Silver Lake Beach Finishes Season With Budget Surplus

BELLINGHAM --

TOWN -- The Parks Commission reviewed Silver Lake beach finances at its Oct. 19 meeting, according to the transcript. Non-resident day passes rose from $7 to $15 this year, and non-resident season passes rose from $60 to $75. Resident rates stayed the same, at $7 for a day pass and $10 for a season pass.

A Parks Department representative, identified as Jesse in the transcript, said the beach collected about $20,500 in pass revenue plus a $10,000 fee from the YMCA, for combined revenue of about $30,500. Expenses were reported at roughly $18,400 so far, with a projection of about $21,500 once two more bills and an AED service charge are included, leaving an estimated surplus of about $9,000 for the season.

The YMCA's contract to staff the beach, including lifeguards, runs through September 2027 under a three-year agreement signed in 2025, under which the YMCA pays the $10,000 fee. The beach's AED is stored in a unit at the Silver Lake site during the season and moved to Blackstone Street storage for winter.

Commission members also discussed an automated, kiosk-style payment system for beach admission, similar to one already in use at the town's Recycling Center, as a possible future upgrade. Separately, Parks staff said a new sign is being installed at Macy Playground, crews were sent to clear brush piles at Macy as part of fall cleanup, and a returning seasonal employee, George, has rejoined the Parks crew to help close out the season.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.