August 7, 2026

Dear Friends,

City Council approved two contracts last night for the construction of the new 34th Street playground and recreation area.

We’re hoping to break ground on September 14, and the entire facility will be ready in time for next summer. We have a $3.5 million county grant to help offset the cost.

The project includes a state-of-the-art playground, a new building with restrooms and offices, new basketball courts, an accessible dunk court, tennis courts, and we’re adding family pickleball courts and an outdoor stage for family-friendly events and activities like the Wednesday evening entertainment series that we started this summer. This work will continue our efforts to bring new life to the 34th Street gateway.

Two other fall projects are scheduled to begin after Columbus Day Weekend.

Demolition of the old public safety building is expected to begin on October 13, and construction of the new building will begin early in the new year. Reconstruction of the Boardwalk from 14th Street to 16th Street is also expected to begin on October 13.

We have received the official tax rate from the state and county. Tax bills are being mailed now, and the grace period will be extended to September 8.

Beach replenishment is going well. We now have wide, new beaches almost up to the Music Pier.

When work reaches the 11th Street area, the project will flip directions and move from First Street to the north end.

I’m sad to report on the loss of Joan Klein Phillips at the age of 85. Joan has been part of our community all of her life. She met her husband, David, while working a summer job at Gillian’s Fun Deck in the 1950s. She was a proud supporter of the Ocean City Pops and Ocean City Yacht Club, and a faithful member of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. Please join Michele and me in offering sympathies to all of Joan’s family and friends.

I also want to extend deepest condolences to former State Sen. Nick Asselta, who lost his wife of 46 years, Nancy Lynn Small Asselta, after a battle with cancer. Nancy was a great friend to many, and she will be missed.

After City Council last night, I had the pleasure of stopping by the “Greatest Moments in Philly Sports” show at the Music Pier, where Ray Didinger, Glen Macnow and Joe Conklin entertained a full house with lots of great stories and laughs. I want to thank them for putting on a great show.

There’s still time to catch musical “Sister Act” presented by the Ocean City Theatre Company and the Ocean City Pops. Shows continue through August 13 at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center within Ocean City High School. More information and tickets are available at oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice, and free parking for ticketholders will be available on the field adjacent to the venue.

The show is just one of many great events scheduled for the weekend and next week, including the Miss Ocean City Pageant, the Boys & Girls Fishing Tournament, the Guts & Glory 5K Run, and Brass Transit with the Ocean City Pops. On Monday, Family Night and the “America 250” drone show return to the Boardwalk, while the Outlaws perform at the Music Pier. More information on all these events is available here.

I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend. See this week's "Inside City Hall" below.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor

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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!

Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.

Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.

The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.

Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.

If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.

I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.

Jay Gillian, Mayor

Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us