Surfside Park

Avalon, NJ

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Surfside Park is a full reconstruction and rebranding of an underutilized ¾ acre oceanfront site. TDG developed a resilient design that reflects the coastal context and the resort atmosphere of this small shore community that swells to over 40,000 residents in the summer. Taylor Design Group prepared the Concept Plan, obtained a $2 million grant from Cape May County; and led a team that included architects and MEP Engineers, along with the Engineer. The park now hosts daily, weekly and annual events.

 

The new restroom building was raised to Boardwalk level, allowing the rear “porch” to double as an elevated stage, overlooking the event lawn. The lawn is enclosed by a “lawn wave” that provides sloped seating and separates the area from adjacent parking and accommodates daily play, concerts, movies and festivals. Jetty rock retaining walls and colorful salt tolerant plantings frame entrances into the venue. Boardwalk-textured and “island wave” concrete pavements provide context in a durable, storm-resilient fashion. Buildings were designed in a coastal, shingle vernacular with metal roofs. A custom copper egret weathervane matching the Borough’s logo overlooks the site. Rinse stations and changing rooms round out amenities for day trippers.

 

A tube slide provides direct access from the Boardwalk to the play area. Maritime blue shade sails provide relief over the play area, while caregivers can relax beneath the nearby picnic pavilion. An Avalon “lifeguard chair” bench, and accessible lifeguard boat provide fun photo-spots to capture memories while promoting Avalon. Bioretention swales control runoff; and wave bike racks and interpretive signage reinforce the design, creating a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages.