Politics & Government

POLL: Should Bathing Suits Be Allowed on the Boardwalk?

An old Asbury Park law says bathing suits are banned on the city's boardwalk.

An ordinance that dates back to decades ago leaves Asbury Park beach boardwalk patrons breaking the law.

The ordinance bans bathing suits on the city's boardwalk, but has little to no enforcement from the city these days.

Former Asbury Park Councilwoman Louise Murray, who is now the municipal chair for the Asbury Park Republican Party, reminded the council of this ordinance at the Wednesday, June 20 council meeting.

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“I’ll be darned if I want to be standing at a bar and have somebody slither up in a Speedo or bikini that shouldn’t be in a bathing suit,” Murray said, according to the Asbury Park Sun. “It’s disgraceful … I implore you to enforce this, but do not amend it.”

And according to the Asbury Park Sun, Deputy Mayor John Loffredo agrees. 

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This specific ordinance covers several beach activities, including not digging a hole on the beach more than 12 inches deep and “No person clad in bathing attire shall be on the boardwalk or the public walks adjacent thereto.” 

Asbury Park has no public changing rooms or showers on its boardwalk.


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