Maine

How to Recreate Responsibly When State Beaches Reopen

Written by Connecticut Chapter Chair | May 24, 2020 9:51:38 PM

As local beaches in Maine begin to reopen and many of our favorite state beaches are on deck to join for June 1, we hope you are all STOKED and ready to follow the new rules so we can all stay safe and maintain the access we're easing back into slowly.

The following ten state beaches that are currently closed to all use will open on June 1:

  • Crescent Beach State Park
  • Ferry Beach State Park
  • Fort Baldwin
  • Fort Popham
  • Kettle Cove State Park
  • Mackworth Island
  • Popham Beach State Park
  • Reid State Park
  • Scarborough Beach State Park
  • Two Lights State Park

All other State Parks and Historic Sites are currently open for day use, with some parking restrictions in place.

Here are the COVID precautions and what to expect when you visit these beaches and parks:

►Reduced Parking: To address the potential for crowding issues, some parks may have reduced parking availability.

►Reduced Length of Visit: Please be prepared to limit your stay so that others may enjoy the Park, too.

►Physical Distancing: Distancing is essential to maintaining access at state beaches. Please keep at least 6 feet from staff and from others not in your household.

►Wear Face Coverings: Visitors are expected to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible. Have one handy! Your face-covering helps protect others from you, just in case you are an asymptomatic carrier of the virus.

►Restrooms: Facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly. Please bring your own hand sanitizer.

►Quarantine: Until July 1st, State Park use is limited to Maine residents and non-residents who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement ONLY. You can read more about the quarantine rules here.

►Monitoring & Changes: The State will monitor conditions and make changes to policies as necessary. Your cooperation is needed, so thanks for your patience and support!

Read more on the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands site.

Check out our Surfrider assembled expert task force recommendations for reopening beaches here.

We extend gratitude to the Bureau of Parks and Lands Director Andy Cutko for his hard work in helping reopen critical outdoor recreation opportunities in a fair and equitable manner and as quickly as safely possible, and for listening to our input. #ShredSafely

If you are interested in getting involved in protecting Maine's ocean, waves and beaches email us at maine@surfrider.org