Scarborough residents get deal on beach visits

The Scarborough Town Council says it heard residents loud and clear when, earlier this year, they asked to have Higgins Beach included as an option for season-pass parking.

Unfortunately, when the fee schedule for the next year was voted on at the May 5 council meeting, that request was overlooked.

So, as a way to make amends, councilors voted May 18 to add the beach into the existing pass system for the same money.

Historically, residents and taxpayers of Scarborough have been able to buy a season’s parking pass to either Ferry Beach or Hurd Park for $20, or one pass to both beaches for $30.

Now, the $30 pass will include unlimited parking at Higgins Beach, as well.

“Ordinarily, this would go back to the finance committee,” said Councilor Ron Ahlquist, who chairs that group, “but the fact of the matter is we are way into this [season] and we need to take care of this quickly.”

As of May 18, about 50 people already had purchased an all-beach pass. Town Manager Tom Hall says those folks will be contacted and told they now have parking rights at Higgins Beach. A $20 Higgins-only option will not be available, he said, only because the town cannot procure the necessary stickers in time.

“The next two weeks are the busiest,” said Hall. “If we don’t catch them now, we’ll have a lot of catch-up to do. If somebody is that interested in Higgins, they’ll have to buy the [$30] pass.”

“Or pay the $5 daily fee,” said Council Chairman Judith Roy, adding, “the whole Higgins beach thing this year is a trial run, so there is the potential to change it if necessary.”

“We are open to change if there’s a demand for it,” said Councilor Carol Rancourt, who suggested the fix.