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07/02/2020 12:01 AMAs we enter the height of the summer season, we can all be grateful for a return to some level of normalcy in our town. I am excited to see more businesses opening their doors, and children playing on the playgrounds and sports fields again. This weekend is Independence Day, a time when we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our country. Although it is disappointing that we cannot celebrate this important occasion in Madison with our traditional parade, concert, and fireworks display, we can be optimistic that they are only being delayed to Labor Day weekend.
Let’s use this July 4 to celebrate the great progress we have made these last few months in fighting COVID-19 by spending time with our friends and families in small gatherings, and enjoying our beaches and other natural assets. I know many have been frustrated with the increases in traffic and visitor volume, especially resulting from Hammonasset Beach closings. Be assured that the town continually monitors and modifies policies for our town beaches and facilities to respond to both citizens’ suggestions and updated health directives from the state. We hear your concerns and are trying to address them thoughtfully.
In fact, we have implemented a number of policies that include stepping up police patrols along our shorefront roads, restricting parking at our town beaches to residents only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and expanding gate staffing at all three beaches to seven days a week. As of June 20, stickers are now the only acceptable proof of residency and are required at all three beaches seven days a week. Last week, we successfully launched online sales of beach stickers through the Beach & Recreation website (www.madisonct.org/beachstickers). Until you receive your sticker in the mail, you can use your emailed receipt as proof of purchase at the gate. In-person pass purchases are offered at the Surf Club Office seven days a week. Non-resident parking passes can also be purchased at the Surf Club Office and used at our beaches Monday through Thursday only. More details on gate hours and pass purchases are available on the town website www.madisonct.org.
While enjoying our beaches, please continue to be mindful that we are still in a state of public health emergency, and need to exercise caution through social distancing and mask wearing. The more vigilant we are today, the more likely we can continue on a path toward normalcy. To stay up-to-date on the latest guidance, sign-up for alerts at www.madisonct.org/248/Emergency-Notifications.
Finally, I want to congratulate the Daniel Hand Class of 2020. They are an amazing group of young adults who have endured many obstacles, and missed out on so many traditional experiences during these last final months of high school. You are a shining example of Madison’s finest, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Let’s stay safe and healthy Madison. We can do this.