City Parks, Recreation and Beaches Dept. Readies for 2016 Summer Season at Municipal Beaches on Clark’s Point

2016 Summer Season Beach Parking Passes Now Available for Purchase (Cordero Video and Photo)The municipal beaches on scenic Clark’s Point are among the City’s most treasured recreational assets and preparations are underway to again open the beaches for public use this summer season.

East Beach (East Rodney French Blvd.)
East Beach is one of New Bedford’s most beautiful, safe, and family-friendly public beaches. East Beach is located on East Rodney French Boulevard, faces the Town of Fairhaven and overlooks the outer New Bedford Harbor. Beachgoers may enjoy the calm, sparkling waters, sun bathe on the sandy shores or try a game of volleyball on the new courts.

West Beach (West Rodney French Blvd.)
West Beach is located on West Rodney French Boulevard on Clark’s Cove and faces the Town of Dartmouth. West Beach is a swimmers paradise with a fully accessible pavilion providing shade, cool breezes, beautiful sunsets and a fully accessible bathhouse.

Beach at Fort Taber Park
This public beach is located in a 50-acre waterfront park that provides over a mile of ocean frontage on scenic Clark’s Point which projects into Buzzards Bay. The park incorporates historical landmarks, offers many amenities and various opportunities for passive and active recreation. The centerpiece of the park is the historic Fort Rodman, built between 1857 and 1871 as part of the nation’s sea coast defense system.

Each of these New Bedford beaches will be guarded by a professional waterfront team from June 25, 2016 through September 5, 2016.

New Bedford’s municipal beaches are also accessible via public transportation. For information on the public bus schedule, please visit www.srtabus.com.

One-Day Municipal Beach Parking Passes
Beginning June 25, 2016, residents with a New Bedford address on their driver’s license or ID may purchase a one-day parking pass for parking at East and West Beaches for $1.00 or may purchase a one-day parking pass for Fort Taber for $5.00. Non-New Bedford residents may purchase a one-day parking pass at either site for $10.00. Daily parking passes will be available for purchase at the East Beach or Fort Taber municipal parking lots.

Summer Season Municipal Beach Parking Passes
New Bedford residents and non-residents may also purchase a summer season beach parking pass. Seasonal parking passes are available beginning June 1, 2016 during normal business house at the Parks Recreation & Beaches office at 181 Hillman St Building 3, at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall on William Street and at the Traffic Office located in the Elm Street Garage. In addition, the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center is also open weekday evenings until 8 PM and on Saturdays from 11-5PM.

Seasonal parking passes are only $5.00 for New Bedford residents. Residents must present a copy of their vehicle registration to obtain a New Bedford Resident seasonal parking pass.

Seasonal parking passes will also be available for non-residents. Non-City residents from Greater New Bedford may purchase a seasonal parking pass for just $20.00. Greater New Bedford residents are residents of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Taunton and, Westport.

Non-residents from outside of Greater New Bedford may purchase a seasonal parking pass for $50.00.