Bradley Beach will raise 2027 badge fees to help pay for major upgrades
To help cover the cost, adult seasonal badges are going up by $10 to $100. Seniors and children's badges will increase by $5 to $40.
It is never too early to start thinking about next summer, and some towns have already announced they are raising the prices to get on the beach.
"Major project, funding over $5 million," said Bradley Beach Mayor Al Gubitosi.
The last unprotected 1,500 feet of beach front between Asbury Park and Belmar will soon have a new wall and promenade in Bradley Beach.
"We had to invest and part of that invest we need to recoup from raising the beach badge prices a bit," said Gubitosi.
To help cover the cost, adult seasonal badges are going up by $10 to $100. Seniors and children's badges will increase by $5 to $40.
Jamie Queli has a front row seat at her Boardwalk Bandit shop.
"Hopefully if we get a new beautiful promenade out here and it's done in the off-season, everyone's happy and it's a lovely place for people in Bradley Beach to come to," said Queli.
Most people News 12 spoke with said they don't mind paying a few bucks more - as long as it's for the right reasons. Belmar's badges will remain at $80 for an adult seasonal in 2027.
"I live here and I always go here and don't look at the price because I know I'm going," said Lydia Spakosky, of Belmar.
All shore towns must follow the state's public trust doctrine. That means revenue generated from beach badges and parking can only be used for beach expenses and upgrades.
"We make sure when we are looking at our budget, we charge enough to cover all of those operating expenses, making improvements, and saving for a very rainy day like Sandy," said Belmar Mayor Caitlin Donovan.
Some towns, like Bradley Beach, offer discounts if the seasonal badges are bought before summer next year. People who buy a Bradly badge in December can save $20.
Most Jersey Shore towns will post their 2027 badge prices by the end of winter.
