We're holding this press conference to share new restrictions that
are being put in place at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Beach,
Bayview Beach here in Dennis on the 4th of July.
Over the past three years, particularly at Mayflower Beach, we've
seen a dramatic increase in unsafe and dangerous conduct, fighting,
assaults, vandalism, binge drinking, drug use, loud music and other
concerning behavior.
Since 2021, the Dennis Police Department has responded to more
than 1200 calls for service at the town beaches on
July 4th, including 459 calls just yet last year alone.
Since 2019, first responders have seen 100% increase and calls
for services at our beaches.
Groups of hundreds of people attending parties on the beach
can overwhelm police resources.
The size of these parties and the unruly behavior they
could generate make it very difficult for dentists, first responders,
including lifeguards, to properly patrol the beaches, identify problems, and
respond to emergencies.
To address public safety concerns, the Town of Dennis and
the Dennis Police Department will be implementing the following restrictions
on the 4th of July.
No daily parking passes will be sold or accepted on
July 4th at Mayflower Beach or Chapin Beach.
Only those who have valid 2024 Dennis Beach sticker will
be allowed access to these parking lots.
There will also be a parking ban in full effect
in the neighborhoods of businesses adjacent to the beaches.
Vehicles found in violation will be subject to being ticketed
and or towed.
All drivers traveling to the Mayflower Beach, Chapin Beach, or
Bayview Beach from Route 6A will be stopped at a
checkpoint at the intersection of New Boston Rd.
and Beach Street.
Those who have a proper beach sticker will be allowed
to continue on, along with neighborhood residents and their visitors.
All other vehicles will be turned around.
Rideshare drivers.
They will be stopped at the intersection of Beech St.
and New Boston Rd.
where passengers may be unloaded.
For those considering walking to the From this intersection to
Mayflower Beach, it's approximately 1.2 miles.
If you want to walk to Chapin Beach, it's a
little over 2 miles.
There will be 0.
Tolerance for alcohol consumption, Drug use or really loud music
and unsafe behavior at these beaches.
Officers will be out in full numbers and our department
will be bringing additional resources to help with this effort.
Visitors to the town beaches need to enjoy the holiday
in a safe, responsible manner that does not interfere with
the ability of others to enjoy their day and allow
town staff to properly patrol and monitor the beaches and
protect the safety of the public.
My hope is that everyone who comes to dentists enjoy
our beautiful beaches is able to have a fun, relaxing
July 4th holiday.