As the weather warms up, officials are outlining plans to reopen Mass. beaches

MARSHFIELD, Mass. — Rexhame Beach in Marshfield is empty even though the beach is open and the parking lot is closed.

As the weather warms up, there is a plan for town-operated beaches there to reopen.

“We never actually closed our beaches - they’ve been open for people to walk on go for a run," said Marshfield Police Chief Phil Tavares.

For town-operated beaches, it’s up to the town when to reopen. Chief Tavares plans to ask permission from the Board of Supervisors on Monday.

“I am moving forward with a plan to open our beaches for Memorial Day weekend," said Tavares.

Most towns south of Boston will do the same, all while trying to ensure social distancing. However, it’s not clear if state-owned beaches like Revere Beach and Nantasket will re-open. Governor Baker did not answer that question on Friday.

Back in Marshfield, residents are on board with the reopen as long as things are done safely.

“They’re really going to have to have people down here monitoring the beach because down here it gets so crowded," said Joanne Kearney.

Kim Rose also says density will have to be monitored, but adds being outside will help everyone.

“I know at some point we have to reopen," said Rose. “Even for wellness people need to get out.”

Tavares says there is a plan to set up the parking lot so people are socially distant and he says crowds will be monitored to be sure they are complying.

This may be the way things will be for the foreseeable future. Any hope for a return to the normalcy of summers past may take a while.

“Unfortunately, this could be what next summer looks like as well," said Tavares.

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