What to Do

Arts & Recreation

OCEAN CITY ARTS CENTER
OCEAN CITY AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTER
BAYSIDE CENTER
BIKE WAYS
OCEAN CITY RECREATION (including Recreation Brochure)
CAPE MAY COUNTY DOG PARK IN OCEAN CITY

OCEAN CITY ARTS CENTER

The Ocean City Arts Center (OCAC), an independent non-profit organization, was established in 1966 and incorporated in 1967.  In 1990, the Arts Center, the Free Public Library, Historical Museum and Aquatic and Fitness Center moved into the Ocean City Community Cultural Center. OCAC is fortunate to be located in this beautiful municipal building, however, OCAC is not a municipal facility and its staff are not city employees. We are responsible for our own funding through grants, fundraisers, tuition, gallery sales and donations.

OCAC believes that an appreciation of mankind’s diversity can be learned through the arts. OCAC’s monthly gallery exhibits provide an opportunity for that concept to become tangible. Each month we present a new exhibit featuring regional and national artists of various mediums. Each exhibit opens with a “Meet the Artist” reception that adds a personal dimension to the experience. OCAC provides exposure to major metropolitan galleries through affordable museum bus trips to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. four to five times per year. These fun and educational trips have earned a faithful following and always sell out.

For more information, visit the Arts Center website by clicking here

OCEAN CITY AQUATIC & FITNESS CENTER

The Center is a multi-faceted facility that encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate in programs that help to promote good health. The center has strength and cardiovascular equipment training space; a 25 meter pool; an aerobics studio for aerobics, yoga, and pilates; racquetball; babysitting; and youth programming spaces. The Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center has something for everyone in the family!

The Aquatic and Fitness Center is located at 1735 Simpson Avenue. The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Members can now access their Aquatic & Fitness Center accounts online!


BAYSIDE CENTER

In this section:

General Information

The Bayside Center is a an activities and education facility operated by the City of Ocean City that is dedicated to the environmental and cultural aspects of Ocean City’s bayfront along the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Located on the grounds of an historical home on the bay, the Bayside Center is a perfect location to learn about the South Jersey seashore environment through an array of exhibits, displays, and information or to simply enjoy the bay for its views, wildlife, or water recreation.

The house was originally built on the 1.35 acre property around 1916 when owned by the Diesel family. In 1958, the Wheaton family purchased the house for use as a summer property. They owned the property until it was purchased by the County in 1995 through the New Jersey Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program. The name Bayside Center was given and the property had capital improvements including elevation for flood proofing, a new bulkhead, new railings and painting of the exterior. The City of Ocean City holds a 25 year lease on the Bayside Center.

The property was renamed Bayside Center and under went a number of capital improvements including elevation for flood proofing, a new bulkhead, new railings, installation of an elevator and painting of the exterior. In 2009 the City retained an architect to redesign the building to transform it from a home to an environmental center with state of the art exhibit space, meeting areas and office space. The new design will incorporate many LEED principals to make it an energy efficient building.

The property is open to visitors in the summer months from the last Saturday in June until Labor Day from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

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The Bay Window Environmental Center

On the first floor of the house is The Bay Window Environmental Center. Highlights of The Bay Window include a walk under estuary waters, local game fish, a display of tools used by bay men of the Great Egg Harbor Bay estuary, a mural by Ocean City artist Diane Bressler featuring species found in the local estuary, and a photo gallery. Information about Watershed Planning in New Jersey explains how everything we do on land affects the water and how citizens and visitors can minimize their impact on the environment by having this knowledge and making minor adjustments in certain everyday activities.

The Wetlands Institute provides programs and exhibits at the Bayside Environmental Center, including a closed circuit camera shows the activities at an osprey nest close to the 9 th Street Bridge.

The second floor is home to the Hutsko ship models, a collection of 25 museum quality boat models of historic, local and well-known ships. This life’s work of Master Ship model builder Stephen Hutsko is on loan from his family. Another room is devoted to a collection of to-scale models of historic Ocean City buildings. This interesting collection was produced by former local resident Al Burch.

The third floor is open to the public for unmatched views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay. There is a telescope to help you see the osprey nest close to the 9th Street Bridge. An elevator has been installed for full accessibility to all three floors.

The docks allow access to the public on a year-round basis for fishing and crabbing. Boaters and kayakers may use the slips to launch or dock on a short-term basis.
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Open Public Areas

The Bay Window Environmental Center is only one of the many highlights of the Bayside Center. There is a lovely pavilion on the grounds that provides shaded seating during a hot summer day and is a wonderful place to relax on a nice evening.

