New Foot Bridge Ribbon Cutting Held

PALERMO — The new foot bridge and trail at the Richard M. Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape May County Park North, located at 1099 Route 9 South in Palermo, officially opened to the public on Oct. 18. Improvements at the Cape May County Park North were part of a cooperative effort between Cape May County, the Ocean City-Upper Township Noon Rotary and a local boy scout troop.
The Rotary Club of Ocean City–Upper Township, a service-oriented group, advanced the project to make a circular route around Richard M. Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary.
Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel said, “The Sanctuary had a paved path that allowed visitors to view the ponds and trees; however the path ended near the southern boundary of the park requiring visitors to return on the same path. “Extending the path required the construction of a footbridge over the main pond of the Sanctuary. When the Noon Rotary offered to purchase the main span the County worked with the group to make the project a reality,” he added.
The County purchased the additional spans needed and awarded a contract to MJJ Construction, LLC of Atco, in the amount of $55,100 to construct the foot bridge. The company erected the main span and constructed the side spans. All three spans were constructed using treated West Coast Douglas Fir.
Boy Scout, Nicholas De Credico, Upper Township Troop 79, created a new hiking trail for his Eagle Scout project while the bridge was under construction.
DeCredico’s project increased the number of trails to include a trail on the north side of the bridge that runs parallel with the main pond complete with park benches, trail direction signs and informational signage. as part of the project.
Additionally, the Cape May County Park and Zoo and Public Works Departments worked together to clear and prepare the new trail to complete the loop. The existing asphalt path and new mulch trail are ADA compliant and meet the New Jersey Barrier–Free Subcode.
Cheryl McDonough, president, Ocean City– Upper Township Rotary said, “We became interested helping Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary because of its unique setting for environmental education and opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors. The park provides children and families living in and visiting Cape May County an ‘up close and personal’ chance to observe and learn about wildlife, habitats and wetlands through nature walks along trails and streams that populate the sanctuary.
“The Rotary’s donation of a foot bridge allows for the completion of the park’s trail system, improving circulation and access to the parks hidden wonders. It is our hope that more families will take advantage of the Cameron Sanctuary’s learning experience to become more environmentally aware and enjoy the wonderful park system operated by Cape May County,” she continued.
The Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place that appeals to both avid wildlife watchers and families. The 26-acre park encompasses a variety of habitats including deciduous woodland, lakes and wetlands, crossed by hiking trails and paved walking pathways with educational signage, park benches and gazebos. The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.