Wondering about the new Compo Beach rules, which go into effect this Friday (May 15)?
You’re not alone. Yesterday, the Parks & Recreation Department provided these questions — and answers.
I am concerned that Parks & Recreation will run out of beach emblems before I purchase mine. Will only 50% of beach emblems be sold? No! As in the past, the number of beach emblems for Westport and Weston residents is unlimited. If you are not planning to use the facilities immediately upon opening, there is no need to rush to purchase your beach emblem. We will not run out. The 50% pertains to the number of cars that will be allowed into the parking lots at a given time.
What if I purchase my beach emblem but do not receive it before May 15? As a result of the office being closed to the public, and not being able to purchase your emblem in person, you can use your receipt to gain entry into the lots for up to 10 days after the date of your receipt. We anticipate you should receive your emblem in the mail within that time frame.
(Photo/Mark Marcus)
What does 50% capacity mean? This refers to the number of cars allowed in the parking lots at any given time. There are approximately 800 parking spaces between Compo Beach lots and the Soundview lot (excluding marina parking), so we will allow 400 cars at a time when utilizing 50% capacity.
Once the 50% capacity of the parking lots is reached, are they closed for the day? No! We will monitor the number of cars. After the maximum number allowed is reached, we will allow others to enter as space becomes available.
Are we allowed to bring our own chairs? Yes! You may bring your own chairs, blankets, towels etc. and enjoy the beach. However, you must adhere to limiting group size as required by the governor, and social distancing rules of maintaining at least 6 feet from others.
Are face coverings required at the beach? Face coverings are required when not able to social distance by maintaining at least 6 feet from others who are not members of your immediate household.
Is grilling allowed? No! At this time, grills have been removed, and bringing your own grill is not permitted.
South Beach, sans tables and grills (Photo/Dan Woog)
Are tables available at the pavilion? At this time, there are no tables available in any location, in an effort to limit gatherings.
Can we play games such as catch, Frisbee, corn hole etc. at the beach? No! At this time we are not allowing this type of play, in order to limit the possibility of people encroaching on others as we continue to promote social distancing.
Can I bring my beach umbrella, pop up or tent? To help us safely monitor gatherings and social distancing guidelines, only umbrellas are allowed at this time. The use of pop-ups and tents smaller than 10′ x 10’ will be reevaluated later.
Will the playground and other amenities be open for use? No! The playground, basketball courts, skate park, volleyball courts, pickleball courts and softball field remain closed at this time.
Can these restrictions change? Yes! Based upon guidance from the governor, federal, state and local authorities, as well as community compliance, restrictions may be changed.
Click here to purchase a vehicle parking emblem. It will be mailed to you.
(Photo/Fred Cantor)
Also Bathrooms will be closed, only Porta Johns available!
Portable bathrooms!! Really?? With no fresh air and no ability to hand wash?? That doesn’t sound like a wise idea given the virus precautions we’ve been advised to take.
The virus might be able to spread through plumbing and flushing can put it into the air. Makes sense to close the toilets.