The Wildwood Boardwalk is packed with summer crowds. (Photo courtesy of the Wildwoods)
Wildwood is enhancing security on the Boardwalk by installing protective bollards along the iconic oceanfront attraction.
“The City is taking bold steps to enhance the safety of residents and visitors – demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting the City from crime and terrorism,” Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr., Deputy Mayor Steve Mikulski and Commissioner Krista McConnell said in a news release Wednesday.
With this new security initiative, fixed bollards will be installed at all potential vehicular access points. Removable bollards will be placed at select access ramps.
Additionally, new lighting has been installed along the entire Boardwalk, stretching from 26th Street to Burke Avenue. The city has also placed state-of-the-art security cameras in strategic locations on the Boardwalk to maximize surveillance.
Bollards are short, sturdy posts designed to prevent vehicle access, enhance security, guide traffic and improve pedestrian safety. The barriers effectively block unauthorized vehicles from entering pedestrian areas and protect against accidental or intentional vehicle-ramming attacks.
The New Orleans terror attack, which killed 14 people and injured dozens of others, was caused when a driver used his pickup truck to ram into crowds of revelers on New Year’s Day. The driver, a supporter of the ISIS terrorist organization, was killed in a shootout with police.
Barriers will be strategically placed along the Boardwalk.Mikulski highlighted the close collaboration between Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy and the New Jersey State Police Infrastructure Protection Unit. Police have conducted regular threat and vulnerability assessments to ensure Wildwood remains proactive in addressing security concerns, the release stated.
“While we acknowledge that vulnerabilities cannot be completely eliminated, these targeted enhancements are designed to significantly deter potential threats and mitigate the impact of any incidents,” Mikulski said.
The city funded the installation of bollards at Maple Avenue and Spicer Avenue through previous street-end improvement projects in summer 2024.
Bennett Avenue should be complete before the 2025 season, with Robert Avenue expected to be finished by fall 2025.
The city is eyeing Wildwood Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Spencer Avenue for street-end bollards by the start of the 2025 season with the help of funding from the Cape May County Open Spaces program.
“These efforts underscore the City of Wildwood’s dedication to creating a safer environment for the millions of visitors who enjoy the iconic Boardwalk each year,” the release says.
