The legacy of Spring Lake’s boardwalk A Stroll Through History
Administration, a New Deal Program created thanks to former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Works Progress Administration was created to put public workers back to work after the Great Depression until the economy recovered. The project to build the Spring Lake Boardwalk was introduced to provide jobs to the growing population of Spring Lake and surrounding areas throughout New Jersey. The WPA began the project in the late 1930s and finished in the early 1940s. The boardwalk was built to be 2.2 miles long stretching all the way from South Boulevard to Brown Avenue. Since the day the project was completed, the boardwalk has acted as a haven for many. A place to relax, reflect, and just enjoy all that the wonderful town of Spring Lake has to offer. When Hurricane Sandy hit it devastated the boardwalk and there was uncertainty if the pilings would stay or go as it was obvious the entire boardwalk would need to be rebuilt. Thankfully, Spring Lake’s very own dedicated DPW crew was ready for the task to rebuild and when they rebuilt it they incorporated the WPA pilings into the new structure. They remain a reminder of how President Roosevelt and his contributions to bettering the United States directly influenced the Irish Riviera. Today the boardwalk continues to be one of the most popular places in Spring Lake. Without former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt people would not have a place to train for the annual Spring Lake 5, run for the 9/11 Memorial run, or enjoy their daily rituals Strolling the boards. Almost 100 years old, the boardwalk provides historical
BY MARY BREEN - RESIDENT WRITER
Photo by Mike Scotto
W hen describing Spring Lake to those who have never had the pleasure to visit, I always mention the boardwalk. The place where thousands of footsteps can be traced daily no matter the season. The place that brings people together no matter the occasion through running, walking, or biking. And the place that can always help clear your head with the beautiful view of the Atlantic. Spring Lake’s boardwalk holds the distinction of being the longest uninterrupted, noncommercial boardwalk in New Jersey. Nestled between Belmar to the north and Sea Girt to the south—both boasting their own picturesque boardwalks—it offers walkers, joggers, and runners miles of breathtaking ocean views. Along the boardwalk, each of the pillars is engraved with “WPA.” The engraving stands for Workers Progress
Photo by Mike Scotto
significance to Spring Lake because it is one of the only
federally funded projects that has been accomplished in the town. The boardwalk is a treasure and will continue to draw people back to Spring Lake well into the future.
18 February 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 19
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