When the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) held the grand opening of the pier last year, we were grateful to have finally replaced the structure that was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Through the generosity of our supporters and the use of OGCMA funds we were proud to have a new, beautiful pier that could be enjoyed by all who came to share our little piece of the Jersey Shore.

As you know, in October of 2023, just 6 months after it opened, and again in December 2023, unusually strong wave action caused three of the new pier pilings to break. Out of an abundance of caution, we made the decision to temporarily close the pier and it has remained closed since.

As we shared earlier this year, McLaren Engineering Group was retained to conduct an investigation into the cause of the damage. McLaren, who employed their certified divers, made in-water visual observations of the pier installation to determine the cause and extent of any damage.

McLaren needs further investigation of the new portion of the pier prior to a full reopening. We are preparing to reopen a portion of the previously existing pier.

We will report further as investigations continue.

We have no new information to share at this time. Please refer to the March 7, 2024 update for details about the OGCMA Pier’s current status.

UPDATE: In October and again in December of 2023, the Ocean Grove Pier suffered damage when unusually strong ocean wave action caused three of the 88 newly installed pier pilings (out of a total of 154, for the entire Pier) to break. No further damage to the Pier has been observed since that time. Nevertheless, in an abundance of caution, the Pier remains closed until the ongoing investigation as to the cause of that damage has been completed.

As previously advised, the OGCMA has retained the McLaren Engineering Group (“McLaren”), a top 500 Engineering News Record ranked firm, to conduct that investigation. McLaren’s team conducted its inspection of the Pier on February 15th. That inspection was performed by McLaren engineers who are certified divers. McLaren made in-water visual observations of the pier installation to determine the cause and extent of any damage to the Pier. As a result of that investigation, McLaren is conducting additional investigation into the documentation for the design and construction of the Pier. McLaren is anticipated to issue its report as soon as that additional investigation is complete. We will share further information as it is received from McLaren.

In October and, again, in December, the OGCMA Pier suffered damage when unusually strong ocean wave action caused three of the 88 newly installed pier pilings (out of a total of 154, for the entire pier) to break. In an abundance of caution, the Pier was closed until a proper investigation as to the cause of that damage has been identified.

The OGCMA has retained the McLaren Engineering Group (“McLaren”), a top 500 Engineering News-Record ranked firm that has been conducting marine engineering design and investigations since 1978, to conduct that investigation. McLaren will be conducting a review of both the design and construction of the Pier in order to determine the cause and extent of any damage to the Pier. It is expected that this investigation will commence shortly. OGCMA will not be commenting further until McLaren presents its findings. Any further information will be forthcoming as it is received.

As of January 17, we are moving forward to have a complete and thorough inspection of the pier.

At this time the pier remains closed.

Thank you for your interest and concern.