OLD LYME — (From a press release issued by the Old Lyme First Selectman) After consultation with the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen, Town staff and selected beach association representatives, First Selectman Timothy Griswold has announced that the public beaches in the Town of Old Lyme will be closed starting Saturday, May 2 until further notice.
This decision was based on the expectation that the weather will be pleasant this weekend and that there will likely be a large number of people seeking to go to the Sound View beaches, in particular, and to the other Town beaches, as well. Using history as a guide, the board of selectmen believe that leaving the beaches open would severely compromise social distancing practices and therefore that the beaches must be closed in order to protect the health of Old Lyme residents and the general public.
The board of selectmen will have electronic message signs placed on the principal roads leading to the beach areas this weekend stating that all Old Lyme public beaches are closed. In Sound View, it is intended to have Police Officers and Rangers inform visitors that the beaches are closed, but that food establishments may be open for the sale of take-out food to be consumed off the premises.
There will be limited short-term parking available but most of the street parking and the Town parking lot will be closed.
The Town beaches at White Sand Beach and Hains Park will also be closed.
The board of selectmen has decided not to regulate the beach activities of the private beach associations nor beaches owned by private individuals or clubs at this time. However, the board urges private owners to be vigilant and ensure social distancing procedures are in place and followed.
The press release issued by the board of selectmen states, “We sincerely hope that these beach closures will be of a short duration. While we realize that people love to go to the beach, we must keep in mind that this pandemic has not ended. These beach closures are being done to protect our health and to hopefully help hasten the time when we may reopen our beaches.”
The press release concludes, “Please continue the good work and progress that we all have made to eradicate COVID-19.”
While I appreciate the difficult decisions our local leaders need to make, I’m hopeful that we’re putting appropriate effort into identifying safe options rather than just closing the beaches. Apparently, many Connecticut businesses, including abortion clinics and liquor stores, have found ways to safely operate. I’d encourage our town leaders to continue to evaluate options and reopen our outdoor areas even if at limited capacity.
I agree that we need a nuanced approach to ensure safety. Beaches do not need to be closed. With proper management they can be open for limited numbers and with emphasis on activity and exercise. We didn’t need a town pool before, and don’t now. Open the beaches. A bipartisan issue
Apparently the town decided to close the beaches a day early! Went to WSB for a ‘last walk’ today and found the parking lot barricaded!
Too bad. Freedom is essential.
People care deeply about their own health and will act accordingly.
Disagree wholeheartedly with this decision.
I understand closing Sound View Beach as it is small beach surrounded by private beaches with not enough room for Old Lyme residents, never mind the general public. But, White Sand Beach and Hains Park are for Old Lyme residents with parking hangtags, or residents within walking distance of the beaches. They can be easily controlled by the guard stationed at the gate, who ideally would be keeping a count of the cars entering the parking area. When the lot is full, then the access gate is closed. People can maintain a safer social distance on the beach than in grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware, package stores, etc. Members of the private beaches are being trusted to regulate themselves. Why are other Old Lyme residents not being afforded the same opportunity?
It’s great to see that residents like Ms Kneen are solution oriented. Maybe the next interview with our Selectman can explore when he’ll have a plan. There may not be a vaccine for many months so we need more of a plan than “We’ll see how it goes.”