Hammonasset: Beach Crowds in Madison Large But Manageable

MADISON, CT - When the summer weather first hit town officials were worried that the fact that in state residents no longer had to pay to come to Hammonasset State Beach might mean huge traffic jams leading into the park - and Madison.

But the despite the fact that the weather has been very “beach-like” the past few weeks, and the park has indeed been filled to capacity on a few days, the traffic headaches haven’t emerged.

First Selectman Tom Banisch, when asked, said he hadn’t heard of any issues concerning traffic back-ups.

And Christine Koster, president of the Friends of Hammonasset, concurred.

“Just as in the past there has been a few days that the park has been filled to capacity and closed to additional visitors,” Koster said.

But, she quickly added: “There has been absolutely no gate lines. The cars crank through without any backup of cars on the connector as town officials predicted.”

She went on: “There is plenty of room on the beach for visitors to spread out for the beach is much deeper since the sand arrived during the off season.”

Koster said “the new paths throughout the park are busy with walkers, runners and cyclists. It is great to see so many people outside and enjoying the park.”

“Our state parks belong to all of residents of Connecticut and I am happy to see that they are being visited,” Koster said.

The concerns about traffic came up because the state this year approved the “Passport to Parks” program - a program where in exchange for an increased fee of $10 during motor vehicle registration renewals, state residents get to use the state parks for free.

Out of state residents still must pay an entrance fee to park at the parks.

Photo by Jack Kramer