(15/P13) TRENTON – As part of the Christie Administration’s goal of making state parks more self-sustaining, the Department of Environmental Protection is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide high-quality food services and events at Island Beach State Park, one of the state’s most popular parks.

 “Island Beach State Park is one of the crown jewels of our state park system and one of the most visited destinations at the Jersey Shore,” said Richard Boornazian, Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “This is a unique opportunity for a private operator to provide high-quality food and hold events at a park that regularly draws more than 10,000 visitors a day during the summer season.”

DEP is looking to enter into an operating agreement with a proven organization that will provide daily food services from the main pavilion at Ocean Bathing Area 1 from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and at Ocean Bathing Area 2 from the third weekend in June through Labor Day weekend.

In addition, food services are being sought at Ocean Bathing Area 1 during weekends of the extended season. That season runs from April 1 to the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and the Tuesday after Labor Day through November 1. Proposals for food trucks at various locations within the park to service overflow patrons at the two main bathing areas or at popular fishing access points are welcome.

DEP encourages bidders to propose higher quality, healthier fare than the typical hamburgers and hot dogs. DEP is also looking for food-based events as part of the bids.

The initial term for food services at Island Beach State Park will be for 10 years. The successful bidder will have the option to renew for a second 10-year term. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit will be held on Feb. 17 at the park’s main office at 11 a.m. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 19 at 5 p.m.

A request for proposal has been issued by DEP’s Division of Parks and Forestry and can be viewed at: http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/business_ops/current_leases.htm

For more information about Island Beach State Park, visit:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html