Town of Mashpee approves seasonal parking ban following beach overcrowding

MASHPEE, Mass. — As beachgoers head to the water this summer amid the coronavirus pandemic, many local towns are restricting beach access and parking following overcrowding complaints from residents.

Mashpee’s Board of Selectmen voted Monday to approve a seasonal parking ban, between May 15 and Oct. 1, on six streets near Johns Pond following dozens of complaints.

Several residents who live near the pond told the town there have been so many out-of-town residents at the beach that they have not been able to go.

Following a vote last month, parking had been temporarily banned on those streets – Back Road, Cranberry Avenue, Highview Avenue, Hilltop Road, Hoophole Road and Valley Road.

At that time, selectmen also voted to restrict access to all town beaches only to residents of the town, members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and those with vehicle disability plates.

Mashpee residents attending the beach must follow COVID-19 safety measures, including limiting groups to 10 people, staying six feet apart from other parties and wearing face masks when social distance is not possible.

The order remains in effect until the Board of Selectmen rescind it or Gov. Charlie Baker’s state of emergency is lifted.

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