The docks allow bay access to the public on a year-round basis for fishing and crabbing. Boaters and kayakers may use the slips to launch or dock on a short-term basis. Sunset views are spectacular from this site.
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Events and Camps

The Bayside Environmental Center is the home of the City’s annual Earth Day Celebration which is held on the third Sunday of April. Exhibits, speakers, music and children’s activities are but a few of the activities at the Earth Day Celebration.

Night in Venice is a big night on the bay in Ocean City and the Bayside Center is a great place to view the famous boat parade. An outdoor party is held on the grounds with a band and special children’s activities prior to the start of the parade. Bleacher seats are available and attendees are encouraged to bring your own picnic. Tickets go on sale July 1, reserve your seat early as this event is usually a sell-out!

On Tuesday evenings, the Bayside Center presents the Summer Sunset Series, a variety of free educational nature programs on various topics for the entire family. Reservations are requested by calling the Center during its hours of operation.

The Bayside Center also offers Summer Fun Science Camps for children aged six to 11. Download the schedule and camp descriptions by clicking here.

In addition to all of these wonderful activities, the Bayside Center hosts special events throughout the year. Click here [link to ocweb_eventsBayside.pdf] to see what events are happening and how you can get involved!
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Contact Information

The Bayside Center is located at 520 Bay Avenue in Ocean City. It is open to visitors in the summer months from the last Saturday in June until Labor Day from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Year-round, the property is available for special events and meetings. To contact the Bayside Center, phone 609-525-9244 (summer) or 609-525-9301 (winter).
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Bike Ways

As a barrier island, Ocean City is a close-knit community.   Corner stores really are around the corner, convenience stores are actually convenient, there are super markets serving each end of the island, and the beach is always less than a mile away.  This type of community makes walking and biking a perfect alternative for getting around town, and besides being an effective means of transportation, it promotes healthy living and reduces traffic congestion and motor vehicle emissions that are a leading source of global warming pollution.
Ocean City has a variety of designated bicycle routes or bike ways that provide for safe travels either alongside vehicle traffic or as a separate dedicated bike path.  There are bike paths separated from traffic along Haven Avenue from 18th Street to 20th Street, and from 29th Street to 34th Street.  Even where there are not designated paths, Haven Avenue is a quiet and well-paved street to bicycle ride on from 9th Street to 18th Street.  Ocean City plans to establish even more designated bike paths throughout the City. 
Along most of West Avenue from 18th Street south, it is a shared-use road where there are delineated bicycle routes where riders have a lane separated from vehicle traffic and parked cars. 
The Boardwalk is a fabulous place to ride a bike along the downtown area of the island.  It is nice to be completely separated from vehicular traffic and the view is hard to beat.  However, since pedestrian traffic is so heavy during the summer months, there are restricted hours for bicycle riding from 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon that are enforced from June 1st to September 20th. 

Ocean City Recreation

Click here for the full 2010 Summer Programs brochure

Links to Other Youth Programs

General Information

Ocean City prides itself on having something to enhance everyone’s recreation and leisure time.

Throughout the island there are well equipped playgrounds, maintained for safety and fun. There are baseball, softball, football, soccer, field hockey and multi-purpose fields. Numerous basketball, tennis, street hockey, shuffleboard and volleyball courts complete the array of active recreation sites, many of them lighted for added hours of enjoyment.

Ocean City’s beachside skate park attracts skate board and roller blade enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

The City’s twelve hole par three golf course provides hours of enjoyment in a scenic meadow setting.

Children can choose from a variety of fun and educational programs throughout the year.

Adults can take part in the full array of programs at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, as well compete in such activities as softball and volleyball.

Find out more here and get involved in all that Ocean City has to offer! You’ll be glad you did!
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Application for use of Municipal Facility

Ocean City’s recreational facilities are available for use by groups and individuals who make requests based on availability. The application for requesting use of a facility, except the Music Pier, for a special event can be downloaded by clicking here. Applications are due 60 days prior to the planned event. To download the Music Pier Application, click here.
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Recreation Programs Registration Policy

All activities are handled on a first come, first serve basis for residents and seasonal vacationers. The Ocean City Community Services Department and the Division of Recreation Programs reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any program due to lack of registration, inclement weather or reasons beyond the department’s control. Programs, dates and times are subject to change due to availability of facilities.

