Look for increased police presence this summer at Freeman Park

Freeman Park is, by most accounts, a true asset to citizens and visitors to  Carolina Beach. With its wide expanse of beach and vehicle access, it's a very popular spot. But some changes are in the works, according to WECT.

Visitors should expect a more pronounced police presence at the park this summer. In fact, the presence will double, according to a memo by Town Manager Michael Cramer.

Also:

A Hatteras ramp designed to decrease any traffic backups at the entrance to the park is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. Additional trash and recycling receptacles are also planned for the park this summer.

No more 2- or 3-day passes for Freeman Park

WECT recently reported that there will no longer be available two- or three-day passes for accessing Freeman Park via vehicle. 

For the entire month of December, a season pass will be sold for $60 but must be purchased in person at Town Hall, Parks and Recreation Center, Island Tackle and Hardware, Canal Drive Scotchman and Brew Thru. 

The regular price of an annual pas swill remain at $100. 

Council members also voted unanimously to allow a daily pass for $20 and weekly pass for $50.

Freeman Park pass costs going up

We don't drive out onto Freeman Park much. (Well, ever.) But for those of you that like to purchase a yearly pass, be ready to pay more beginning December 1 to be able to access that nice area of wide-open beach via vehicle.

"The town is increasing the price of the yearly pass to Freeman Park from $60 to $100 starting December 1. The town will use the extra $40 to set aside for future water resource projects," according to WWAY.

Freeman Park passes have doubled

People are lining up to get their passes to Freeman Park in Carolina Beach. Last year the town agreed to increase fees after March, so beachgoers are rushing to pay the lower price, according to WECT.

Town officials Freeman Park pass sales have more than doubled compared to last year. This time last year, Carolina Beach sold 1,655 passes. This year they've already sold 3,491.

"We've had a big rush for people who want to get in and save that $40," said Dennis Barbour, owner of True Value in Carolina Beach.

Passes can be purchased for $60 until the end of March. After April 1 the price rises to $100.

Vendors at Freeman Park?

Freeman Park has long been revered for its unspoiled simplicity. But that could change.

"Town leaders in Carolina Beach are looking for ways to enhance the beach experience," says WECT.

Town council members are expected to talk about allowing push cart vendors at Freeman Park this season. A discussion about the topic is set for a special meeting Tuesday.

Last year the town allowed the delivery of beer from the Brew Thru.

What are your thoughts? Will this "enhance" the beach experience? Or just clutter it?
(Image from foreveryoungphotos)

You'll easily be able to hear the music from our place

Town officials are considering allowing a weekend-long music festival at Freeman Park this summer, according to the Star-News. There are some hurdles; there are worries about vendor facilities, bad behavior and drug use.

At its Tuesday meeting, the town council gave preliminary approval to Michael Oliver's Revolution Evolution of Love Music Festival.

Oliver, who said he has nearly five years of experience planning similar festivals in Ohio, proposed a weekend-long festival at the north end of the park to raise money for the Carolina Beach lifeguard program. The festival will be free, he said, but accept donations. It will also feature paid vendors to help offset the costs of insurance, generators and other expenses.

It will feature local bands such as reggae, folk, bluegrass, classic rock and jam bands, Oliver said.

Bluegrass, reggae, folk and jam bands? Yeah, I can kinda see the drug concerns.

Town Manager Tim Owens questioned whether food vendors could get the necessary health approvals, given that they would need places for employees to wash their hands and other requirements. He also had concerns about the need for extra police and portable toilets. He suggested that if the council approves the festival, that it be held in May instead of April to avoid a possible conflict with beach nourishment (emphasis mine).

(Aside: This is very good news regarding beach nourishment. Yeah!)

The board voted unanimously to approve the festival with some changes to be worked out between Oliver, Owens and Younginer to address the board's concerns.

If this is your "thang," you will easily be able to enjoy the music from the porch of Our Beach Place. Now it's up to you to book the available weekend -- whenever that is!