Good morning, South Jersey. It’s Friday! It seems like a combined bag within the climate division this weekend. Saturday appears promising, however storms (probably extreme) are forecast for Sunday.
Have you heard of Soupy Island? It’s a enjoyable, quirky play spot for teenagers in West Deptford that’s open solely about one month a yr. One man has been working it for practically 30 years.
Speaking of youngsters, younger athletes will take part subsequent week in a global baseball match in Marlton.
Plus, practically 30 useless sharks washed ashore in Sea Isle City, and extra information of the day.
— Ellen Dunkel (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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Armando Roberto Perez, 70, is the caretaker for Soupy Island, a public pool and park in West Deptford. It is thought for its century-old carousel, free soup, and the tall, enclosed slide visitors glide down on wax paper, crashing into sand.
Perez, fondly referred to as Mr. Soupy, has been working Soupy Island for 28 years. It’s a household calling. His father-in-law was the earlier caretaker and his grandfather-in-law earlier than that.
Part of Soupy Island’s attraction is that it’s open solely about one month a yr, three days per week from July to mid-August. Admission is free. Not surprisingly, soup is on the menu.
Inquirer reporter Sarah Nicell explored Soupy Island with Perez.
International competitors doesn’t normally contain 8-year-olds, most of whom are prepping for second or third grade.
But subsequent week, younger athletes shall be enjoying in a global youth baseball match in Marlton.
The subject within the 2026 Cal Ripken 8U World Series will embody 11 U.S. groups in addition to groups from Mexico, Curaçao, Bonaire, and Latin America.
Inquirer reporter Becca O’Reilly has the small print.
What to know in the present day
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🧠 Trivia time
Where is Michelin headed for its 2026 award ceremony?
Hint: Sorry to say, nevertheless it’s not close to us
A) Chicago
B) New York City
C) Baltimore
D) Los Angeles
Think you understand? Check your reply.
What we’re …
🏠 Touring: The Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County.
🛍️ Shopping for: Unique decor at Clutter Vintage in Collingswood.
🏺 Exploring: Cafes and comfy inns in Lambertville and Stockton.
🏖️ Down the Shore
This “Ask Down the Shore” function seems as a part of our weekly summertime collection from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore e-newsletter right here.
A reader requested what impact all of the teardowns of smaller cottages have been having on the Shore. We requested our Shore Line texters. Here’s a sampling of the replies, calmly edited.
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The traditional previous shore properties are disappearing. It is gloomy. Most of the brand new properties look alike. We ought to attempt to shield the previous appeal. It can’t be replicated.
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The shore is already overbuilt and has been for years. Adding ginormous sized homes solely depletes the pure sources that make the shore distinctive. When my household drove to the shore after I was a child within the ’60s you may scent the ocean air earlier than you may see something that appeared just like the shore on the Expressway. I keep in mind that scent fondly (largely) and miss it tremendously. I can’t pinpoint when it stopped. It steadily decreased within the ’90s and now it now not exists.
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It is unrealistic to count on individuals to not tear down older properties. Yes there shall be extra site visitors however perhaps that shall be self limiting.
What do you suppose? Do you just like the look of the previous properties? Do you like the newer homes? Is it reasonable to ask householders to replace older properties? Be a part of dialog and electronic mail Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.
📸 Photo of the week
Enjoy your weekend!
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