Why You Can’t Go to Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, Right Now
Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, is one of (in my opinion) the most versatile beaches to hang out at year-round.
It's your dog's beach in the winter and your family/friends' go-to beach in the summer.
But unfortunately, as of June 6, 2023, the beach remains closed.
Why was Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, closed?
Willard Beach was closed off to the public enforced by the city last Friday, June 2, due to an intense pipe burst near Southern Maine Community College, according to a Facebook post from the City of South Portland.
Willard Beach was expected to re-open on June 6, 2023, per the Facebook post, but unfortunately, that's just not the case. Yet.
When will Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine, open?
The City of Portland released a new update in a Facebook post on June 6 revealing that the water tests at this cute beach showed "two locations that are above the threshold for bacteria levels considered safe by Maine Health Beaches."
As of now, per the Facebook post, the beach will remain closed for some time until water tests come back revealing it is safe.
“Safety is a priority at Willard Beach and all of our parks,” said Karl Coughlin, South Portland’s Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Director, in the Facebook post. “We are eager to welcome visitors back to Willard, and will reopen as soon as we responsibly can.”
So it looks like we humans and our pups if we want to bring them to this cute beach will have to wait a little while longer.
^ That white lamb thing you see playing in the water at Willard is my 3-year-old golden doodle, Maverick.
I don't think I HAVE to say this, but just in case, this is your reminder that your pup also cannot romp around in the after-beach hours while the pipes are being fixed.
Sidenote for my fellow dog parents when it comes to Willard Beach:
Are dogs allowed at Willard Beach in South Portland, Maine?
According to southportland.org, dogs are allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30 between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., but from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., dogs must be on a leash.
The city website also states that dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but they must be on a leash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall, Willard Beach must unfortunately remain closed until it is deemed safe again. The good news? City staff seems to be working around the clock to get our butts back in the sand sooner than later!
In the meantime, if you're like me and need to walk on the beach at least once a week for some serotonin, might I suggest another one of my favorites; Pine Point Beach on Saco Bay?
It's just big enough to feel like you're away from the world and just small enough to want to walk the whole thing comfortably.
It's also a quick 4-mile stretch to Old Orchard Beach, which is another Maine fav should you want more excitement on their boardwalk for the night.
Hang tight guys! Willard Beach will be back shortly, I know it.