The city has announced additional details about the reopening of Pleasure Beach for passive recreation this Saturday that includes a media campaign with a link to a page on the city website. Access to the peninsula will start at 10 a.m. via water taxi that will transport beachgoers from the fishing pier on Seaview Avenue at the intersection with Central Avenue. The information even includes a nod to the protected piping plovers. “Please keep in mind that it is a recreational park containing several delicate species and plants, so beach goers should be respectful and careful.”
The city is embarking on a reopening that carries a lot of nostalgia for many residents following a fire to the drawbridge nearly 20 years ago. On some level this is a risk-reward reopening that includes a price tag for safety, security and the hope no one is stranded on the peninsula after closing at 6 p.m.
More from city website:
Two water taxis–the 23 passenger Lewis H. Latimer and the 18 passenger Gustave Whitehead–will run frequently from the fishing pier on Seaview Avenue to the T-Pier on Pleasure Beach.
Upon arrival on the T-Pier on Pleasure Beach, it’s about a half-mile walk along a boardwalk to the beach area. While en route, visitors will pass an info depot where beach goers will be able to ask questions and gain more information about the park.
After passing the info depot, visitors will come upon a pavilion and relaxation area that includes several bathrooms, showers, picnic tables and a limited concession stand. And, after walking through the pavilion area, beach goers will walk down a boardwalk and onto the beautiful beach.
It’s great that Mayor Bill Finch has brought back access to the historic Pleasure Beach. And, please keep in mind that it is a recreational park containing several delicate species and plants, so beach goers should be respectful and careful. For more information on Pleasure Beach and future plans for the peninsula, please see below.
Sounds like this will make a great addition to the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
“… beach goers should be respectful and careful.”
Those who commit city funds (or State and Federal funds that are also supplied by taxpayers) should be “respectful and careful” also. When a project like a park that has been “unavailable” for 20 year becomes newly accessible with “water taxis” and the full extent of the cost and benefits is not reliably reported, is it fair to understand the less than cheery view of those who pay for things? The Sound and beach has wind, water, sand, grasses, birds and the chance to catch fish. Sun in the morning and the moon at night (but the taxis only run until 6:00 PM). There is a parking lot … any charge for it? Like ball park and stadium. Personnel to operate land and taxi operations, maintenance and repairs? Revenues to City expected? Pencil to paper. OPED or Parks Department? How many jobs? Time will tell.
*** For the modest birdwatchers or off-shore fishermen it sounds like a nice 10-minute ride to the yesteryears of Pleasure Beach for spending a few hours of some quality time with some family and friends and maybe a picnic on a nice summer day for a few hours! Make sure you take a radio, playing cards and other items to stay busy, no? ***
Seems like some important information is missing. Is there a fee for the taxi? Are these taxis available to non-residents? And for those who would need to drive to taxi, will parking be available? The city should put the info depot on their website instead of on the beach.
It appears Phil has awoken from his winter hibernation. Happy Summer Solstice.
The taxis are free. I saw it on the city website.