New sidewalks at the Southwick Town Beach lead all the way to the water. The beach opens for the season Friday at 10 a.m. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
The Southwick Town Beach opens this Friday and users will enjoy improvements such as restroom, kitchen and concession upgrades that meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – The Town Beach opens Friday and swimmers and sun lovers alike will find many upgrades this year.
Run by the Southwick Parks and Recreation Commission, the Southwick Town Beach is located at 14 Beach Road, and is beginning year two of a five-year improvement project.
“We have new sidewalks that go all the way down to the beach, which meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, temporary rails that will be replaced with permanent rails in the next few weeks, which also meet ADA, and complete access to the picnic area,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Daniel Call.
“Both men’s and ladies’ restrooms were updated to meet ADA requirements, the kitchen was upgraded and the concession window lowered.”
In all, approximately $30,000 has been spent on beach improvements.
Call said there is still a fairly hefty to-do list to accomplish over the next three years.
“We need to build a retaining wall, do some more work in the restrooms, additional work in the play area, and we’re considering installing a horseshoe pit,” Call said.
The improvements not only comply with ADA, they also make the beach a better place to visit for everyone.
“We’re trying to make it more appealing,” said Call, adding that the beach can be used for events and non-profit groups.
“If you’re looking for a place to come that’s close to home, is convenient, has parking and everyone can play in the water or sand, the Town Beach is the place to be,” Call said.
The beach features lifeguards, restrooms and changing facilities, a concession stand and outdoor activities. In addition to swimming, the beach has a play area for children and a volleyball court, as well as picnic tables and cook-out area.
Call said the Commission hired four lifeguards and five gate and concession workers who will rotate shifts. Call said on weekends and holidays, the beach will be fully staffed.
Southwick Town Beach is open daily throughout the summer from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and is free to Southwick residents. A small fee is charged to out-of-town visitors.
