Parking reduced by 50% at Nantasket Beach in Hull

HULL, Mass. — There are usually 1,200 parking spots for beachgoers at Nantasket Beach in Hull, but starting Friday, that number will be cut in half, as state and town officials try to reduce overcrowding and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, which manages Nantasket Beach, along with town officials, said parking will be reduced by 50%, starting Aug. 14. It’s the latest beach on the Cape to limit parking due to public health concerns.

Earlier this week, the Department of Public Health released new color-coded maps along with the latest town-by-town data on coronavirus cases. Hull was among a dozen cities and towns designated high-risk, with an average of eight daily cases per 100,000 residents over the past two weeks.

For business owners, parking restrictions in mid-August are salt in the wound this summer.

“Obviously we’ve only got a little bit of time every year to make our money, and this is it,” said Brian Houlihan, owner of The Parrot restaurant.

Houlihan's restaurant sits right across the street from Nantasket Beach, and see's a high volume of tourists walk in for waterfront dining.

“It’s absolutely disappointing. Parking is tough enough down here in the summer anyway, that when you take more away it’s harder for us,” he said. “I think it will definitely put a sting on us for the last couple of weeks of summer.”

Houlihan added that he understands that health and safety are a top priority.

Beachgoers like Betty Bigs said she feels for business owners in his position.

“Businesses need their revenue and it’s based on people that come in from out of town, so I just think they’re biting their nose to spite their face,” she told Boston 25 News. “I think people have to listen to what the Governor has to say and pay attention.”

The DCR is also reminding visitors to practice social distancing and stay in small groups, leave the area if the beach is overcrowded, wear a mask (unless you’re swimming), and to stay home if you’re feeling sick.

DCR reduces parking at Nantasket Beach in Hull due to overcrowding DCR cutting parking spots by half at Nantasket Beach in Hull

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