Major Improvements Coming Soon to Jacob’s Beach

Plans to remodel Jacob’s Beach have a point of discussion in Guilford for several years, and come June, the beach is set to reopen with the approved renovations, including upgrades to the bathhouses, fresh landscaping, new equipment to improve the beach’s sand quality and more.

Guilford Patch spoke to Park and Rec Director Rick Maynard about the planned renovations, who explained that all planned renovations fell under the funding from the STEAP grant the town was awarded for the project, which totalled $500,000.

One improvement will include not a renovation, but the purchase of a sand groomer, to clean the beach.

“We frequently get feedback that the shells and other debris on the beach is what makes Jacob’s Beach less desirable,” Maynard told Guilford Patch. “In the past we’ve borrowed a cleaning machine but really weren’t able to use it as much as it was needed.”

“Improvements over the next month or so include us purchasing our own,” Maynard continued. “We plan to use it weekly, and it is going to make a huge difference. It will remove stones, shells, seaweed, anything 3/4 of an inch and bigger will get picked up and removed.”

Maynard said the renovations will also prioritize improvements to the bathhouses, which he said are frequently dubbed a little dark and dingy.

“We have already removed the concrete blocks in the bathhouses,” Maynard said. “We’re also going to be installing skylights to let in natural light to make the space more bright and airy.”

“We’re also really excited that an Eagle Scout is taking on the interior painting as his own Eagle Project,” Maynard continued. “We want that space to be clean and safe, and think these improvements will accomplish that.”

Though originally a boardwalk was on the list of improvements, Maynard explained there were simply not enough funds appropriated to consider the boardwalk. However, he is optimistic boardwalk plans could come to fruition in the fall. A new entry gate and shade structure were also considered, but was deemed too expensive for the current budget.

Maynard also explained improvements will include regrading and redesigning the parking lot to include a center island, finishes to paths, utility upgrades, guardrails, laying landscaping and the addition of about 20 trees. Irrigation will also be installed for sod maintenance.

“We’re also running water out to two shower castles,” Maynard continued. “One more towards the playground, along with a water fountain and one near the bathhouse. We’re hoping this gives folks the chance to rinse off any equipment they used, like kayaks or boards, or just rinse their feet off.”

“I sincerely believe these improvements will help Guilford have more pride in our beach,” Maynard concluded. “We want to have a beach that residents want to bring guests to when they visit. We are a waterfront community, and the town deserves this.”

Maynard says work will start within the next week or two, and he hopes Jacob’s Beach will reopen around June 14, with substantial completion of the renovations done. He hopes full completion will wrap up 10 days later.