I am a lifelong South Portland resident and senior citizen and I am distressed by the deterioration of the infrastructure of Willard Beach over the past 20 years. Gone is the swimming float. Until a few years ago, we had a picnic table and benches at the bath house. I used to enjoy bringing supper from home and using the picnic table to eat at. It would be great to have them back again. Now in my 70s, eating on the ground is not an option. Families with young children would appreciate having picnic tables, too.
The December storm damaged the stairs at the SMCC end of the beach. Despite being blocked off, the public is still using them. As a former carpenter, I feel a skilled carpenter could do temporary repairs on them to make them safe in one day with minimal material cost. Waiting for federal disaster money is compromising access and safety of South Portland residents and visitors.
The city snow plow destroyed the dog poop bag dispenser. Dog owners were stocking this with bags. Can this be replaced ASAP? Having it helped with the dog waste problem on the beach. These problems should be rectified soon, as the beach is used year-round, not just in the summer.
Last of all, probably too late for this year, can the city of South Portland find someone to run the concession stand at the beach with a more creative menu? We need more than soda, ice cream sandwiches and microwaved hot dogs.
David Orbeton
South Portland
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