AMHERST — Parking restrictions in the area of Puffer’s Pond are being considered as a way to reduce use of the recreational and conservation site during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said during an online community conversation this week that the limitations on parking in the vicinity of the North Amherst site could be necessary as one way to prevent the beaches from being used.
“As the weather starts to warm, we’ll adjust our policies on outside recreation as we deem best for the town and public health,” Bockelman said.
While the beaches are closed, and swimming is not being allowed, the area around Puffer’s Pond is still open for public use, including walking, jogging, biking, and solitary fishing, so long as social distancing protocols are observed.
In compliance with Gov. Charlie Baker’s essential services emergency order, municipal buildings, including Town Hall, the Bangs Community Center and Jones Library, will be closed until at least May 18. Those buildings have not been open to the public since March 16.
In addition, playgrounds and play structures, golf courses and basketball courts, as well as bathrooms at municipal parks, also will remain closed for at least two more weeks.
No organized sports or other activities are allowed on town fields or courts, though people can walk on the high school track. Bockelman said officials are considering whether to have a designated time when seniors and people with compromised immune systems will have exclusive use of the track.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.