted Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 11:09 am ET|

BELMAR, NJ — A pair of Jersey Shore surfers saved an older man and woman from drowning Wednesday afternoon in Belmar.

The young couple is Casey Flaherty, 21, a Monmouth Beach native, and her boyfriend Alex Rosenthal, 20, from California. It was about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday and they were sitting in her car on 11th Avenue in Belmar.

That's when they saw a man and a woman struggling in the ocean.

"I would say they were at least 25 yards out; if not more. I've been a lifeguard so I know what it looks like when it's 'This isn't fun, I need help.' I was on the phone with my mom and I was like I think we need to save these people," she said. "I saw two guys going out (without boards) and then they seemed to get caught in the rip, too."

That's when the boyfriend-girlfriend surfing pair grabbed their surfboards from her car and ran into the water.

Find out what's happening in Manasquan-Belmarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She said the couple was an older Russian couple, in their 70s or older — and were definitely in trouble. She said the woman appeared to have more energy, but the man was exhausted.

"That other guy who swam out to save them was just getting his footing. The woman said go help my husband. His eyes were closed; I thought he was unconscious. They did not speak any English; he also could not even get words out. I said we need to get this guy in because he is going to go into cardiac arrest any minute now."

She said she and her boyfriend paddled the man and woman to shore, where paramedics were waiting on the beach.

"We go to the sand and that's when he kissed me on the cheek and said thank you for saving my life."

Flaherty worked every summer through her teenage years as a lifeguard at Monmouth Beach. She is also a surf instructor at Summertime Surf in Bradley Beach. She is building a brand for herself as a surf girl who loves the water and the sport of surfing.

September is called "locals' summer" on the Jersey Shore, but this September has seen an unprecedented amount of rescues and drownings on the Jersey Shore. Flaherty, who is about as Jersey Shore local as it gets, has this message:

"September is locals' summer but it's also hurricane season. We get great waves as surfers, but September is when we get a lot of rip currents. It was a gorgeous day outside that Wednesday, and the water was glass flat. And there was still a rip tide. People have to be careful! Let someone know you are going into the water; bring flotation with you, even if you are a good swimmer and don't go far out."

Here are Flaherty and her boyfriend competing in professional surf competitions on the Jersey Shore:

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Battle brews in Belmar, N.J. over 5G towers near the boardwalk

BELMAR, N.J. -- A battle is brewing as residents fight to keep 5G wireless sites away from the beach and boardwalk in Belmar.There's a grassroots effort underway to stop Verizon.Monday was a perfect day for a game of spikeball on the beach, or to stroll on the inviting...

BELMAR, N.J. -- A battle is brewing as residents fight to keep 5G wireless sites away from the beach and boardwalk in Belmar.

There's a grassroots effort underway to stop Verizon.

Monday was a perfect day for a game of spikeball on the beach, or to stroll on the inviting Belmar Boardwalk.

"I love coming here and getting my steps," Jackson resident Michelle Stern said. "It's beautiful."

But the aesthetic might change if Verizon gets it way. Plans are in place to install 20 small 5G poles beside the Boardwalk along Ocean Avenue. Upon completion, they'd climb 30 feet high in the sky.

"I think it would kill the vibe a little bit. It would kill the look for sure," Stern said.

Joe Lustig does not live in Belmar, but has heard all about Verizon's plan.

"I sure have. Everybody I've talked to who lives here has mentioned it to me," Lustig said.

"How will that change the experience for you?" CBS2's Vanessa Murdock asked.

"It's hard to say before they're really up," Belmar resident Nick Waszkielewicz said.

Many Belmar residents are making their mission to stop Verizon. A banner on Ocean Avenue shouts "STOP VERIZON – NO 5G Towers on Belmar Beach." Lawn signs line streets. A Change.org petition has nearly 2,500 signatures. Local Caitlin Donovan started the grassroots effort.

"I grew up on this beach, and we feel like living on the beach is not living next to Disney World. We're not here for entertainment. We're here because we love this beach and we're environmental stewards," Donovan said. "We think constructing the towers here will ruin the character of our boardwalk."

She led a week of action, encouraged residents to reach out to their congressman, county engineer and Verizon.

A spokesperson for Verizon told CBS2, "The final design and placement of these poles maximize technical and community needs… locations have been extensively vetted and approved by the Township over the last five years."

No township here, said Borough of Belmar Mayor Gerald Buccafusco. He called the 5G poles overkill and hopes a consent agreement between Verizon and Borough signed in Summer 2022, during the former administration, does not hold water.

"We discovered that the road Ocean Avenue is a county road and they own the right of way," Buccafusco said. "They really needed to deal with Monmouth County rather than Belmar to get approval to do this."

Buccafusco said the borough informed Verizon of the find, and has not heard back.

The borough also hired an attorney to help them win the battle over 5G poles

Vanessa Murdock

Vanessa Murdock joined the CBS 2 Weather Team in October 2011 as the weekend morning meteorologist and weekday reporter.

Twitter Facebook

Belmar Library Lays Out Several October Events

The Belmar Public Library announced several programs for October, including a live animal event with penguins and a concert for children.Photo Credit: TAPinto Staff By Jack SlocumPublishedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PMLast UpdatedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PMBELMAR, NJ — The Belmar Public Library has announced several events for the month of October. From hanging out with penguins to a children’s concer...

The Belmar Public Library announced several programs for October, including a live animal event with penguins and a concert for children.Photo Credit: TAPinto Staff

By Jack Slocum

PublishedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PM

Last UpdatedSeptember 25, 2023 at 8:30 PM

BELMAR, NJ — The Belmar Public Library has announced several events for the month of October. From hanging out with penguins to a children’s concert, here’s what to expect from the library this month.