Refund Policy – No refunds will be given after a program begins. Refunds will be approved only if the activity is cancelled, or for medical reasons if the refund request is made in writing (3) days before the activity begins. A COPY OF YOUR RECEIPT SHOULD ACCOMPANY YOUR REQUEST.

Program cancellation due to inclement weather will be announced on Channel 2 or call (609) 525-9304. Please make all checks for programs or special events payable to: “City of Ocean City.” For more information on programs listed below call the Recreation Office at 609-525-9304. Registration for activities will be taken in person at the City Hall Annex – 901 Asbury Avenue during business hours Monday – Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted).

Program announcements will be distributed through schools and published in local newspapers. Any program requiring a deadline for registration will be noted on the program information flyer. A waiting list will be maintained for some programs. If an opening becomes available in a closed program, that space will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. If that person declines or is unreachable the next person on the list will be contacted. The Division of Recreation insists that a child should never be left at an activity or program before the person in charge arrives to accept responsibility for that participant. It is the obligation of the parent or guardian to be aware of program schedule and times. If you would would like to fill out the participant waiver in advance, click here for the form.

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CAPE MAY COUNTY DOG PARK IN OCEAN CITY
The City of Ocean City is home to the Cape May County Dog Park. Since dogs are a big part of the family, they should also have a place to play in the fantastic family resort that is Ocean City. The dog park is located at 45TH Street and Haven Avenue.
Access Cards known as “Paw Passes” are required for admittance. “Paw Passes” are available from the first floor reception area of City Hall, located at 861 Asbury Avenue. “Paw Pass” requirements include:
• A completed “Paw Pass” Application Form.
• Proof of a municipal dog license from either Ocean City or the owner’s place of residence.
• Proof of up to date immunizations. (rabies.)
• Signed Release of Liability and Waiver Form.
• Payment of Fee.
For further information visit: www.oceancitydogpark.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - What is the official name of the Park?
A - The Cape May County Dog Park located in Ocean City, NJ
Q - Where is the Park located in the City?
A - The Park is located at 45th Street & Haven Avenue. When heading southbound on West Avenue, make a right hand turn onto 45th Street and precede approximately ¼ of a block until you see the Dog Park sign on your right. The Park’s parking lot will be located on your right hand side. Handicap parking is available. Signs have been placed on West Avenue in both directions denoting the location of the Park.

Signs have been placed on West Avenue in both directions denoting the location of the Park.
Q - Is the Dog Park open and who can utilize the facility?
A - Yes, the Park officially opened in October ’06. Access cards (“Paw-Passes”) are currently available to any individual who submits the following:
As for the question as to whom may utilize the Park, once it has been officially opened. The Park will be available to anyone who can produce the following documentation to the City:

  • A completed “Paw-Pass” Application Form
  • Proof of a municipal dog license. Please note that the license does not have to be issued from the City of Ocean City, but from the location of the dog’s main year round residents.
  • Proof of up to date immunizations (Rabies)
  • Signed Release of Liability & Waiver Form
  • Receipt of one (1) of the following fees:
    • 2007 Cape May County Residents - $25.00
    • 2007 Non-Cape May County Residents - $35.00
    • 2007 Short Term Users (Weekly) - $10.00 (Note: this pass is intended for those individuals that wish to utilize the Park for a one week or limited duration only)

