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05/26/2020 12:00 AMBy setting up six feet apart and following all COVID-19 rules and guidelines, you can still dig your toes in the sand, catch a tan and take a swim at Branford Point. The town's popular public beach beside Parker Memorial Park opened early for the season on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25; and will be open and manned by lifeguards and staff from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day; with security on site from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. reviewed the efforts undertaken by the Town, Public Works and his department to ramp up quickly, yet safely, in order to get the beach open by Memorial Day, about a month ahead of schedule.
"My maintanace staff and public works have done a phoneonmenal job," said Palluzzi. "We always wait until schools' out to open the beaches; but because kids are already out of the school buildings, we're opening now."
At this point, Branford Point is the only Town beach that has operating hours with staff and lifeguards on hand. The Town's small public beach in Stony Creek, where safe social distancings would be much more difficult, is not open at this time.
Palluzzi said social distancing at Branford Point is a key factor in allowing the beach to remain open. He emphasized the public must do its part in following current COVID-19 safety practices; such as the six-foot social distancing rule between groups of no more than five. Some large signs have been posted around the beach, with arrows spanning the actual six-foot distance, to help beach-goers visualize what the safe spacing should look like.
Palluzzi acknowledged some reports of groups of more than five, and less than six feet apart, spotted on the beach before May 25; but as of the official opening day, he said residents using the beach have been following the safe-distance practice.
"I will applaud Branford so far in policing themselves on Branford Point Beach and the park area since we've been open for operation," Palluzzi said.
The park's children's playground area, which overlooks the beach, currently remains closed due to COVID-19.
To help beach-goers stick to the rules, staff from Parks and Recreation are monitoring the beach and park during operating hours. In addition, security guards are working at the site from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
"We're going to be monitoring, but we can't do much more than that; so we're also going to ask for the public's cooperation," said Palluzzi.
Lifeguards on Duty
Branford Point's two lifeguard stand stations on the beach are marked out with a six-foot boundary on all sides between the public and guards on duty.
The department has seven waterfront-certified lifeguards currently available to work shifts at Branford Point. The plan is to have a minimum of two guards, with a third rotating position, at the beach during operating hours. Guards are given a temperature check prior to taking their posts. In addition, should a guard contract COVID-19, they will be off-duty for 14 days to quarantine.
The department plans to hire more guards to allow for all contingencies; with some applicants under review now. The department is also accepting new applications for waterfront certified lifeguards. Training for response with COVID-19 protocols has also taken place for all current guards, and will be provided for new guards.
Bathhouse, Bathrooms and Staying Safe
Full-time and part-time Parks and Rec staff will also be working shifts at Branford Point to help monitor the area. Staff will have radio contact with the beachfront. They'll also be helping out monitoring, cleaning and disinfecting the bathhouse (changing rooms and showers) and overseeing use of bathrooms during operating hours. On May 26, Colin Sheehan, now serving as part-time Arts, Culture and Special Events Coordinator for the Town of Branford, was helping to man the area. He said cooperation from everyone is going to help make this effort work best for all.
"Our goal as a department is to keep the Town as safe as possible, but as the weather gets nicer and more people come out, it's going to be up to the citizens of Branford to also do the work," said Sheehan.
During the daily six-hour period when the bathhouse and bathrooms are monitored, guests will first need to stop at a table where a staff member will ensure the guest is wearing a mask before entering. Masks will be provided if needed. People will be allowed to enter one at a time.
"We know the number one thing to control this [virus] is by having a mask when you come within six feet of people, keeping a safe social distance of six feet, and washing your hands," said Palluzzi. "We have water available and showers available during those high-demand hours, and for those six hours, we're keeping up with having the bathrooms cleaned every couple of hours and staying up with supplying water, soap and disinfectant."
In addition to the bathhouse/bathroom facility, the Town has brought in some portable toilet units, which are completely disinfected twice weekly, said Palluzzi.
Parking and Passes
Located on Harbor Street, the Branford Point Beach/Parker Park parking lot is also being monitored. To park in the lot, proof of Branford residency is required. Expired March 31, 2020 residency stickers (green printing) are being accepted for entry through June 30, 2020. Residents who don't have a sticker can receive one by mail (see related story). Additionally, through June 30, 2020, those without a sticker can bring identifying information, such as driver's license and registration, to verify Branford residency.
Palluzzi said the parking area at Branford Point/Parker Point has been doubled; while the beach can safely hold approximately 100 patrons using safe social distancing.
Residents using Parker Park for hiking and picnicing are also required to follow all social distancing and safety rules, including gathering in groups of five or less.
Sounds of Summer
On May 25, Parks and Recreation added some entertainment to the mix at Branford Point, with a DJ music set-up provided by Dennis Nardella. Nardella will also be set up and sharing tunes for beachgoers (12 p.m. - 4 p.m. ) on the best weather days during Father's Day Weekend, Fourth of July, a weekend in August and Labor Day weekend at Branford Point.
Palluzzi said about 25 people were on the beach during overcast weather on May 25, and many seemed to enjoy the music.
"They were dancing in the sand," said Palluzzi. "So we're doing all we can do to make sure people can come out and enjoy themselves, while still staying safe."