Popular Dedham Beach Will Not Open For 2024 After All

It was a little over a year ago, when the popular Jenkins Beach, which sits along Green Lake in Dedham, was sold and subsequently closed for the year. The closure was necessary so the new owners could do some major renovations to the property.

Read More: Jenkins' Beach Sold, Will Be Closed to General Public in 2023

While the beach remained in the Jenkins family, changing hands to Julie Jenkins, some significant changes were put into place under the new ownership. According to Jenkins herself, while there was hope that a majority of the work would be completed in time to reopen this summer, it was never a guarantee.

"We are working with local agencies to open the beach for day-camp use for groups of folks who might not otherwise have access to such a unique and enriching experience. We are also looking at specific weekends where the beach will be open to the public."

Rental cabins were constructed and/or renovated. And work began to install a public restroom.

Read More: First Phase Of Jenkins Beach Renovations Almost Complete

Unfortunately, despite all the work and effort the new owners of Jenkins Beach have put into the place over the last year or so, they announced this week that they would not be able to open this summer after all, claiming that the timing just didn't work out the way they had hoped it would.

"As you know, we are still trying to finish the public restrooms. Even if we could get those completed within the next couple weeks (and we’re not sure we can get the supplies we need by then), we would then need to purchase a year’s worth of insurance for what, ostensibly, will be just a couple more weeks of swimming."

They also said that they would be down a set up hands once school resumed at the end of August, as part of the family would have to return to New Hampshire for the school year.

"We are sad about this decision and we know that many of you in the Jenkins Beach community will be disappointed and frustrated."

Jenkins recently posted that a few folks in the community were also frustrated by the delay, to the point of destroying a sign on the beach. They have since installed security cameras to keep an eye out for vandals.

Jenkins says the plan is to have everything in place by next summer, including the new restrooms, so they can announce an actual opening date in the Spring.

While some folks were openly disappointed about the news, many others flooded the Jenkins Beach Facebook Page with positive posts.

"It’s ok, it’ll be worth the wait! I’m just glad y’all are making so many improvements so that we can enjoy the beach for many years to come. This is just temporary," said one person.

Another wrote, "You guys are doing an amazing job. Next year will be wonderful and you are making great & sound business decisions. Renters this year have a huge perk of that beach being mostly empty!"

And a third commented:

"Thanks for all you are doing to make improvements, being upfront and honest and understanding how people may struggle with these changes to their summer traditions as a result. Your hard work is appreciated."