The Do’s And Don’ts Of Redevelopment Of Ponquogue Beach Bathing Facility

The second public workshop regarding the presentation of three conceptual designs for the redevelopment of the Ponquogue Beach Bathing Facility was held in Hampton Bays on Tuesday, November 15th between the Town of Southampton, the general public, and the consultants to the project, Savik & Murray. The first public workshop was held in late September, and the final concept design is scheduled to be determined in December 2016.

With a first phase 2017 budget of approximately $400,000, residents were offered a survey to answer prior to the November 15th meeting, which was also available online, to express what they would like and would not like the redevelopment project to include:

The previous Wants and Don’t Wants included:

The Wants

Keeping the dunes in a natural state, include more seating in the shade, more benches and picnic tables, an evident nature walk parallel to the beach along the dunes, an accessible railing going down the ramp to the beach with improvements for the disabled, multiple operable lifeguard stations, an updated septic system, more garbage bins, beach preservation, use of environmentally friendly materials. Upgrading restrooms, and relocating the Ladies restroom and concession stand. Respondents expressed their desire to keep the building architecture simple with the focus on a low-key, family friendly design in a natural setting, as well as bringing law enforcement to the beach more frequently.

The Don’t Wants

Residents previously indicated that they do not want a restaurant as “Concessions are not that important to them, and most bring their own food.” Would prefer that no alcohol be allowed on the beach, and no alcohol until 6 p.m., as well as no lockers, no interior showers, no dogs, no additional lights in the parking lot, no beach boardwalk and no amphitheater.

Kristen Doulos, of the Town of Southampton Parks and Recreation Department, commented on some of the results of the November 15th meeting, “We had a great response with about 75 people in attendance. After being presented with three draft conceptual designs for the layout of the pavilion which included potential changes such as relocating restrooms, door entrances and lifeguard spaces, and adding showers and deck area for additional shaded and unshaded outdoor seating, folks asked that a fourth design be presented which would move the current location of the concession area to potentially allow for some covered seating and a view to the east. There were also some designs that showcased changes to the façade by adding cupolas, increased natural lighting, upgraded railings, benches, seating and siding, and added natural landscaping features.”

What’s Next?

Doulos also relayed, “Once the fourth design is received from Savik & Murray we will be placing the layout and façade choices on the Town’s website for the public to weigh in on and to provide any additional feedback. That is anticipated to be available the beginning of December. The consultants will also begin assigning costs to the proposed improvements. We’re still aiming to have a final design completed by the early winter.”

Hopefully, residents and visitors alike will soon be enjoying all the fun at the Ponquogue Beach Bathing Facility in time for the warm and sunny weather.

For more information, go to www.southamptontownny.gov or call the Parks & Recreation Department at 631-728-8585.