July 1, 2020
Today the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders and GWTIDA joined Mayor Pete Byron and Commissioners Fitzsimons and Mikulski in dedicating the new gateway to our community on Rio Grande Avenue. Cape May County and the State of New Jersey provided the funding for these improvements which included new signage, lights and beautiful landscaping and streetscaping.
More importantly, the gateway enhancements fixed infrastructure issues by raising a section of the boulevard and adding a new pumping station to improve flood mitigation and alleviate nuisance flooding. Additionally, the wider roadway improves traffic flow from Susquehanna Avenue to Park Boulevard including a much-needed additional left-hand turning lane.
At the dedication ceremony, the City of Wildwood Board of Commissioners officially changed the name of Rio Grande Avenue to Beach Ball Boulevard.
According to Mayor Pete Byron:
"We solicited input from our residents, visitors and businesses to determine a more fitting name for the new distinctive gateway to our seashore destination. After an extensive survey which included a contest to win a family day filled with Wildwood thrills, the five most popular names were reviewed by a select committee with the final recommendations presented to us. Much thanks to everyone who participated in the process of renaming this roadway."
