VENTNOR – The city, residents and visitors to the Downbeach region have lots to look forward to in 2026, including several capital projects that will provide enhanced recreation, streetscape improvements and reduce the impact of severe weather events.
The largest and most impactful project in Ventnor will be the full replacement and renovation of the Boardwalk from Jackson Avenue to Somerset Avenue. The work has already started and is slated for completion by October, the deadline imposed by the Boardwalk Restoration Grant funding $7.1 million for the project.
According to Mayor Tim Kriebel, the project goes well beyond routine maintenance and will completely replace the support system and decking, including new lighting, upgraded pavilions, and improved seating areas. The project will refurbish ramps to provide enhanced accessibility for Americans with Disabilities, creating a safer and more welcoming experience all year long.
Ventnor is one of the only New Jersey communities to have an exclusively residential boardwalk reserved for recreational use such as walking, jogging and bicycle riding. During the year, many organizations use the boardwalk to conduct walk-run events, including the Tour De Downbeach, which attracts hundreds of riders all wearing yellow T-shirts who tour Absecon Island starting at Newport Avenue and traveling through Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport.
Winners rejoyce in the Funky Pickle held in Ventnor.Ventnor is also in the process of completely renovating its tennis and pickleball courts. The project includes adding three new pickleball courts, bike racks and a pavilion to offer shade on hot summer days.
Ventnor was one of the first shore communities to install pickleball courts, which are heavily used most of the year. The city partnered with a community-based pickleball organization and hosts the massive Funky Pickle tournament, which merges America’s fastest growing sport with a block party atmosphere that includes great food and drink, engaging social activities, and friendly competition.
DAVID CAMPBELL/Aerial shot of Dorset Avenue looking west.Kriebel said the city would engage the public on a new grant-funded streetscape project along the Dorset Avenue business district. The project is being funded with a $960,000 grant from the 2025 Transportation Set-Aside Program administered through the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization.
The project on the county roadway includes new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveway aprons, streetlights, trees and landscape plants, flexible bollards, traffic signage, benches and bicycle racks to create a more walkable and bike-friendly environment.
Kriebel said the outreach portion of the project will ensure residents have input that shapes the final plan.
The city will continue with its infrastructure upgrades to reduce the impact during severe weather events, including upgrades to the water, sewer and stormwater systems. Another water infrastructure project includes structural repairs and painting of the water tower at Titus Field in the Ventnor Heights area.
Ventnor Avenue will also be paved from Oxford Avenue to the city line at Jackson Avenue.
Concerts at Ski Beach in Ventnor.The city will continue its popular special events, which include two concert series at its beachfront park at Newport Avenue and bayfront park at Ski Beach. The Ventnor Special Events committee responsible for organizing and coordinating the events will continue to provide the support needed to ensure community events are safe and enjoyable for all.
“We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to continuing our work to care for Ventnor’s key assets while enhancing quality of life for both our residents and seasonal guests,” Kriebel said.
Copyright Fideri News Network 2026
