To the editor:

As a long time Barrington property owner and taxpayer I’ve enjoyed the use of Barrington Beach for many years. I much preferred the beach the way it was compared to the so-called improvements that have been made at considerable expense to the taxpayers.

Now that we have several years of real world experience with these improvements it’s readily apparent that modifications need to be made to improve the beach experience, and most importantly, improve safety.

As a design engineer, I’ve studied this at some length and offer the following comments, suggestions and recommendations for the parks and recreation commission and the town council to consider:

1) The parking spaces on the north side of the lot need to extend an additional 6 to 8 feet into the grass area by removing the present wood posts. This would permit easier and safer access for parking into those spaces. It would also permit easier and safer backing up for cars parked on both the north side and south side facing the beach.

2) Sunfish boat storage on the west side of the parking lot should be removed and parking should be extended into that portion of the parking lot. The sea grass presently in the parking lot should be replanted on the beach side of the guard rails. This would return that area to its original use as parking and relieve some of the congestion.

3) An exit on the east outlet side of the parking lot should be restored to permit access to emergency vehicles to that portion of the lot. Also, presently, this dead end results in cars backing up for long distances between the parked cars. Restoring the exit will prevent accidents from occurring due to backing up.

4) Many of the wooden posts scattered throughout the lot are unnecessary and should be removed. They have caused damage to bumpers and side panels of vehicles.

5) The overgrowth and tall weeds in the supposed rock gardens should be addressed. The weeds and trash that accumulate in those gardens is an eyesore.

6) The parking space lines should be re-done to permit increased space for cars and SUVs to park. They presently are just too narrow.

7) Miscellaneous items, debris, and oil storage under the bathhouse should be removed. This is an unsafe condition.

8) Use of the town beach should be limited to town residents to reduce the present congestion until such time as the above improvements have been made.

It is my hope that both the commission and council will seriously consider these recommendations and direct the town manager to offer a plan for making the necessary changes to improve the beach situation hopefully in time for next beach season.

Ronald D. Russo

Barrington