Township of Lower

Township of Lower Lower Township - "A place to remember" - is the southern tip of NJ and home to the largest year round population in Cape May County.

This 32 square mile Township is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. Lower Township community was incorporated in 1798 consists of historic towns including Cold Spring, Erma, Fishing Creek, Villas, Schellenger's Landing, North Cape May and Townbank. The township is home to the Cape May County Airport and the Cape May - Lewes Ferry. It's rich with historic sites, including The F

ishing Creek School, Naval Air Station Wildwood, Historic Cold Spring Village and the Cape May Lighthouse. Other great attractions are The Atlantus, a concrete ship from World War I which has been a beautiful landmark at Sunset Beach and the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area. (map of WMA)

Another site that provides over 300 years of Cape May County history would be the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. The church was built in 1823 but the congregation dates all the way back to 1718. Lower Township is the site of two historic African American cemeteries. Union Bethel Civil War Veterans Cemetery contains the graves of black men and women who served in the Civil War. Mount Zion Cemetery is said to have graves of people involved in the Underground Railroad, which has been linked to this area because Harriet Tubman worked for a time at a Cape Island hotel. Several nature trails lead visitors to various pond, coastal dune, marsh and forest habitats where wildlife can be observed in Cape May Point State Park. The park's constantly changing atmosphere is a great destination to observe the fall bird migration. Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is another great location for bird watching. The 1035 acre area offers a unique blend of several different habitats, including dune, forest and scrub-shrub. This is only some of the history that Lower Township has to offer. The best way to experience all of the great things in Lower Township, is to visit the area and see it for yourself! Special Thanks to the Lower Township Chamber of Commerce and the Cape May County Department of Tourism for providing the historical information.

Mark your calendars: Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Villas with a Villas Oral History Day on Saturday June 27 at...
06/19/2026

Mark your calendars: Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Villas with a Villas Oral History Day on Saturday June 27 at Fishing Creek School.

Lower Township Partners with DeSatnick Foundation to Increase Beach Accessibility with New Beach WheelchairLower Townshi...
06/19/2026

Lower Township Partners with DeSatnick Foundation to
Increase Beach Accessibility with New Beach Wheelchair

Lower Township is pleased to announce a new partnership with the DeSatnick Foundation to provide a beach wheelchair that will help make the township’s beaches and recreational areas more accessible for individuals with disabilities.
The specialized all-terrain wheelchair will be available for use at multiple locations throughout Lower Township over the coming years, providing individuals with mobility challenges the opportunity to experience the beach and outdoor environments with greater independence and accessibility.
“We are grateful to the DeSatnick Foundation for this generous donation and their commitment to making our community more inclusive,” said Lower Township Mayor Frank Sippel. “Providing access to our beaches is important, and this partnership helps ensure that more residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of our coastline.”
Founded more than a decade ago, the DeSatnick Foundation provides financial and emotional support to individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries, while also supporting spinal cord injury-specific therapy centers throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.
These devices open the door for people of many abilities to enjoy the beach and all-terrain environments that many others experience every day.
The DeSatnick Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Around the Cape Paddle, a 15-mile circumnavigation of Cape May Island, will take place on June 28. The event will begin and end at the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial in Cape May Harbor and helps support the Foundation’s ongoing mission of providing resources and support to those affected by spinal cord injury.
Lower Township appreciates the continued efforts of organizations like the DeSatnick Foundation that work to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the region.
For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Township’s official website at townshipoflower.org.

06/19/2026
Now Hiring: Seasonal Parks & Maintenance Worker- Starting ASAP Salary Range $15.92-$19.50
06/16/2026

Now Hiring: Seasonal Parks & Maintenance Worker- Starting ASAP Salary Range $15.92-$19.50

Employment and job opportunities in Lower Township New Jersey.

06/16/2026

Message from the Manager:
At the June 15, 2026 Council Meeting, Township Manager Michael Laffey briefed the Mayor and Members of Council on a plan to open the Lower Township Community Pool during the 2026 summer season.