Q - Are any fees involved with the submittal of the application and the receipt of the access card (“Paw-Pass”)?
A - Yes, the following fees ahve been established by the City for the use of the park for the year 2007:
• 2007 Cape May County Residents - $25.00 (proof may be required)
• 2007 Non-Cape May County Residents - $35.00
• 2007 Short Term Users (Weekly) - $10.00 (Note: this pass is intended for those individuals that wish to utilize the Park for a one week or limited duration only)
Q - How is the Park structured and setup?
A - As designed by the County Engineer, the Park is broken down into three (3) distinctly separate fenced in areas. They are as follows:
• Large Dog Area (Dogs under <25lbs.)
• Small Dog Area (Dogs over >25lbs.)
• Dog Run Area (All dogs)
Additionally, there are three (3) separate entrance/exit areas. This provides a safe area for you to remove or put on your leash before entering or leaving the Park.
When registering your dog, it will be determined based on the information provided which areas your dog will have access to in the Park. Each access card (“Paw-Pass”) will be programmed to only allow access to those designated areas. Through the use of this software feature we are hopeful that we can help minimize potential problems and misuse of the Park.
Q - What facilities are available at the Park for both the owners and the dogs?
A - As described above there are three (3) separate fenced in areas for the dogs to run off leash. Additionally, the following facilities are currently available:
• A shared pavilion with a picnic table in each area
• Water fountains for both the dogs and owners
• “Pooper-Scooper” dispensers and disposable bags
• Trash containers
• Sitting benches
• Handicap parking area
• Designated off-street parking lot
Q – Who is currently coordinating the opening of the Park and processing the access card (“Paw-Pass”) application forms?
A – At this point all inquiry calls should be directed to the City’s Receptionist, who can be reached at 609.399.6112 between the hours of 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM – Monday -Wednesday - Friday (excluding holidays). Additionally, the Ocean City Dog Park Association has a web site @ www.oceancitydogpark.org where updates and photos of the Park can be found. The site also contains information for those individuals that wish to become volunteers in their organization.
Q - The Park currently looks a bit sterile, are there any future plans to add plantings or interactive items to the site for the dogs.
A - Yes, there are plans to add both plantings and interactive items to the site. Through the receipt of both Park user fees in the calendar year 2007 and annual donations it is the Associations plan to add to the site in the coming years. At this point, we have been provided an excellent base from the County to build on and will be working to further improve the Park as time goes on. If you wish to make a donation to this endeavor, please go to the Associations web site @ www.oceancitydogpark.org for further information and details.
Q – What are the hours of operation of the Park?
A – Currently, the Park is open from 8 AM – Dusk, seven (7) days a week, weather and conditions permitting. On occasion the Park may be closed for short durations for maintenance related issues.
Q - How do I get an application?
A – Application forms are available by clicking here
Q - What are the rules and regulations of the Park? Dog Park Rules
A – The rules and regulations are available by clicking here

Recreation Facilities and Parks
Adopt A Park Program

Ocean City residents, property owners, visitors and businesses are being invited to support the improvement of three parks by purchasing commemorative pavers and shade trees.

Donors may designate the park where they would like their item installed. Quantities are limited and based upon the final design of each playground.

Engraved pavers and shade trees with donor plaques are available for purchase at the following locations:
North Street Playground
8 th Street Playground
34 th Street Playground
Costs :
4” x 8” Engraved Paver: 3 lines, 14 characters per line $ 150.00
12” x 12” Engraved Paver: 9 lines, 22 characters per line $ 500.00
Shade Tree with Engraved Donor Plaque: $1,000.00

Purchases may also be made as gifts with an acknowledgment sent to the recipient.

Interested parties may receive further information by the Ocean City Department of Community Services at 609.525.9294.

Recreation Facility Locations
Permits and fees may be required for facility use.

Sports & Civic Center 6th & Boardwalk—525-9304
A 12,000 square foot gymnasium with multi-purpose sports flooring including three basketball or volleyball courts, in-door soccer, roller skating, field hockey and other activities.

Aquatic & Fitness Center
18th & Simpson Ave. - 398-6900

Carey Stadium (Football Field & Track)
6th & Atlantic Ave.

Bayside Center
520 Bay Ave. – 525-9244

Basketball Courts
North St. 6th , 8th , 15th , 18th , 34th & 52nd Streets

Soccer Complex
Tennessee Ave. & Palmer Park (15th St. and Haven Ave.)

Baseball/Softball Fields
5th/6th Street and Bay Ave. Complex & 35th & Haven Ave.

Municipal Golf Course
26th & Bay Ave. – 525-9233

Playgrounds
North, 8th, 15th, 29th, 34th, & 52nd Streets

Public Boat Ramp
Tennessee Avenue - 525-9289
Three public boat ramps and associated docks providing access to the intercoastal waterway (Fee required seasonally.)

Shuffleboard Courts
5th & Boardwalk – 525-9853

8th Street Recreation Center
8th & Haven Avenue

Tennis Courts
(8) 35th & West Ave.- 525-9308
(6) 18th & Haven Ave. - 525-9307
(10) 6th & Atlantic Ave.—525-9306

Ocean City’s recreational facilities are available for use by groups and individuals who make requests based on availability. The application for requesting use of a facility, except the Music Pier, for a special event can be downloaded by clicking here. Applications are due 60 days prior to the planned event. To download the Music Pier Application, click here.

