(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — The City of Asbury Park is implementing new restrictions on its Boardwalk Bench Plaque Program, requiring the removal of all decorations and personal items attached to memorial benches by June 17.
According to the notice distributed to plaque owners (above) by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, only the official commemorative plaques purchased through the program will be permitted on boardwalk benches going forward. Items such as flowers, wreaths, toys, signs, lights, and other decorations must be removed before city crews begin enforcement on Thursday.
The restrictions have generated strong reactions among many residents and plaque owners who view the decorated benches as an important part of the boardwalk’s character and a meaningful way to honor loved ones. One of the most visible memorials affected is Stella’s Ball Library, a well-known bench display created by Asbury Park resident Tara Metzler in memory of her dog, Stella.
"It is with great regret that I let you know, Stella's Ball Library at the entrance of dog beach will be no longer," Metzler wrote in an emotional social media post, adding she was informed on June 8 that all decorations and items beyond official plaques must be removed from memorial benches.
(The memorial, created by Stella's owner, has become a popular stop for dog owners visiting the beach. Image credits: Tara Metzler, aka Pigdog, Facebook post.)
Metzler said in an interview with OpGov.news that Stella had been deeply intertwined with the Asbury Park community for years. “Stella passed away two years ago,” she said. “I’m a huge animal lover and advocate, and I’ve always supported animal organizations — but Stella was truly my soul dog.”
Before moving to Asbury Park, Metzler visited the beachfront every weekend, and Stella quickly became a familiar face around town. “Everyone knew her — Debbie (DeLisa) at Wonder Bar, the staff at all the establishments. We were at Yappy Hour all the time. People loved her.”
After Stella died, Metzler struggled profoundly with the loss. “It was devastating,” she said. “But I knew I wanted to memorialize her in a way that truly reflected her connection to this place. What better way than a bench and a ball library at the entrance to or near the dog beach? It was my way of thanking the community — including the dogs — who brought us so much joy.”
For Metzler, maintaining Stella’s Ball Library became part of her healing process. Each time she stopped by to add tennis balls or update decorations, people approached her. “They would say, ‘Please tell me you’re not getting rid of this — it brings a smile to my face.’ That’s why I posted about it on Facebook,” Metzler said. “I didn’t want people thinking I had decided to take it down. It wasn’t my choice.”
She emphasized that the city’s message was a general notice, not directed specifically at her bench. “They didn’t call me out. I’m guessing there were complaints overall, and they wanted to handle it in one policy. I feel bad for everyone — so many people decorate their benches for loved ones.”
Metzler expressed sadness about broader changes in the city — including the loss of green space, redevelopment pressure, and the recent announcement affecting Wonder Bar’s long‑running Yappy Hour. “I understand change happens,” she said, “but watching the extent of it is devastating.”
Many residents were visibly upset over the news and took to social media to voice their support. They say Stella’s bench in particular captures the spirit of Asbury Park’s dog‑friendly culture and adds warmth and personality to the waterfront.
(Image credit: Wander Jersey Facebook post.)
"If you have ever walked the boardwalk — to the end, where you can enjoy the fun of dogs at play — you may have come across Stella's Ball Library," a post by the Facebook group Wander Jersey stated. "A beautiful memorial for a very loved dog named Stella — filled with toys that dogs can borrow to have some fun on the beach."
"It was sweet and made people smile. Can't have that, can we?" one commenter wrote.
Another commenter noted that similar memorial benches in other parks had become so heavily decorated that they limited public use and occasionally created safety concerns for children and animals. Still, many argued that the decorations add personality and meaning to the boardwalk experience.
"Why can't they leave something as simple and lovely as this alone?" another resident questioned.
Others described the decorated benches as one of the unique features that distinguish Asbury Park's waterfront from other shore communities.
"...I have been there so many times and sure there are decorations and mementos left behind by people who dedicated the benches to their loved ones. It's one of the things I love about AP," one commenter wrote. "It's not just a place to sit down, it's a memorial to a person, people, or in this case a beloved dog."
For some families, the issue is deeply personal.
"I have a plaque on the beach for my mother who died from cancer," another resident shared. "I visit on Mother's Day and sometimes her birthday and leave a few things."
(Bench memorial for Noreen M’s son. Credit: Noreen M.)
Noreen M., whose son's memorial bench is located nearby, said in a social media comment that decorating the bench has become a tradition.
"This is my beautiful son's bench a few down from our sweet doggy bench," she wrote. "I decorate the back bench for every holiday the last four years. Many people have told me when I go by it's their favorite bench because of where it is and that I decorate."
City representatives emphasized that the policy does not affect the memorial plaques themselves, which will remain in place. Officials also noted that Asbury Park has supported community projects in public spaces in the past, including a beach toy lending library established through a partnership with a local Girl Scout troop.
While the city has not announced any plans to modify the bench policy, officials indicated they remain open to discussions about alternative community projects that can be safely accommodated in public spaces.
Metzler would like to collaborate with the city on a way to preserve Stella’s memorial and toy box so the tribute isn’t lost for good. “It’s going to be gone temporarily — hopefully,” she said. “I’m looking for a new location.”
But for now, plaque owners have until June 17 to remove any decorations attached to boardwalk benches.
For many families, the deadline marks the end of a tradition that transformed simple memorial plaques into personalized tributes to loved ones, pets, and cherished memories along one of New Jersey's most recognizable shorelines.
Note to readers: Metzler plans to remove the remaining items by this evening, June 13, and has invited the community to visit, take photos, and help keep Stella’s memory alive. Visit her website for more information.
If you have any Asbury Park story tips or ideas, please reach out to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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