May 31, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
The projected opening day for the new modular bathhouse/concession stand/community room at the Bathing Beach has changed from early summer to around Labor Day due to a number of circumstances. But those overseeing the project say it will be worth the wait.
"The bathhouse, which will be constructed by Triumph Modular [based in Littleton, Mass.] is behind schedule," said Bathing Beach Trustees Chair Alan Perrault. "It's been a somewhat chaotic season so far with what's been happening on the lot [related to the construction process]." The current bathhouse will remain open this summer.
While the preparatory site work is underway, the market for modulars is growing, which is one reason for the delay. Plus, Perrault said, "Every minor modification -- including recently requesting that one of the doorways be moved to a new location -- requires a third-party review to ensure these changes meet the state building code," Perrault said. "Construction has not yet begun. They're holding the materials for us at the factory. This is a big investment and we want to get it right."
The end result will be worth the wait, complete with cedar shingles, a cupola, and a deck. Once the modulars arrive -- hopefully in late June or the first week of July -- the site work will be accomplished during the rest of that month and into the first half of August.
Snack shop
The concession stand, which will be operated by Greg Acerra d.b.a. Fireking Baking Company, will be a big draw. "It will be a high-class operation," Perrault said. He envisions coffee being sold during the early morning hours for commuters and a possible yoga class in the community room, with participants stopping by the concession stand for coffee and juice drinks if it's open that early.
In the meantime, the Bathing Beach Trustees are gearing up for a busy season. Lifeguards are expected to be on duty from June 22 to possibly Labor Day weekend, depending on their availability.
The Hingham Farmers Market will continue to operate from the Bathing Beach parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays until Thanksgiving.
However, the Trustees are recommending a change in hours next year from 8 a.m. to noon to help avoid parking conflicts between market patrons, concession stand customers, and people coming to the beach to swim, sunbathe, stroll along the new brick walkway, or to just relax.
Trustee Ed Johnson said the earlier start time would likely attract people on Rte. 3A who would pass the market on their way to Scituate and Hull for summertime activities.
Hingham Farmers Market, Inc. President Mark Cullings is not in favor of the 8 to noon proposal, and explained why at a recent Trustees' meeting. "We would likely lose two anchor vendors who come from far away," he said. "The hours of 9 to 1 are the sweet spot for farmers markets."
While understanding Cullings' concerns, Trustee Chris Daly emphasized that the Trustees' "primary concern is the use of the beach" and that there be enough parking spots for beach-goers.
More parking spots
While there will be about 34 additional parking spaces once the overall project wraps up, when the market and high tide coincide, there will be more traffic than usual -- especially once the concession stand is open during peak season (next year).
"We're confident that with these extra spaces, [the proposed change in HFM hours to 8 to noon], and limits on the use of the community room we will have adequate parking," Perrault said.
Despite the challenges, Cullings acknowledged, "We still have one of the best markets in the area, with a better and more visible location than most."
The lot will be repaved once the project wraps up -- most likely in the spring of 2020.
This year the assistant market manager will monitor the traffic flow, working in cooperation with the detail officer.
Daly noted the parking lot was "packed" during Memorial Day weekend, especially on that Sunday, "with the beach used even though the water was cold."
However, while the parking lot is quite full during the market, organizers say if you look hard enough during the busiest times there are usually some spaces available.
Cullings asked the Trustees if they could have the mounds of materials that are sitting on part of the parking lot moved to another location to free-up more spaces.
Once the project is completed, Cullings believes it will "complement the market. I think it will work for both of us," he said.
Friends of the Hingham Farmers Market member Linda Luke thinks the HFM combined with the new bathhouse/concession stand will provide "a great opportunity for patrons to shop, grab a bite to eat at the snack shop, then go to the beach."