Wildwood Landfill Transformation Is Moving Forward

The long-awaited transformation of the Back Bay landfill project in Wildwood is taking another major step forward as the city has officially awarded two new contracts tied to the next phase of the project.

Located in the Back Bay towards West Spicer Avenue, the former landfill has sat largely unused for decades after operating from the 1930s through the 80s as the island dump.

Over the years, it’s become both a massive eyesore and an environmental concern. And so for quite some time, officials have been coming up with plans to turn this perfect Back Bay location into something that the public could enjoy.

It’s been roughly about 16 months since the last time the Wildwood video archive had stopped by to bring you an update on the progress of this park. And since there was just a new public notice put out, we figured it would stop by to show you how things look today.

In the latest update video, which you can see at the bottom of this article, you can see that work is continuing to move into a clear direction.

According to the city, Schiavone Construction has been awarded a contract focused on environmental restoration and finishing work across the site.

This includes the planting of more than 1,000 trees and shrubs that are native to the area, a key step in establishing a sustainable habitat. The company will also be responsible for seeding large portions of the site and installing a Curlex erosion control barrier along the slopes.

In addition, Schiavone will complete the final grading of quarry dust material on the pathways, helping finalize what is being designated as a critical wildlife habitat area.

At the same time, Perna Construction has been brought in to handle stormwater management improvements.

Their work will include installing approximately 1,000 feet of drainage pipe, along with river rock along the eastern side of the landfill.

This system is designed to better manage stormwater runoff, particularly along the slope that borders the bay, helping protect both the site and surrounding areas from erosion and flooding.

These contracts build on earlier phases of the project, including the large-scale grading and landfill capping work that has already reshaped the site.

Also See: Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier Expansion Updated Timeline

That process, which involved the use of dredged material from nearby waterways, is critical to sealing the landfill and preparing it for long-term use.

While progress is clearly being made, some of the most visible public-facing improvements are still awaiting final approval. The city confirmed that permits are still pending for additional access upgrades, including plans for a parking lot, recreational space, and a potential observation pier.

If approved, those elements are expected to move into construction during the fall of 2026 or the winter 2027 season.

Overall, the project represents a major shift for this section of Wildwood’s back bay.

What was once an inactive landfill is now being transformed into a combination of environmental habitat, public space, and future development opportunity.

With new contracts in place and more work on the horizon, the landfill project is no longer just a concept. It is actively moving toward becoming one of the most significant redevelopment efforts along the Wildwood waterfront.

Regardless of how long this project takes, it’s gonna be absolutely amazing once it opens to the public. We think it’s probably gonna be everyone’s favorite spot to watch the sunset if you’re not already over at the wharf.

Below is our latest YouTube video. Before you watch, please do consider subscribing to the YouTube channel as we continue to grow.