Cape May County Scraps $28M Sports Complex in Favor of Airport Dome

Issue #526

November 25, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🛬Cape May County Scraps $28M Sports Complex in of Airport Dome

🎡SkyCoaster Retired After 25 Years of Thrills on Wildwood’s Boardwalk

⚡Atlantic City Electric Commits to Helping Lower Energy Costs Under New Administration

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Cape May Antiques

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 November 25

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Cape May County Scraps $28M Sports Complex in Favor of Airport Dome

Plans for a large-scale sports complex in Cape May County have officially been shelved. County commissioners have decided not to pursue a proposed $28 million recreation facility at Cape May County Park – East, opting instead to utilize a domed sports facility already planned at the county airport.

Originally introduced in August by Melio Bauer Carman Landscape Architects, the concept included a two-story field house, along with new tennis and pickleball courts. The field house would have been suitable for high school-level football or soccer games, although it wouldn’t have featured spectator seating. The project was envisioned as a major step forward in expanding both active and passive recreation opportunities in the county.

However, by the commissioners’ Nov. 12 meeting, it became clear the project was no longer in motion. Instead, the county had committed back in July to a 20-year lease agreement for space at the Cape May County Airport, where a private developer is set to build and operate a 100,000-square-foot multisport facility.

The new facility, often referred to as “the bubble” due to its domed design, is expected to focus heavily on tournaments and revenue-generating events such as soccer competitions. County Counsel Jeff Lindsay noted that the airport facility is likely to bring increased tourism activity through lodging and dining associated with tournaments.

A resolution passed during the Nov. 12 meeting authorized the county to enter a lease agreement with Aviation Sports Complex LLC, committing $1 million over 10 years for the use of space at the airport site. Commissioner Will Morey raised concerns about how the funds would be allocated, noting the potential for the money to be used up more quickly than anticipated. He also said this was the first time he had heard that the Park – East project had been canceled.

The shift in direction means the county will avoid bonding for the $28 million originally proposed. It also appears that plans for upgrades to the nearby law enforcement memorial at Route 9 and Crest Haven Road—part of the original project—have been dropped as well.

Back in August, County Administrator Kevin Lare had sought feedback from the board before moving forward, saying the county would not commit more funding unless commissioners agreed to proceed. At the time, most commissioners voiced strong support, with only Morey offering a conditional endorsement.

SkyCoaster Retired After 25 Years of Thrills on Wildwood’s Boardwalk

After more than two decades of high-flying thrills, the SkyCoaster ride on Wildwood’s Boardwalk has officially taken its final flight. Morey’s Piers, the amusement park operator, announced the retirement of the popular attraction, marking the end of an era for Adventure Pier.

For 25 years, the SkyCoaster offered adrenaline-pumping experiences to visitors, lifting riders 100 feet into the air between two steel towers for a flight that blended the sensation of skydiving with hang gliding. The ride accommodated up to three passengers at a time, giving thrill-seekers a breathtaking view of the Wildwood beach as they swung through the air in a giant arc.

The decision to close the SkyCoaster was shared in a social media post, where Morey’s Piers thanked past riders and hinted at future developments. The team is now turning its attention to reimagining Adventure Pier, promising new attractions and adventures in the years to come.

The ride's departure is part of a broader evolution of the park, as Morey’s continues to update and innovate its offerings while preserving the excitement that draws thousands to the Jersey Shore each summer.

 

Atlantic City Electric Commits to Helping Lower Energy Costs Under New Administration

 Atlantic City Electric has announced its commitment to working with New Jersey’s incoming governor, Mikie Sherrill, on efforts to make electricity more affordable across the state. The utility provider expressed support for Sherrill’s campaign promise to freeze utility rates, which she has pledged to enact on her first day in office by declaring a state of emergency.

In a public statement released Wednesday, the company congratulated the governor-elect and highlighted a shared interest in long-term strategies to ease the financial burden of energy on residents. These strategies include investing in community solar initiatives, battery storage, and the exploration of regulated energy generation—allowing local utilities like Atlantic City Electric to produce more power within the state.

To showcase its commitment to affordability, Atlantic City Electric pointed to its $4 million Customer Relief Fund launched in partnership with SHARES, aimed at helping struggling households. The company emphasized its deep roots in South Jersey, noting that many of its employees live in the same communities impacted by rising utility costs.

Which significant natural feature near Cape May is known for being a critical location for bird migration, attracting birdwatchers from around the world?

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Answer to the November 24th Trivia Question

Cape May's Great Fire of 1878 had a major impact on the town. Approximately how much of the town was destroyed?

A) One-quarter
B) One-third
C) Half
D) Two-thirds

Answer: C) Half​

The fire of 1878 devastated about half of Cape May, but the town was quickly rebuilt, and many of its iconic Victorian buildings were constructed during the rebuilding process.

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