A $6.5 million renovation project is planned for the popular Sandcastle Park Recreation Complex in Ocean City, which will include pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.
Construction on the project at 34th Street and West Avenue is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.
The project will be partially funded by a $3.5 million grant from Cape May County, according to an Oct. 24 statement by Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian.
Earlier this month, the city council approved a bond ordinance to fund renovations, according to the statement. The project’s overall cost is estimated at $6.5 million.
The upgrade will include five new pickleball courts, six tennis courts, two basketball courts, a dunk court and a large playground with a rubberized surface to protect children from injuries.
There will also be a new multipurpose building containing restrooms, meeting rooms and socialization space. A picnic pavilion and shade structure will be another part of the project, according to plans announced earlier by the city.
While officials had considered beginning construction in the spring, supply-chain issues have delayed the arrival of playground equipment by five to seven months.
To avoid closing the playground during the busy summer season, authorities decided to postpone the start of construction until fall.