Madaket Beach Access Restored

Public access to Madaket Beach, which had been off-limits due to severe erosion this summer, is set to be restored today.

Nantucket Harbormaster Sheila Lucey announced Thursday that her department was able to install a ramp that will allow safe access from the parking area, down the eroded bluff, and onto the popular beach. That addition means the town will now be posting lifeguards at the beach as well, with three scheduled to begin their first shift this morning at 10 a.m.

One of the most popular beaches on Nantucket - especially at sunset hour - Madaket beach was pummeled over the winter and spring with big surf that caused extensive erosion, and a significant amount of the public parking area was washed away.

But it was the steep drop-off that had been cause for concern with Lucey, who made the difficult decision in early June to close public access at Madaket Beach due to safety concerns about people getting down to the sand from the parking area.