Beach and Boardwalk now open in Rehoboth
After being closed completely since March 21, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and beach are now open to walking and exercise. The barriers were removed just before sunrise Friday, May 15.
The beach and Boardwalk are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; visitors are asked to practice social distancing, wear face masks and keep gatherings to 10 people or less. According to a press release May 12 from the city announcing the partial opening, exercise is defined as an activity requiring physical effort carried out to sustain health and fitness.
The public restrooms at the Boardwalk end of Rehoboth, Baltimore and Wilmington avenues are open. There are no benches, and swimming and surfing in the ocean is not allowed.
Bicycles have to be off the Boardwalk by 10 a.m. City code prohibits dogs from the beach and boardwalk May 1 through September 30, but commissioners have allowed leashed dog walking on the beach through Thursday, May 21. Dogs are not allowed on the Boardwalk.
The boardwalk is also open for the public to access local businesses. Parking meters and permit enforcement has been postponed until at least Friday, May 29. Due to the Reopen Delaware rally scheduled for noon, Saturday, May 16, parking around the Bandstand is prohibited from 10 a.m., Friday, May 15, to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 16.
For now, Rehoboth commissioners have scheduled two meetings to continue discussing other aspects of reopening the city. The meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, May 15, and 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 19.
For the latest updates on the city’s comprehensive action plan, visit www.cityofrehoboth.com. For more information, please contact the communications department at 302-227-6181 ext. 522 or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.
Editor’s Note: This story now reflects a change in dog walking on the beach that commissioners made May 15 in response to Gov. John Carney’s announcement that beaches will reopen at 5 p.m., Friday, May 22.
