One Barrington resident recently called out the town beach, stating that it was "steadily going downhill," but Barrington Town Manager Peter DeAngelis completely disagrees.

A longtime resident and municipal employee, Mr. DeAngelis said the beach has enjoyed a stellar summer season. He praised the work of recreation department director Michele Geremia and her staff at the beach. 

"Michele should be commended," he said. "To my knowledge, not one local resident has been turned away from the beach this summer. I went down there recently and found (parking) spots open. I saw many were full, but you want people using the beach."

Mr. DeAngelis questioned some of the criticisms levied by Knapton Street resident Alan Sorrentino, who earlier this summer objected to the town council's decision to open Barrington Town Beach parking to non-residents. 

In his recent letter, Mr. Sorrentino opined about the number of dogs that are walked at the town beach: "The other day at the beach a professional dog walker with four large dogs allowed them to urinate in front of me on a post along the path to the parking lot. She unapologetically left a puddle of filth for me to step over and went on her way."

Mr. DeAngelis said that the town has a law prohibiting dogs from the town beach during the summer season — from Memorial Day through Labor Day. But, he added, there is nothing restricting people from walking a dog in the parking lot.

"That's not a violation. We're not going to stop that." He added: "We don't want dogs running on the beach and making a mess."

The town manager said he has not had a single resident call his office to complain about the beach — either for dogs or for a lack of resident parking.

"No one's called my office and said they've been turned away," he said. "I understand that the overflow lot has been opened five times this summer."

The town beach was plenty busy on Sunday night when a crowd turned out to hear the Becky Chace Band play at the beach. The town has co-sponsored a summer concert series that has featured some talented local musicians.

"I'm proud to say that the beach is being utilized," Mr. DeAngelis said.

Mr. Sorrentino has written numerous letters to the editor regarding the beach and has also reportedly call the police department. 

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross confirmed that Mr. Sorrentino has filed complaints, but added that he has been the only person who has called the police about the beach.

Chief LaCross said the animal control officer has altered her hours this summer in an effort to check the beach at different times during the day. He said the ACO has been to the beach eight times and issued 10 verbal warnings, but only two for people who have allowed their dogs to run loose on the beach.

In his recent letter, Mr. Sorrentino questioned whether the town beach has been a "dog park where dogs run free especially before nine and after five and all day long beyond the west end of the beach — splashing, jumping, eating, drinking, defecating and urinating all along the grassy area, parking lot, and walkway where bathers, adults and children walk barefoot?"

Mr. DeAngelis said he believes the town has finally given the beach the attention it deserves and is pleased to see people using it. 

"I think things are good at the beach," he said.