CAPE MAY – The City Council is considering a proposal for a makeover of Harborview Park.

The council at its Aug. 19 meeting heard landscape architect Nicole Welsh of Engineering Design Associates present a plan for the renovation of the park, located on Texas Avenue.

The park, which Welsh called a “passive park,” is meant for taking in the view, watching the boats, reading a book and enjoying nature.

The plan, which is still at the conceptual level, includes tables, sculptures, benches, a shade pavilion, new sidewalks and path lighting among other amenities.

A caution that several members of the public raised during public comment was that design plans take full account of the strength of the winds in the area. This was raised as a concern when Welsh noted that the park would have kinetic sculptures “that move with the wind.”

Funding for the park renovations includes a county Open Space Grant for $1.4 million. Many of the additions to the park, like benches and railings, will be similar to ones used on the Lafayette Street nature trails.

Welsh was quick to allay fears of damage from salt air, saying that a special coating is used “before they do a powder coating” in order to protect against corrosion. Welsh also described careful landscaping plans for the area.

Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade said she was very pleased with the design concepts. She added that the county open space board was very receptive as well. McDade described the park as a place where someone could sit with a cup of coffee or meet a friend for a quick lunch.

Some members of the public were worried about the number of trees that appear to be included in the design. They raised concerns about obliterating the view and the cost and effort that go into maintaining a large number of trees.

Vince Orlando, a principal with Engineering Design Associates, promised a “sit down” with concerned members of the public before any final selections are made.

Mayor Zach Mullock said the worry about the number of trees was heard. He added his promise to ensure appropriate consideration of the issue to Orlando’s comments.

As Orlando described it, the next six weeks would see design drawings finalized, with a goal of going out to bid in the fall. He held out hope that the renovated park could open as early as June 2026.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com