CAROLINA BEACH — The Town of Carolina Beach is following the lead of its neighbor to the north, Wrightsville Beach, with a limited opening of its beach strand to the public — while keeping parking options restricted.
The beaches will open exactly one week after Wrightsville Beach’s did and allow residents and visitors (who manage to find somewhere to park) a chance to hit the beach for exercise purposes.
“The Mayor and Council Members in Carolina Beach have amended the Town’s original Declaration of a State of Emergency issued March 24, 2020 with Proclamation 20-2222 and will re-open the municipal beach strand effective Monday, April 27, 2020, 12:00 p.m. (noon), for exercise purposes only,” according to a town press release.
While the beaches are partially open, there are some restrictions that will remain in place.
According to the town, the following restrictions will apply:
- All public parking lots shall remain closed to the general public.
- Public restroom facilities shall remain closed.
- All beach access points and beaches will be open for pedestrian access with the following restrictions: Only non-stationary exercise activities limited to walking, jogging, swimming, and surfing/watersports; Individuals shall follow strict social distancing measures; No exercise group shall have more than 10 people; Lifeguards will not be on duty; Sunbathing, sitting, games and all other activities will not be permitted on the beaches; All beach equipment such as towels, blankets, chairs, tents, coolers, and umbrellas will not be allowed.
- All parks will remain closed with the exception of walk-in tennis court use.
- Freeman Park will remain closed to vehicular traffic.
The restrictions will remain in place until town leaders say so.