Ocean City Golf Course
In its tradition of family fun, the City of Ocean City owns and operates a twelve hole, par 3 golf course that is open to the public.  The golf course is a great place to go in the morning before hitting the beach, after a beach day to unwind or as an alternative for a change of pace from the sand and sea.  Set in the scenic meadows of the bay area, the golf course provides a beautiful and fun way to spend a few hours of the day in Ocean City.
All ages are welcome, but children under 12 years old must have a parent with them.  To play, each person must have their own golf bag.  Clubs are available for rental as well as hand carts and riding carts. 
The Ocean City Municipal Golf Course is located on Bay Avenue at 26th Street.  Winter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and summer hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The golf course has a pro shop and memberships are available. 

Ocean City and Area Sports Teams

Ocean City Nor'easters Soccer

"Home of the Nor'easters"

Ocean City is the home of the “Ocean City Nor'easters” one of the top Premier Development League (PDL) soccer franchises in North America. Ocean City FC was founded in 1997 and competed as a professional franchise until 2003 when they joined the PDL. Up until the 2010 season, the club was known as the Ocean City Barons.

The PDL is the top men’s amateur league in North America that consists of more than 66 teams across the continent. As a league, it creates a venue for elite soccer players to perform in a professional setting while still maintaining college eligibility. In the summer months, top players from college and high school showcase their talents on the field as they entertain crowds and work on achieving their goals to become professional soccer players. Since 2003, 17 Ocean City players have moved on to play professionally in the United States, Canada, Europe and one player, Jeremiah White, suited up for the United States National Team.

Ocean City scored when the team moved to town in 2005. The games have provided yet another fun, family activity in the summer attracting up to 1,000 fans per game and the Nor'easters teamed up with the City to run soccer camps and clinics. In addition to hosting camps and clinics year-round, the club also participates in the Super Y-League, offering boys and girls the opportunity to play in North America's top youth league from the Under-11 age group all the way up to Under-20. They have also partnered with Reading Football Club, a historic club in England ..... ???

The move to Ocean City has been excellent for the Nor'easters, too. Carey Stadium has provided them with not only one of the most scenic venues in all of American soccer, but it creates a great home field advantage. Out of the more than 66 teams in the PDL, they have the second-best home record (39-9-11) since 2003, not to mention the fourth-best overall record (67-25-24). They have qualified for the playoffs four teams in the last six years, and have received national attention for their performance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, one of the oldest soccer tournaments in the world that dates back to 1914. The competition allows amateur clubs of all sizes the chance to compete against professional teams in a single-elimination tournament (Imagine the Atlantic City Surf playing the New York Yankees in a March Madness-style tournament). Ocean City has upset four professional teams in their history, and all of those upsets took place at Carey Stadium. In 2009, after shocking two pro teams in a row, they earned the right to face D.C. United of Major League Soccer in the third round of the competition. They would play one of the best teams in the country very close, losing a narrow 2-0 decision in one of the greatest achievements in club history.

They are also getting accolades from the United Soccer Leagues (USL), the league that runs the PDL. In 2005, they won the “Progress Award” for their success in moving to Ocean City. This award goes to only one of the 114 professional and amateur teams in the entire USL. In 2006, Ocean City FC was inducted into the USL Hall of Fame as a 10+ Club for being only one of 34 franchises in the history of the league to have remained a team for over 10 years. The following year, Ocean City general manager Neil Holloway was named the 2007 PDL Executive of the Year and the club was also honored by the 2007 PDL Communications Award for outstanding achievement in public and media relations. 2008 marked the club's greatest honor when they were named the "Organization of the Year."

So, to see an award-winning team and some real shining soccer stars, get to a game this summer. Carey Stadium is located at 6th Street and the Boardwalk behind Ocean City High School. You can follow the club on their website at www.oceancityfc.com, their twitter account @oceancityfc and their facebook page at www.facebook.com/oceancityfc. Local media outlets such as The Press of Atlantic City, NBC-40, the Ocean City Gazette and the Sentinel also report on the team, in addition to numerous online publications.

For more information, visit www.oceancityfc.com


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SURF CHAIR PROGRAM
The City of Ocean City wants everyone to be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and so offers a wonderful beach accessible wheelchair service for mobility limited individuals of all ages. “Surf Chairs” provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the surf and sand on Ocean City beaches.
The beach accessible wheelchair service is available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check-in by 4:30 p.m.) and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (check-in by 5:00 p.m.). The surf chair program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Reservations are suggested.
The Surf Chair Program is based out of the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center located on 6th Street at the Boardwalk.
For more information about this program, call (609) 525-9304