fp Turks and Caicos

Residents and tourists now have a new place to enjoy the beach, with more amenities including natural shade.

On Nov. 4, the Hartling Group along with representatives from the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR) and the Planning Department celebrated the opening of the new Long Bay beach access.

The transplanted access, now to the east of the upcoming Shore Club development, is being touted as the next generation of public beach access, created through a close partnership with the Hartling Group and the relevant authorities.

During a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Stan Hartling, developer of the Shore Club as well as the Sands and Palms resorts on Grace Bay, said it was a successful collaboration between the private entity and the public offices.

“The DECR was very thorough, but swift,” Hartling said. “Coordination between Planning and the DECR was great, and it helped to move it along in an efficient way.”

“Everything has been well thought out,” said DECR Director Wesley Clerveaux, who was pleased with the outcome of the partnership.

The new Long Bay Beach access now has many amenities for guests to enjoy, while at the same time not disturbing the natural environment and all in a way that is easy to maintain.

Preventing degradation of the dunes was one of the top priorities in the planning. Landscaping was used to create an automatic buffer to neighbours, protecting the neighborhood and the beach. Low maintenance, simple, natural vegetation was used which does not require watering, lessening the burden on DECR which is responsible for the upkeep of the various beach accesses across the island.

Wooden walkways extend directly into the beach, where several picnic tables give visitors a place to sit and enjoy the view. Thousands of dollars worth of palm trees were planted in order to create natural shade in the area.

“We set up nature’s umbrellas you don’t have to take down every day,” Hartling explained.

Twenty parking spaces are available on the newly created parking area leading up to the beach access. “We did not want people to drive right up to the beach,” Hartling said.

Clerveaux said he was happy with the results which allow parents and families to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beach, particularly in Long Bay where shallow waters and little traffic are ideal for young children.

“I hope this is only the beginning,” said Clerveaux, who hopes more private entities will partner with the DECR and government to adopt beach accesses. “We have had a lot of interest and we are very grateful for the support.”

Clerveaux said support can also come through education. “Bring your staff to the beach to enjoy nature and use the opportunity to teach them how to take care of the environment,” he said.

Photo: (from left) DECR Director Wesley Clerveaux, Director of Planning Ian Astwood and Hartling Group Manager of Commercial Assets Mark Romkey cut the ribbon to signify the opening of the new Long Bay Beach access.