Pilings signify paving on the way for Truman’s Beach

New posts installed at the edge of the parking lot at East Marion’s Truman Beach’s is a sign of more work to come, according to one of the Orient-East Marion Park District commissioners.

Earlier this week, work began on a project to renovate the aging parking lot at Truman Beach located on Route 25 where the two hamlets meet.  The $15,000 project, nearly four years in the making for the special taxing district, includes the installation of the posts and resurfacing of the parking lot, according to commissioner Jay McKasty.

The addition of the pilings at the west edge of the lot was needed to better regulate traffic flow, she said.

“The entire entry way to the beach is quite big,” Ms. McKasty said. “We have reconfigured the parking lot entrance because we don’t want anyone driving in there and having an accident.”

The posts were donated to the Orient-East Marion Park District by Jim Latham and will be shortened and painted prior to the project’s completion, she said, adding that there is no plan to install a gate at the beach.

The resurfacing is expected to begin later this month.

Truman Beach and 50 acres of surrounding wetlands are maintained by the Orient-East Marion Park District. Beach access is restricted to Orient and East Marion residents, as well as guests of bed and breakfasts in those hamlets.

A meeting of the district’s board of commissioners will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Oysterponds School.