This year Guilford decided to do things a little differently. The usual Summer Sizzler kick-off party held each June was put off to allow for some additional construction projects to be completed at Jacobs Beach. So instead, a very special Jacobs Beach Grand Re-Opening Celebration will be held on Friday, Aug. 23 from 3 to 7 p.m., complete with fun activities for kids and adults, as well as music, food, and more.

The special event will showcase the many and varied improvement projects that have completed the first phase of the beach beautification project that was made possible with monies secured from the $500,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) state grant that Recreation Supervisor Ellen Clow wrote and applied for.

"It was very exciting when we found out about this grant. It has been a wonderful project and very beneficial to the town and it has allowed us to make some positive changes at Jacobs Beach," commented Clow.

Some of the most notable improvements include a reshaped and graded parking lot to accommodate correct drainage, which was previously an issue; decorative islands with abundant plantings to beautify the area; the installation of several shade trees on the edge of the beach; an enlarged, stone dust walkway to the playground area; new showers and drinking fountains; a grass border between the parking lot and the beach, which stops cars from driving on the beach and adds aesthetic interest to the area; guardrails in the parking lot; skylights and new fixtures in the bathrooms; and the purchase of a beach grooming machine, which is used at least once a week to keep the sandy beach area clean and debris-free.

"I think these improvements have vastly increased the quality of the area," explained Parks & Recreation Department Director Rick Maynard. "Now this beach is really highlighted for the beautiful space it is, and I think it is being used by a larger number of residents on a more regular basis, which is exactly what we want."

He added, "Not that it wasn't before, but now even more so, Jacobs Beach is a park-like setting where families can come, enjoy the beach, the playground, volleyball, or rent out the picnic areas and have a great time in a beautiful setting."

Phase Two of the project, which will include the construction of a wood boardwalk leading from the playground to the bath house section, is currently underway with bids out for the construction of that project. The hope is the boardwalk will make it easier for families with strollers to get around the area and it will comply with ADA safety requirements for disabled individuals. In addition, Phase Two will include the creation of some low-lying sand dunes, adorned with beach plantings.

"We are very pleased with how everything has come together and how beautiful everything looks," shared Maynard, giving credit to architect Will Thompson and landscape architect John Cunningham. "We hope that everyone comes out to share in the celebration and enjoy the new space."

The event will include three different bouncy houses for the little ones to enjoy, a video game truck, pizza from Naples Pizza and hot dogs from Bobbies Dawgs for sale, and music from 5 to 7 p.m. performed by Take Two and Call Me in the Morning Band, made up of local doctors.

"All the comments I have received about this project have been very favorable, and the residents seem very happy," said First Selectman Joseph Mazza. "I encourage anyone who has not seen the new area to come to the re-dedication ceremony, see the new improvements, and enjoy the event."

For more information, visit www.guilfordparkrec.com.