Advisory: Parks, Beaches & Nature Reserves
The Ministry of Public Works issued an advisory on the “procedures and staffing for the Department of Parks over the 2021 Cup Match Holiday Weekend.
A Government spokesperson said, “Effectively immediately, campers and picnickers are allowed to erect camping and picnicking equipment and property. However, camping is only permitted from Wednesday 28th July until Monday 2nd August as per the Public Health [Covid-19 Emergency Powers] Amendment Regulations 2021, the maximum of 50 people in a group.
“Gates are open until 9:00 pm Wednesday 28th July, so patrons will have the opportunity to get their equipment and property into the parks and beaches. After this time, Park Ranger staff on duty will be locking the gates.
“All equipment and property must be removed by Tuesday 3rd August, or it will be deemed abandoned and disposed of.
“Maintenance staff will be collecting trash and cleaning bathrooms during the Cup Match holiday and weekend. They will start at 6:00 am.
“Park Rangers staff will be patrolling the parks and beaches on Emancipation Day Thursday 29th July and Mary Prince Day Friday 30th July and enforcing the 1988 Bermuda National Park Regulations, and addressing any other incidents in conjunction with the Bermuda Police Service.
“Staff will be assigned to control traffic flow and parking at the following locations:
- West Whale Bay
- Horseshoe Bay
- Warwick Long Bay West
- Elbow Beach Tribe Road 4B
- Clearwater Beach Park and Coopers Island Park & Nature Reserve.
“Lifeguards under the direction of the Lifeguard Superintendent will be on duty for Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The towers in operation will be as follows:
- Horseshoe Bay
- John Smith’s Bay
- Clearwater Beach
- Turtle Bay
“Due to the popularity of Horseshoe Bay on Emancipation Day, Thursday 29th July will be managed as follows:
- In conjunction with the Bermuda Police Service officers and St. John Ambulance, Department of Parks staff will be on duty.
- Traffic flow and parking will be controlled, and once the parking lot is full, access will be for drop off only until space becomes available.
- There may be times when the parking lot is closed to all traffic to clear any congestion.
- Patrons are advised that the closure of Horseshoe Bay will be at 8:00 pm, at which time they must start clearing the beach for the cleaning to begin for use on Mary Prince Day Friday 30th July.
“Park and beach users are reminded not to park on double yellow lines or block the gates as they must remain clear at all times for access by Department of Parks maintenance & patrol vehicles, as well as emergency vehicles.
“For safety, the following will not be permitted:
- No Bonfires within Coopers Island Nature Reserve
- No Dogs on the beaches
- No Horses on the beaches
- No vehicles are allowed inside the parks after the gates are closed.
“The cooperation of the patrons using the parks and beaches over the holiday period is appreciated.
“The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Parks wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 2021 Cup Match Holiday.”
