A century ago Pleasure Beach in the East End was among the top amusement attractions in the northeast loaded with rides, entertainment and Big Band concerts. Today it’s largely a bird sanctuary with passive recreation, fishing, a walker’s delight and still a lovely beach.
Thirty years ago a fire torched the bridge ending access to the 71-acre barrier island.
In May 2015 then Mayor Bill Finch reopened entry to the public transported from Seaview Avenue by water taxis, eventually seven days a week, with walking tour signage.
The Ganim administration has maintained access, albeit during summer weekends and holidays. Shuttle service expedites travel to the beach.
East End City Councilman Ernie Newton, in the video above, provides a tour of the destination. Newton is challenging State Senator Herron Gaston in an August 13 Democratic primary.
Nice work Ernie!
Pleasure beach has been open for how many years now? 5 years? 7? very timely breaking news! An unedited grainy video from a cell phone during campaign season is surely how to get us excited. i wish it was unveiled at a press conference. maybe a red carpet too? how about a tour of the bridgeport arena next, elighten us with that video next? and bass pro shop, that would be exiting! it’s only about 10 years old. can any one add other new places that can use a video?