Summer Beckons!
By Gregory T. Federspiel
May 30, 2025
With much of May being cold and wet (at least it eliminated state drought postings!) it is nice to see the sun shining and warmer temperatures. It came just in time for the Town’s traditional Memorial Day observances. The gatherings at the Legion along the Inner Harbor and at Rosedale Cemetery were well attended and provided poignant reminders of those who served in the military. These observances helps us appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and our obligations to use and protect them. Community events like this provide an important opportunity for residents to gather for a common purpose and contribute to a strong sense of place and connectedness to one another. Many thanks to the American Legion for organizing the day.
Memorial Day also marks the sprint to the end of the school year. Soon another graduating class will receive their high school diplomas as other students prepare to advance to their next grade level. With the recent passage of the override in Essex the School District will be able to continue to offer their excellent programming.
Opening day for Singing Beach took place this past weekend. The beach is officially open on just weekends for a few more weeks. Daily operations begin June 16. The Parks and Recreation Department works behind the scenes every winter to line up all the needed lifeguards and parking attendants that it takes to ensure the beach remains the star attraction that it is. For over a decade Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl Marshall has managed this large undertaking every year. On busy weekends the beach can see thousands of patrons.
The harbor is waking back up as well. Boats are going in daily, re-occupying close to 700 moorings in the harbor. The marinas, two of the largest private employers in Manchester, have been very busy getting the boating season underway. The Harbormaster’s launch service returns for a second season after a successful inaugural run last year. Not only has the service been well received by mooring holders, but also by those wishing to take a tour of the harbor as well.
Since May 1 parking enforcement has started again. The work of the seasonal parking enforcement officers is being assisted by the automated “parking sticks” that were installed last year and more added for this season. The “sticks” automatically monitor the 2 hour parking limits in the village core area. With the automated system, the officers can monitor other areas of town, including White Beach and residential streets.
New this year are public restrooms in the village. The Town arranged with both Dunkin Donuts and Bravo by the Sea to have their restrooms available to the general public. Their
cooperation in this is much appreciated. The restrooms at Town Hall are also open 7 days a week. The goal of having a combined harbormaster office and public restrooms on the water either at Reed or Masconomo Park remains and will continue to be pursued.
Warmer weather also means a more active construction season. Much of the road and utility work that the DPW is doing should be completed by the end of June and pick up again in the fall. The new water and sewer line installation is wrapping up on Mill and Forest Streets and Pleasant Street will get new sidewalks and a topcoat of paving before the end of June weather permitting.
Local elections are another milestone of the spring season. There was strong interest this year as four elected positions had contested races. Thank you to all those who stepped forward to put their name on the ballot to be considered. Having high interest in elected positions is yet another sign of the strong interest in community affairs residents have.
May the nice weather continue to be with us!