Seeking to insulate the town’s general fund while raising wages for seasonal staff, the Harwich Recreation and Youth Commission voted Tuesday to implement a suite of beach fee increases for the 2026 season. While Recreation Director Eric Beebe initially recommended maintaining the daily beach pass at $20 due to the logistical challenges of making change at the gates, the Commission pushed for a more aggressive $30 rate. This decision follows a town-wide trend of tiered pricing intended to place a higher financial burden on non-resident visitors to offset rising labor costs.

Beebe explained that the fee adjustments are essential for the department to remain competitive in a tight labor market. The trend is if we're going to raise salaries, we have to have something to make up the money, Beebe said, noting that the Select Board had specifically asked him to revisit the fee structure. While the Commission supported Beebe’s recommendations for a $5 increase for resident stickers (now $35), a $10 increase for weekly stickers ($75), and a $25 hike for non-resident season passes ($175), the board felt the daily pass was a missed revenue source. Brian Wentworth argued that even without electronic payment systems in place, the jump to $30 made sense. I just think it's such a missed opportunity. That could fund your Wi-Fi in a year, Wentworth noted, referring to the high cost of installing reliable internet at remote beach locations.

John Mahan agreed that a $10 increase was more practical than a $5 increment. I think if we were to go up, it'd be easier to make it work if it was $30 than $25. It makes no sense to do $25, Mahan said. Arthur Dowski urged the department to stop lagging behind neighboring towns, stating, I think we're being a little hesitant about trying to get to the average range. I think we should do a January review every year. Addressing the lack of credit card options at the gates, Dave Nixon questioned the delay in modernization. Why is the Cape so special that we have problems with Wi-Fi? Nixon asked. Bring us up to what we should normally be. Go into serious negotiation with a company that does this for other states. Motion Made by J. Mahan to accept the Director’s fee recommendations with the exception that the daily pass be increased to $30. Motion Passed 5-0.

The Commission also signaled a major shift for the town’s Summer Playground Program, which is currently capped at 40 children due to safety regulations in the public Community Center building. Beebe proposed moving the camp to the Harwich Elementary School to create a self-contained environment that would allow for higher enrollment and better staff-to-child ratios. I think 35 kids is unacceptable for the size of our town, Chair Liam Murro said of the current capacity. The Commission directed Beebe to seek support from the Monomoy Regional School Committee to secure the facility for the eight-week summer stretch. Motion Made by D. Nixon to support the Director exploring the elementary school move and to send a letter of support to the School Committee. Motion Passed 5-0.

In other infrastructure news, the department continues to struggle with the rising cost of a planned restroom at Sand Pond. After multiple bids came in significantly over the $150,000 budget, officials are considering scaling back to a single-stall unisex facility or even utilizing a high-end shed. I'm dead set against a porta-potty, Dowski said, responding to suggestions that the site's declining usage might not warrant a massive investment. We've been beating this up for seven years. The solo building is the best idea I've heard yet. To facilitate site preparation, the board moved to clear the way for the demolition of the existing dilapidated boat house. Motion Made by J. Mahan to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting approval to remove the Sand Pond Boat House. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting closed with news of a significant staffing loss. Program Specialist John Mahan, who was credited with expanding departmental programming and leading lifeguard certifications, will depart for Florida on February 7. Beebe expressed concern over finding a replacement who can provide uniform training, suggesting the department may need to hire Mahan back as a consultant to lead spring certifications.