Beach Area Picnic Tables, Grills, Playgrounds Open This Weekend

MADISON, CT — Beginning this weekend, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said, the town will begin allowing access to picnic tables and outdoor grills at the Surf Club.

Lyons said in her weekly update that the town "continually monitors and modifies policies to respond to both community concerns and updated health directives from the state" to mitigate coronavirus risks.

In addition to picnic tables and grills, Lyons said this weekend the town will open playgrounds at the Surf Club and Academy School. Lyons said hand sanitizer will be available at each playground and "any posted health guidelines, including capacity limitations, must be adhered to."

"We are still in a public health emergency and expect the public to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet and wear masks when distancing is not possible," she said.

And about the "unpredictable visitor traffic at Hammonasset," Lyons said she's extending her Executive Order that limits beach parking to residents only on weekends and holidays, to now include Fridays; gates will be staffed at all beaches starting this Friday, June 19."

And, beginning Saturday, the official start of summer, beaches will have lifeguards and beach parking stickers will be required at all three beaches seven days a week.

Residents can now purchase beach stickers online through the Beach & Recreation website at www.madisonct.org/beachstickers. The emailed receipt for payment may be used as proof of purchase at the gate until stickers are received. In-person pass purchases will continue at the Surf Club office seven days a week. Non-resident parking passes can be purchased at the Surf Club office and used at our beaches Monday through Thursday only. Non-residents are not allowed to park at any town beach Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.