Recognizing the importance of the pool to our residents, families, and visitors, Township staff has been working diligently alongside contractors and project partners to address outstanding items and advance the work necessary to safely reopen the facility. While previous issues and concerns related to the project have been publicly discussed and addressed by the Township, Administration's focus remains on moving the project forward and doing everything possible to provide our community with access to the pool this summer.

Based upon the progress being made, the Township is working toward a target opening date of July 3, 2026. This date remains dependent upon the successful completion of all remaining work, required inspections, regulatory approvals, and operational preparations necessary to ensure the facility can safely welcome the public.

Our staff is dedicated to delivering a safe, enjoyable, and well-operated community pool for the residents of Lower Township, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as possible.

Mark your calendars for youth cheer registration on July 4 through July 19. The youth cheerleading program is available ...
06/12/2026

Mark your calendars for youth cheer registration on July 4 through July 19.

The youth cheerleading program is available to children in first through sixth grade. Teams are separated by grades and are assigned to cheer for one of our youth football teams. Practices begin in the summer and games are played in the fall. Participants will learn fundamentals, techniques, side line and half- time cheers.

https://lowertownshiprecreation.com/program/CHEERLEADING

06/04/2026

🚲🔥 Get Ready for High-Flying Action! 🔥🚲

The Dialed Action Sports BMX Show is rolling into town—and you won’t want to miss it!

🎉 Join us for this FREE community event sponsored by the Gene Sole Scholarship and experience jaw-dropping tricks, big air, and nonstop excitement as professional BMX riders take over the park!

🗓 Friday, June 5, 2026
📍 Freeman S. Douglass, Jr. Memorial Park
📍 676 Shore Rd, Cape May, NJ
⏰ Showtime: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Gates open at 5:15 PM)
🎁 Bonus: Free bike gear giveaways (first come, first serve!)

Bring your friends, bring your family, and come cheer on these incredible athletes as they show off their skills and put Sole back in RIDE!

👉 For more info: Jodi Corbett at (609) 522-5960 or [email protected]

Mayor Frank Sippel is reminding residents of several upcoming community events and recreation programs taking place thro...
06/03/2026

Mayor Frank Sippel is reminding residents of several upcoming community events and recreation programs taking place throughout the summer months.

Effective June 1, the Lower Township Recycling Center has transitioned to its summer operating schedule. The recycling center is now open Thursday through Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The facility will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and on holidays.

Residents are reminded that Lower Township will host a free document shredding event on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9 a.m. to noon in front of the Lower Township Recreation Center, located at 2600 Bayshore Road in Villas. This service is available at no cost to residents.

Residents should also be aware that the Escape the Cape Triathlon will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026. As a result, temporary road closures and traffic delays are expected throughout portions of Lower Township during the race. Motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly, particularly in the Beach Drive area, where race activities will have a significant impact on traffic flow. We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we welcome participants and visitors to this popular annual event.

The Township’s annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on July 3 along Beach Drive in North Cape May. This year’s event will feature additional children's rides beginning at 5 p.m. To accommodate event setup, Beach Drive will begin closing at approximately 3 p.m., allowing vendors and entertainment groups adequate time to prepare.

The evening will conclude with a fireworks display along the bayfront beginning at approximately 9 p.m. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us for what we believe is one of the finest Independence Day celebrations in Cape May County. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is scheduled for July 5.

For additional information regarding recreation programs and events, residents are encouraged to contact the Lower Township Parks and Recreation Department at 609-886-7880 or visit lowertownshiprecreation.com.

For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Township’s official website at townshipoflower.org.

Lower Township is located at the southern tip of New Jersey and has the largest year round population in Cape May County; it is home to roughly 23,000 residents. Incorporated in 1798, our historic towns include Cold Spring, Erma, Fishing Creek, Villas, Diamond Beach, Shawcrest, Schellenger's Landing...

Address

2600 Bayshore Road
Villas, NJ
08251

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16098862005

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