SOUTHWICK, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – The Southwick beach on Lake Congamond was closed Thursday due to a staffing shortage, the same day a new $40 parking fee took effect just over the state line at Babb’s Beach in Suffield, CT.

When our crew arrived at Southwick Beach Thursday, a handwritten paper sign on the entrance gate indicated the beach was closed due to staffing. The town’s new parks director, who is only a few days into the job, has described the staffing issues as minor.

At the Southwick beach, town residents pay $3 with an ID. Massachusetts and out-of-state visitors pay $6. Seniors and active military pay $2 with an ID. Children get in free.

At Babb’s Beach in Suffield, parking now costs $40 for access - a steep increase compared to the rates on the Massachusetts side.

An anonymous Southwick resident said the Connecticut fee is too high for most families. “Well, I think it’s too much money for people to afford to go in there, you know, every time they want to go to the beach, you know, around here,” the resident said.

The Southwick resident added the higher fee on the Connecticut side raises concerns beyond affordability. “In my opinion, they try to keep some types of people out, which I think is unfortunate, so they try to make it a little too expensive unless you can afford to spend that much money to go to the beach,” the resident said.

Suffield Parks and Recreation said the new fee is not about exclusion. In a policy posted on its website, the town said years of increasing use have led to “ongoing issues,” including marijuana use, littering, and trespassing on neighboring properties. The town noted the higher fee is meant to manage crowds and protect Babb’s Beach as a family-friendly space.

The Southwick resident said the beach’s inconsistent availability has become routine. “It’s always a little bit up and down, depending on staffing and depending on the weather, you know, so I never know for sure if it’s going to be open,” the resident said.

The resident said the facility is well-kept and inexpensive, but they expressed concern that families arriving with young children could be turned away without warning.

Suffield Parks and Recreation Director Pete Leclerc said in a statement: “It is unfortunate that there has been a sharp increase in incidents and behaviors that are negatively affecting park visitors, and the surrounding neighborhood...Those that are making the beach not enjoyable or negatively affecting the neighborhood do not seem to care....Staff, visitors, and Suffield residents should not be subjected to these behaviors.”

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