On October 3 at 6 p.m., the library will be hosting author Jo Anna Dressler Kloster who will discuss her newest book “Lily Unleashed.” The coming-of-age novel revolves around Lily Grabowski and her relationship with her teacher’s puppy mill rescue dog. Lily must either surrender the dog because his needs are bigger than her ability to help him or stand up for what she believes will save him.

“Jo Anna Dressler Kloster is a former elementary teacher, an author, and a Humane Policy Volunteer Leader with the Humane Society of the United States. She works to better the lives of animals,” a library statement read. “(The novel) focuses on an underdog whose love inspires one girl to speak up for this puppy mill rescue and all the other dogs locked in puppy mill cages. Themes of friendship, bullying, and loss are explored.”

Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

There will be another author at the library, featuring Mick Bennett, on October 11 at 6 p.m. Bennett will be discussing his book "Take the Lively Air."

"In Take the Lively Air, a minor traffic collision escalates into a confrontation between two families haunted by their pasts and apprehensive of their futures," a statement reads. "Rage and regret butt heads against the background of America’s toxic cultural climate.But saner voices discover that human frailties are best viewed through the microscope of compassion, and our common humanity must be acknowledged to make way for our futures."

The library will also be hosting a live animal event on Saturday, October 7, featuring penguins at the Taylor Pavilion. Jenkinson’s Aquarium will provide the penguins and will be answering questions from participants.

“Waddle into the world of Penguin biology, geography, care, feeding, and conservation,” a library statement read. “Do all penguins live in cold weather? What does a penguin eat? Why can’t penguins fly? How can we tell our penguins apart at the aquarium? Find out the answers, and more, with the help of our knowledgeable keepers!”

Registration is required, and participants will have to sit six feet away from the birds because of state law.

There will also be a concert for kids on October 28 at noon at the Taylor Pavilion. Mr. Ray’s Concert for Kids is for youngsters in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants can expect a “live, energetic, engaging performance featuring original and pop songs.” The songs will focus on themes including kindness, respect, diversity/inclusion, learning, and more.

Mr. Ray, Ray Anderson, has been performing for children since 1994. In his career, he has played with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Meatloaf. He also had formed a band in the '90s that toured in Europe. He’s also a representative of Pathways to Peace, an international peace-building, educational, and consulting, non-political organization.

The Belmar Public Library is also still offering its weekly events, including Tai Chi, storytime, meditation, knitting club, and more. To learn more about these events and registration, visit the library’s website here.

Belmar Unveils Plan for ADA-Compliant Skatepark

BELMAR, NJ — The Mayor and Council heard a presentation at its most recent meeting about the latest plans for the long-awaited skatepark remodel. According to officials, the new skatepark will be a massive upgrade from the original, and will also be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.The skatepark, located at Dempsey Park (16th and Railroad avenues,) has been closed for several years after the previous administration and its insurance company deemed the park unsafe. Since then, several residents and visitors have ur...

BELMAR, NJ — The Mayor and Council heard a presentation at its most recent meeting about the latest plans for the long-awaited skatepark remodel. According to officials, the new skatepark will be a massive upgrade from the original, and will also be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.

The skatepark, located at Dempsey Park (16th and Railroad avenues,) has been closed for several years after the previous administration and its insurance company deemed the park unsafe. Since then, several residents and visitors have urged local officials to take another look at the park. As a result, the borough has put together the Belmar Skate Park Committee, spearheaded by engineer Nicholas DeCotiis who is donating his time to create the plans.

“The park was designed to be inclusive for as many people as possible. In addition, the park is designed for all ages and all skill levels,” DeCotiis said. “We’re going to also be doing some other things in terms of making it more accessible to everybody. That’s kind of the signature part of the goal of the project, is to make an experience that is open to everybody.”

Sign Up for FREE Belmar/Lake Como Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

According to DeCotiis, the park will remain in Dempsey Park, however, will be placed further away from the street, closer to the recycling center. The park will be 18,000 square feet, double what the original park size was. It will also feature a 1,900-square-foot bowl that will be 4-6 feet deep, as well as a 10,500-square-foot “street area.”

ADA measures have been put into the design as well to assist people like Anthony Ferraro, a blind skater who has been advocating to reopen the park for years now. According to DeCotiis, the park’s features will be longer, allowing people like Ferraro to properly feel them out before skating them.

“We’re really excited about the designs going on. Growing up blind, I learned how to skate at Belmar’s skatepark, and it was very convenient because I didn’t have to get a ride or anything. Now I have to pay for Ubers or bug my pregnant wife for rides to the skatepark, it’s a little trickier,” Ferraro said. “Skateboarding is becoming more accessible to everyone. People in wheelchairs, with all types of abilities, are skating. It’s a way to stay out of trouble and have a community in your area, and have a safe place to go… I think it’s really important how everyone’s behind making an ADA-adaptive skatepark, which will be, I think, just incredible for the area.”

Ferraro added that the park would not only assist skaters with special needs but also bring a great deal of visitors and publicity to the borough. He said that with the rise of accessible skateboarding, it’s possible that the park could potentially host competitions with an adaptive skating division.

“It’s really important, and it means the world to me that our community is doing this and how far we’ve already gotten,” Ferraro said. “I think it could be a really positive thing for the community.”

According to DeCotiis, fundraising has already begun, and once the funds are raised it should take two to three months for the park’s completion. The cost estimate for the park is around $1 million to $1.5 million. The committee is still working on the means to receive online donations, however, you can keep up to date by visiting its Instagram page.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.