Beachwood Beach & the Toms River Waterfront
The borough's waterfront is one of Beachwood's defining public spaces. Beachwood Beach, the riverfront gazebo, marina and nearby Mayo Park form a community recreation area used for swimming-season activities, boating, celebrations and year-round views across the Toms River.
Beachwood BeachLocal riverfront beach on Compass Avenue used for swimming-season recreation and major community events.
Riverfront Marina201–259 Compass Avenue. Borough marina with boat-slip rentals and running water. The public launch ramp is restricted to Beachwood residents.
Beachwood Gazebo501 Bayside Avenue. Riverfront gazebo used for community gatherings and popular as a wedding-photo location.
Mayo Park Center & Pavilion421 Beacon Avenue. Reservable borough recreation facility next to the waterfront activity area.
Beach and recreation badges: Beachwood's current recreation application lists seasonal badges at $10 per person, with children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Beachwood residents age 60 and over and resident military veterans are currently eligible for free recreation badges. Current parking permits are listed at $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Verify current rules and swimming conditions before visiting.
Jakes Branch County Park: Gateway to the Pines
At 1100 Double Trouble Road, Jakes Branch County Park gives Beachwood a major nature destination that feels entirely different from the riverfront. Ocean County describes the 400-acre park as the “Gateway to the Pines.”
Jakes Branch Nature CenterInterpretive exhibits, live animals and environmental programs introduce visitors to Pine Barrens ecology, history and wildlife.
Five-Story Observation DeckThe nature center's elevated observation deck provides broad views across the surrounding Pine Barrens forest.
8+ Miles of TrailsHiking and bicycling routes cross the park's forest landscape, with options for casual visitors and longer outings.
Family RecreationPlayground, discovery playtrail, picnic facilities and sports areas make the park useful beyond hiking and nature study.
Current Nature Center HoursOcean County currently lists Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., except major holidays.
Park OpeningThe park currently opens at 7 a.m.; seasonal closing times change through the year.
From Newspaper Promotion to Borough
Beachwood has one of Ocean County's more unusual founding stories. In 1914, the New-York Tribune worked with developer Bertram Chapman Mayo to promote building lots in a new summer community called Beachwood.
1914The New-York Tribune promoted Beachwood lots to subscribers as part of a large planned summer-colony development on land then within Berkeley Township.
1915A clubhouse, yacht club, pier, bathhouse, railroad station and 37-room lodge were available or under development, and 93 cottages had already been built.
March 22, 1917Beachwood was incorporated as an independent borough from portions of Berkeley Township.
1919The community had grown to roughly 1,200 summer residents.
1967–1968Voters approved changing to the Borough form of government, with the mayor and six-member council structure taking effect in 1968.
TodayBeachwood is a year-round residential borough whose waterfront, schools and recreation programs continue to define community life.
Parks, Sports & Recreation
Mayo ParkCentral borough recreation area adjacent to Beachwood Beach, with the Mayo Park Center and Pavilion supporting programs and community events.
Birch Surf Recreation AreaNeighborhood recreation area around Surf Avenue retained as part of Beachwood's local park network.
Berkeley Avenue Soccer AreaLocal soccer facilities support Beachwood youth and recreation programs.
Beachwood–Pine Beach Little LeagueRegional youth baseball program serving the neighboring boroughs.
Beachwood Soccer ClubLocal soccer organization connected with the Borough's recreation network.
Beachwood Street DevilsNHL/New Jersey Devils-sponsored street hockey program run through Beachwood Recreation for children ages 6–16.
Community Events
Beachwood Recreation uses the riverfront and Mayo Park for a lively calendar of family events. Current 2026 programming includes several long-running community traditions.
Memorial Day RiverfestAnnual Memorial Day gathering at Beachwood Beach following the borough parade, with food trucks, vendors and family activities.
July 4 FireworksBeachwood's waterfront fireworks celebration remains one of the borough's signature summer events. The 2026 display was scheduled for 9:15 p.m. on July 4.
Movies in the ParkBeachwood Recreation schedules outdoor movie nights throughout the warmer months, with Mayo Park Center used as an indoor rain location for selected events.
Community LuauAnnual Beachwood Beach event with music, food trucks, inflatables, crafts and family entertainment.
Harvest FestivalAutumn beachfront event featuring seasonal activities, food, family programming and a movie on the beach.
Town-Wide Scavenger HuntBeachwood Recreation's 2026 summer calendar included a multi-week community scavenger hunt running through August.
Event planning: Dates, times, rain plans and locations can change. Check the current Beachwood Borough calendar before making plans around a specific event.
Education
Beachwood is part of the Toms River Regional School District. Two district schools are physically located in the borough, while Beachwood high-school students are served by Toms River High School South.
Beachwood Elementary School901 Berkeley Avenue
Beachwood, NJ 08722
732-505-5820
Toms River Intermediate South1675 Pinewald Road
Beachwood, NJ 08722
732-505-3900
Toms River High School South55 Hyers Street
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-505-5734
Serves students from Beachwood as part of the regional district.
Borough Government & Public Services
Beachwood is an independent borough governed by a mayor and six-member Borough Council.
Beachwood Municipal Complex1600 Pinewald Road
Beachwood, NJ 08722
732-286-6000
Police & Public SafetyBeachwood Police, Fire, EMS and Emergency Management serve the borough. Call 911 for emergencies.
Public WorksBorough services include road and facility maintenance, garbage/recycling coordination and local infrastructure functions.
Land Use & ConstructionConstruction, zoning, code enforcement and the Land Use Board oversee property improvements and development matters.
Tax & Water ServicesBeachwood provides municipal tax and water-payment services through Borough Hall and its online portal.
Boards & CommitteesRecreation, Environmental Shade Tree, Land Use and other public bodies provide additional ways residents can participate in borough life.
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