Beach Parking Passes Available Starting March 25

NEW BEDFORD – The clocks moved ahead, days are getting longer, and the temperatures are slowly creeping back up.

Spring is in the air, and summer is right around the corner. Looking ahead to warmer weather, the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department has announced that seasonal parking passes for East Beach, West Beach and Fort Taber Park will be available for purchase starting on March 25. Pricing is as follows:

New Bedford residents: $15

New Bedford residents 65 and over: $5

Greater New Bedford residents (Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Freetown and Assonet): $30

All others: $60

Passes are available at the Parks, Recreation and Beaches office (181 Hillman St. Building 3), the Clerk’s Office at City Hall (133 William St.), the Traffic Commission office at the Elm Street Parking Garage, and at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St. Building 8) during open gym and recreation time. City or area residents must bring their vehicle registration.

Payment is cash only when purchasing in advance of the season at the above locations. Passes can also be purchased on site at the beaches starting in May with credit cards only.

Hourly and daily parking are also available during the summer at Fort Taber and East Beach.

Located in the South End of New Bedford, East Beach, West Beach and Fort Taber are three of the City’s most popular recreation spots during the summer, offering everything from picnic areas to swimming, sports and games. Lifeguards are on duty from May 25-Sept. 2.

For more information about the parking passes or the beaches, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Beaches office at 508-961-3015.