Scituate Approves Shoulder Season for Boaters
New program extends harbor access in spring and fall with competitive rates
SCITUATE - April 8 - The Scituate Select Board unanimously approves a new shoulder season for boaters, extending access to the harbor in spring and fall. The program aims to increase harbor usage while generating additional revenue for the town.
The shoulder season will begin in spring 2025, running from April 15 to May 14 at Coal Parkway Marina only, with a rate of 50 cents per foot per day. The fall season will run from October 16 to November 15 at both Cole Parkway Marina and Scituate Marine Park Marina, with a rate of $1 per foot per day.
"People that have those slips will be able to continue using their slips if they want to stay in their shoulder season in the fall," David Dinneen, Chair of the Waterways Commission. "And as everybody knows, fall time is just a gorgeous time to have the ability to be able to stay out a little bit later."
Boaters using electricity will pay additional fees of $10 per day for 30-amp service and $15 per day for 50-amp service during both spring and fall seasons.
The proposal comes as part of the Waterways Commission's efforts to increase access to the harbor while generating revenue for capital improvement projects.
"We've been really working at finding ways to look at how we're going to increase our revenues to meet the demand of some of these capital improvement projects," Dinneen states. "It's really important for us to continue to be vigilant on how we deal with our finances."
The rates are competitive compared to neighboring harbors, with one nearby facility reportedly charging $3.50 per foot per day. Officials believe this will attract transient boaters who might otherwise go elsewhere.
"We may also see increased travel. People coming from the Midwest to Florida may stop in," notes Harbormaster Stephen Mone. "We do get calls. We have had calls in the past from people looking for dockage. And we were closed at that time."
Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich expresses enthusiasm about the increased access to the harbor.
"I personally think we'll see on the revenue. I mean, it's going to be more than zero. That's for sure. But I'm really excited about increasing access to Scituate Harbor," Goodrich says.
The program will be managed through the town's DOCKWA system, which will adjust rates according to the season. Officials plan to notify current slip holders and mooring holders about the new option through their contact system.
Board members note that the shoulder season could help spread out boat traffic at the beginning and end of the regular boating season, making it more convenient for boat owners to launch and retrieve their vessels.
"I think it's a good idea, especially if it spreads out the traffic in terms of people trying to get their boats in and get their boats out," says Karen Connolly. "So that alone can be, if you're a boat owner, I think, a real convenience and not a great cost."
The Waterways Department also plans to hold a harbor celebration in June to coincide with the town's First Friday event. The celebration will feature various boats at the marina and educational components for children.
"We are going to be having an opening of harbor celebration coinciding with the first Friday event, which will be in June," says Dinneen. "They'll have all sorts of things both on water and on land."
The shoulder season program is part of a broader effort by the Waterways Department to increase access to the harbor and improve services. Officials mention they have "a couple other things up our sleeve" to attract more people to enjoy the harbor.
In other business, the Select Board:
- Approved a contract for $6,252,000 to ACK Marine and General Contracting for replacement of 435 feet of concrete seawall between Kenneth Avenue and 12 Oceanside Drive
- Awarded a $1,540,895 contract to National Water Main Cleaning Company for phase 2 of the town's sewer inflow and infiltration rehabilitation project
- Approved a change of manager for the Mill Wharf restaurant's liquor license
- Voted not to increase water rates for fiscal year 2026
- Approved a 3.15 percent increase in sewer rates (1 percent base rate increase and 4 percent usage rate increase) effective July 1, 2025
- Approved the Get to Greenbush special event on May 3, including a new concert component
- Adopted parking by permit only and fine enforcement in the student parking lot at Scituate High School
The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for April 14, with the annual special town meeting to be held that evening at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.