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Take Note: You Need a Pass in Chester

Although the summer season is swiftly coming to an end, residents and visitors to the Town of Chester’s beaches and boat launches still need to have a town pass to use the facilities.

The town issued a Facebook post about its policy last week stating, “It is the policy of the Chester Park and Recreation Commission that access to the town parks, including the side beaches on Cedar Lake, is by permit only. Vehicles of residents parked at unstaffed parks must display a public access sticker, which is available at the Town Clerk’s Office.”

“There have been a couple of cases when people have been trying to use the boat launch or beach at Cedar Lake and they have not had a pass with them,” said Chester Park & Recreation Director Elizabeth Netsch. “Even after the lifeguards are gone, we still need people to have passes to use our facilities.”

Chester residents may enter staffed facilities by showing a driver’s license, or other proof of residency or taxpayer status with identification. Groups of 10 or more must make reservations in advance and provide a certificate of liability insurance.

Netsch explained that the areas of concern where passes are required include Lake View Park, Parker’s Point boat launch, and Pelletier Park, which is also known as the Cedar Lake Beach located on Route 148.

“Non-resident passes can be purchased from lifeguards on duty at the Cedar Lake Beach,” said Netsch. “They are $75 and are good from June to June.”

The public access stickers can also be purchased at the Chester Town Clerk’s Office.

Netsch explained that swimming at Cedar Lake is only permitted while a lifeguard is on duty. She also explained that, for the public’s safety, the bacteria level of the lake is checked weekly.

This summer season, there has not been a reason to close the lake due to bacteria levels, however that has not been the case in Deep River, where the swimming area at Plattwood Park has been closed on more than one occasion, due to high bacteria levels.

Public access stickers are needed in both Deep River and Chester for all beach and boat launch areas. The town of Essex’s boat launch is free to the public.