September 3, 2024 By The Town of Hingham
As one of the natural treasures of the Town of Hingham, usage of the harbor front continues to grow. This summer the Bathing Beach Trustees and Harbor Development Committee were able to replace the old splintery wooden float with a new durable, safe replacement, and upgrade the outdoor shower at the beginning of the foot path to the Community Bathing Beach House with a new commercial shower that includes multiple outlets to allow for easier foot rinsing.
The Harbor Development Committee and Bathing Beach Trustees are also continuing the development of a Master Plan for Hingham Harbor, which will include extending the recreational walkway from the grove down to Barnes Wharf and beyond, developing plans for a sculpture garden on the old Mobil gas station property, and finding ways to make Town Pier and the Veterans area feel more loved.
One of the key new acquisitions made by the Town to secure more control over public access to the harbor is the 30 Summer Street property, the old Gallery 360 Real Estate office near the Rotary. This acquisition will allow the Town to build the recreational walkway on the water side of that property as part of the Route 3A re-design. The Harbor Development Committee is
tasked with coming up with a recommendation how the Town can best use the 30 Summer Street property. As part of that task, we are encouraging residents to respond to a 5-question Town survey as to their preferences for that property (see attached survey link).
https://www.hingham-ma.gov/FormCenter/Select-Board-15/30-Summer-Street-Ques7onnaire-99
Another piece of the Master Plan is to develop ideas on how the Town can get even better utlization out of its harbor front through programs and events. Suggestions from residents will be incorporated into the new Master Plan for Hingham Harbor, and ideas so far have included a playground near the Community Bathing Beach house, movie nights, band concerts, etc.
As part of programming events, the Harbor Development Committee has been hosting an annual Harbor Day Celebration since 2022, but this year has elected to postpone that event for something big in 2025 and something even bigger in 2026. Stay tune for more information shortly!