News Flash

Beach season is here and we would like to share these important reminders:

• Summer dog hours are in effect as of May 1. See the hours and park rules for Willard Beach and other City parks.
   
• The bathrooms at the beach will open by Saturday, May 25, 2024.
  
  
• The City partners will Maine Health Beaches Memorial Day – Labor Day to monitor water quality. Look for the flag at the main entrance. If the flag is green, the latest testing shows the water is safe for swimming. Is the flag is yellow or orange, contact with the water is not advised. You can also check beach status on the Maine Healthy Beaches website.
   
• Remember that “When it rains, it’s poor” – wet weather can lead to more bacteria in the water. (Thanks to our friends at Upper Merrimack Watershed Association for this helpful phrase!)
   
• Playing near the stormwater outfall (the large pipe at Willard with rocks surrounding it) is not advised, since it sometimes contains elevated bacterial levels. The City installed new signs at the by this pipe as a reminder! 
   
• Please keep out of the dune area.
  
  
• Please pick up after yourselves and your pets so we can all enjoy our lovely beach!