Gloucester Point Beach Park Update
September 2003 - Isabel visits Gloucester
Point Beach Park...
and leaves her mark!
The waters rose to the roof of the Beach House!
Every inch of the park was submerged. The first two photos were
taken during the hurricane. The next six show the aftermath.
The day after the storm was a beautiful day, it was little comfort as we
viewed the destruction. Parts of piers from all over the York River
were left at the park, the decking, rails and lights of the park's own
pier mixed in the ruble. The playground was beaten by the waves and
debris. Sand covers the grassy areas of the park. The wall of
the Beach House was battered down by the once adjacent stage.
January 2004 - Sand restoration
Isabel moved the sand from the
river to the park, sidewalks and parking lot. It was moved back in January!
March 2004 Beach Grass Plantings
Photo
1 (l-r)- March 2004 - Beach Grass Planting. A group of brave
volunteers fought off the cold wind, rain and at times downpours to
keep planting. The grass, from Cape May, New Jersey, arrived
on the 5th. Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism traveled north to help harvest the grass and
transport it to Gloucester Point. 
Photo 2 - The first job was to break the
large clumps of grass into smaller pieces.
Photo 3 - Then, volunteers working in
teams, planted row after row of grass. As the grass takes hold it will
spread and protect the beach from daily erosion.
Photo 4 - Notice the grid marks in the
sand to the left of the volunteers. These 18" by 18" lines helped insure
proper coverage. Thanks to all the
volunteers that participated in the planting day. With efforts like
these, our beach will soon be better than ever!
