Cape May Area to Gain Five New Pickleball Courts Amid Rising Popularity

Issue #545

December 14, 2025

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎄Cape May Area to Gain Five New Pickleball Courts Amid Rising Popularity

🎅🏻 From Philly to the Shore: Restaurateurs Plan Upscale Dining Concept in North Wildwood

✈️ After Autumn Storms, Van Drew Demands Disaster Declaration for NJ Shore

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: The Cape May Holiday Guide

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

 December 14

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Cape May Area to Gain Five New Pickleball Courts Amid Rising Popularity

Pickleball continues its impressive rise in popularity across the country, and now South Jersey is getting in on the action with a brand-new set of courts planned near Cape May. The addition will bring five new courts to the area, expanding local options for fans of the fast-growing sport.

Once a little-known backyard game invented over 60 years ago, pickleball has quickly become one of the most widely played recreational sports in the U.S., drawing both casual players and competitive athletes. The boom has inspired the creation of national tournaments, indoor clubs, and a growing number of local facilities — including several new developments along the Jersey Shore.

This latest project adds to a regional surge in court construction. Sea Isle City, for example, recently introduced seven pickleball courts, and neighboring Avalon boasts an impressive 18 public courts after a round of upgrades. These amenities cater to both locals and visitors looking to stay active during the summer season and beyond.

Even former NFL players have joined the trend. Each summer, ex-Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Conor Barwin hosts a charity pickleball tournament in Sea Isle City, drawing a mix of former pro athletes and community members for a good cause.

The new courts near Cape May underscore the sport’s continued growth and the demand for modern, accessible recreation facilities throughout South Jersey. With the region embracing pickleball’s appeal, more courts — and more players — are surely on the way.

From Philly to the Shore: Restaurateurs Plan Upscale Dining Concept in North Wildwood

A seasoned team of Philadelphia restaurateurs is preparing to bring a fresh culinary experience to the Jersey Shore next summer. Gent Mema, Orbelin Bitraj, and Joshua Friedberg have acquired the former Trio North Wildwood location at 700 New Jersey Avenue, with plans to unveil a brand-new dining concept ahead of the 2026 summer season.

The trio, well known in the Philadelphia suburbs for their refined Italian restaurants — including Antica Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, Granaio Italian Restaurant, The Library in Collegeville, and Versante in Schwenksville — are making their first foray into the bustling North Wildwood dining scene. The group’s track record leans heavily toward high-end, Italian-inspired cuisine, prompting speculation that their upcoming venture may follow suit.

Though the restaurateurs have yet to reveal the new name or menu, they confirmed their excitement to expand into the coastal market. Industry sources suggest that the decision was influenced by rising property values and increased demand for upscale dining experiences at the Jersey Shore — trends that make North Wildwood an appealing destination for ambitious restaurateurs.

Now, a new chapter begins for the prime corner lot as Mema, Bitraj, and Friedberg aim to debut their new concept in time for summer — perfectly timed to meet the seasonal influx of visitors. While fans await further details, one thing is certain: North Wildwood's dining scene is about to welcome a sophisticated new player.

 

After Autumn Storms, Van Drew Demands Disaster Declaration for NJ Shore

 Rep. Jeff Van Drew is calling for a disaster declaration in New Jersey following significant beach erosion from recent hurricanes and nor’easters. He’s requesting federal assistance to help restore heavily damaged shorelines in towns like Ocean City and Monmouth Beach. Local activists and the New Jersey Coastal Alliance are critical of the Army Corps of Engineers’ current replenishment tactics, calling for more sustainable solutions like nearshore sand placement. Van Drew stresses that urgent action is needed to prevent further damage.

Which Cape May event is popular among birdwatchers for observing migrating raptors and other bird species?

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Answer to the December 13th Trivia Question

Which Cape May estate, now a museum, was originally built in 1879 for a prominent local doctor?

A) The Chalfonte Hotel
B) Emlen Physick Estate
C) The Southern Mansion
D) Congress Hall

Answer: B) Emlen Physick Estate.

The Emlen Physick Estate was built in 1879 for Dr. Emlen Physick and is one of the best-preserved examples of Victorian "Stick Style" architecture in Cape May. Today, it serves as a museum, offering tours that provide a glimpse into the city's Victorian past.

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