The town beach will open this weekend but will not be staffed until around the second week of June, the Harvard Parks and Recreation Commission announced at its Monday night meeting. Parking stickers are now available online and will be available at the beach.
Chairwoman Wyona Lynch-McWhite said she has been barraged with inquiries about the boat lottery, stemming from confusion about the application registration process. Town residents who registered for the boat lottery have already been informed if they won a slot. Those residents may pick up their boat stickers at the interim Town Hall starting Tuesday, May 26. Residents who paid online when they registered and did not get a spot will receive a refund.
Because of the high demand for canoe and kayak storage at the beach, the commission discussed the possibility of adding more racks. The Conservation Commission has already approved space for additional racks in the wooded area at the pond. Parks and Rec members will continue to discuss how they might expand boat storage for the future. They talked briefly about other requests, some longstanding, such as more parking and an upgrade for the playground. Harbor Master Bob O’Shea commented on the “long history” of trying to find a balance among all the users of the pond and their different space needs. Lynch-McWhite advocated for a broader dialogue.
Parks and Rec has met with Assistant Town Administrator Marie Sobalvarro to clarify responsibilities and pay levels of various beach personnel. Beach Director Alexandra Luck, who is recovering from illness, will sign off on the paperwork and provide information on swimming and boating classes next week.
