“The last few years, the staff have put forth an excellent effort in keeping the beaches open during the pandemic, and they successfully did that, however, with that, new lifeguards were not being trained and we started having staff age out. “I’ve been here 15 years and this is the first year we are facing a challenge like this,” said Clow. Limited hirings and hours enforced by COVID restrictions have also played a part in the crisis, according to Clow. Recreation Supervisor Ellen Clow said the situation is the most critical it has been during her tenure. So we are working on a plan that will have the least impact for residents.” Jacobs has a lot of activities, especially depending on the tide, it’s more of a sunbathing beach, but with the boat storage and the new Splash Pad, we need staff there all the time. “Most people, and a lot from out of the area, go to Quonnipaug to swim.
#NORTH HAVEN PARK AND REC HOW TO#
It’s a bit of a Catch-22, we just aren’t sure how to limit the hours, because both beaches are used so heavily and for different purposes,” Maynard said. “Generally, there is a lot more activity at Jacobs, but the lake is actually where more swimming takes place, so we’re not quite sure where to limit hours. to 7:30 p.m., but those times are now uncertain if staffing can’t be found, according to Maynard. during the week, and Quonnipaug open from 9:30 a.m. on weekends, with Jacobs open from 9 a.m. Currently the department plan will keep Jacobs and Quonnipaug on their traditional time schedule: open from 10 a.m. The department is still on track for the original plan of officially opening beaches on weekends only after Memorial Day and then opening both beaches fully seven days a week after Guilford schools shut for the summer. If we don’t have enough guards for two shifts, we may simply have to cut a shift.’
#NORTH HAVEN PARK AND REC FULL#
We may not be able to stay open for a full day at one or the other of the beaches.
But if we can’t find staff, we may need to alter the swim lessons,” Maynard said.
“It’s such an important job, and it you have a lot of responsibility. Everybody is having this problem, regionally and nation-wide.”Īccording to Maynard, the department is currently considering limiting swimming lesson class sizes and also cutting beach access hours to compensate of the lack of hires.
We normally have plenty of guards, but this is happening across the region. “We normally need about 20 lifeguards and right now we only have 11, and I think this is the first year that this has happened in my memory. For obvious reasons, the last two years was due to COVID, but we are truly in need,” Maynard said. “This may be the third year in a row where we can’t offer full swim lessons. This is not the department’s first time encountering staffing issues. The day camps are a very needed program for many parents, it is like daycare for some, so it is important that we have a full staff for these programs.” “It seems like there are some applications trickling in for the summer day camps, so those look a bit better, but we still need staff. “Our current need is really aquatics right now,” Maynard said. Without additional staffing, some swimming lesson class sizes may need to be limited and hours may need to be shortened at the beaches, according to Maynard. The staff most in need are lifeguards for Lake Quonnipaug and Jacobs beaches, according to Park & Recreation Director Rick Maynard. There is one picnic shelter and one pavilion available for reservations. Visit the Facility Rentals webpage for amenitis, rental fees and availability or contact the Parks and Recreation Main Office.The Guilford Park & Recreation Department is facing critical staffing shortages for a number of positions that will impact access and availability to several area beaches and parks, according to department officials. Spray park utilizes fresh, potable water. Spray Park – Open June 15 through September 15, 1 p.m.The trails can lead you to historic Fairhaven, through the Chuckanut Community Forest or onto a network of other trails. Amenities Wander along Padden Creek and find salmon runs and waterfalls. The expansive trail system meanders through an urban forest that helps protect local habitat. After your done playing make sure to wander over to the labyrinth then jump on a trail to go exploring. In the warm summer months, everyone will want to splash around in the spray park adjacent to the playground. Entering the park from Chuckanut Drive on the hillside is a large grassy field with plenty of room to run, roll and kick a ball. With over 136 acres to explore, Fairhaven Park is a great family destination.
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