Beach in West Suffield Now Charging Out-of-Town Guests

SUFFIELD, CT — Babb's Beach has been a favorite recreation spot in West Suffield since the late 19th century, but beginning today, out-of-town visitors will have to pay to enjoy the property.

Effective July 7, the town of Suffield, which has owned the 7-acre property at 435 Babbs Road since 1977, will charge an entrance fee for Babb’s Beach for non-residents only. Gate attendants will collect $20 per car for up to six people, with each additional person charged at $5 apiece.

Located on the eastern shore of the Middle Pond of Congamond Lakes, the beach consists of 375 feet of shoreline.

"The Town of Suffield has instituted this new policy for non-residents because there has been added maintenance costs for Babb’s because some visitors have not taken care of the park," First Selectman Melissa Mack said. "The Town has invested considerable resources and time to make Babb’s a beautiful place to visit. This past 4th of July weekend, the park was left littered with garbage. The Highway Department spent a substantial amount of time in the clean-up effort. The “carry in, carry out” policy is due to the fact that trash cans initially established at the park were thrown into the lake and had to be fished out; the “catch” included used diapers. To date, two-thirds of the visitors to the park have been recorded as non-residents. Suffield residents pay for the upkeep of Babb’s through their taxes. Because of the added work, we are now requesting non-residents to help defray costs via an entrance fee. We encourage all visitors to enjoy the park and take pride in its appearance."

Alcohol, littering and dogs are all strictly prohibited from the park, and violators will be evicted from the premises.

Photo credit: Town of Suffield