Re-opening of Pirone Park and Parts of Sandy Pond Beach – May 26, 2020

Ayer Parks Department Town Hall ¨ One Main Street ¨ Ayer, MA  01432   978-772-8217 ¨ 978-772-8222 (fax)

May 23, 2020

In accordance with decisions made at the Ayer Parks Commission meeting on May 22, the Parks Department will be reopening Pirone Park and some areas of the grass section of Sandy Pond Beach on May 26, in accordance with the reopening plan put forth by the governors office.  This will be a conditional reopening with the following requirements in place until further notice:

• Social distancing will be required at all time while using Ayer Parks facilities.  This includes individual spacing of at least six feet and groups no larger than ten people.  Facemasks are recommended, especially when social distancing is more difficult (for example, when passing individuals while using the perimeter path).
• Bathrooms will remain closed indefinitely due to public health concerns. This will continue to be revisited as the state reopening plan goes through its phases.
• Swimming WILL NOT BE PERMITTED at Sandy Pond Beach until it officially reopens for the swim season.  The Parks Department will be reviewing the situation as more information becomes available.  Opening the beach to swimming will depend on an assurance of safety to both patrons and waterfront staff, and the facility being in compliance with the regulations of state and local authorities.  A comprehensive reopening plan for swimming at Sandy Pond Beach will be reviewed by the Board of Health over the next few weeks.  In accordance with the Nashoba Board of Health, the playground, basketball and volleyball courts will remain closed at Sandy Pond Beach.  Picnic tables will be removed from use.
• Fields at Pirone Park may be reserved by submitting a facility use form (downloadable at the Parks Department website).  Those requesting field use must comply with social distance guidelines outlined in the Massachusetts reopening plan.  
• Those found not in compliance with the social distancing guidelines will be issued a warning, and if persistent in refusing to comply, may be issued an order of no trespass.  This is not intended as a threat, as we all need to work together to find solutions during these trying times.  Please help us to keep our community safe and healthy.

Ayer Parks Commission
Jeff Thomas, Ayer Parks Director
Heidi Januskiewicz, Ayer Waterfront Director