Southampton Unveils New Beach Rake For July 4 Weekend

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — July 4 weekend is a time when families and kids are out in full force on the East End, and the sight of children digging with their colorful beach rakes is a harbinger of summer.

Now, the Southampton Town parks department has rolled out its brand-new, large beach rake, just in time for the holiday festivities.

“This rake will make it easier for crews to groom our beaches and make them safe for everyone,” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, who tried the new equipment himself.

The new Barber 400 HD Surf Rake will be used in conjunction with a beach rake the town already utilizes; the additional rake will help the town’s parks and recreation crews groom the public beaches two to three times a week and make it easier to use one rake east of the canal and one west of the canal.

“The new beach rake will help us improve the beaches and make them safe for everyone to enjoy," said Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos.

The new beach rake cost the town $48,000, and the new tractor to pull the rake cost $40,000.

The tractor can also be used for snow removal — while the new rake will clean up to 6 inches below the surface and can remove glass, wood and other debris, Schneiderman said.

Patch photo courtesy of Southampton Town.