Chatham, MA to Accept Credit Cards at Beaches, Nonresident Fees Increase

Chatham, Massachusetts, will begin accepting credit cards at its beaches this summer, responding to demand from beachgoers for more convenient payment options. Alongside this change, nonresident beach fees will increase starting June 1, in part to cover the costs of accepting electronic payments and to fund a 10% increase in lifeguard salaries.

Fee Increases

The fee increases, approved by the Park and Recreation Commission and the Select Board, are as follows:

• Daily nonresident fee: from $20 to $30
• Weekly nonresident rate: from $75 to $90
• Seasonal nonresident rate: from $176 to $190

Approximately 8,000 daily nonresident passes, over 500 weekly passes, and more than 50 seasonal passes are sold each summer. The town projects the fee increases will generate approximately $95,000 in new revenue Cape Cod Chronicle.

Electronic Payment Options

Beachgoers will be able to pay with cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay at Harding’s Beach, Ridgevale Beach, and Cockle Cove Beach, where nonresident parking passes are required Cape Cod Chronicle. The costs associated with accepting credit cards – including hardware, software, internet connectivity, licenses, and credit card fees – will be absorbed by the town Cape Cod Chronicle.

Lifeguard Salaries

The increase in beach fees will help offset the cost of a 10% increase in lifeguard salaries, which are being raised to remain competitive with other Cape towns in attracting qualified lifeguards Cape Cod Chronicle.

Town Officials

Aimee Howell, Deputy Director of Recreation & Beaches, stated that accepting electronic payments was the “number one request” received from beachgoers Cape Cod Chronicle. Jeffrey Dykens, Select Board Vice Chair, noted that the new rates are comparable to those in nearby towns, being equal to or lower than those charged in Harwich and Orleans Cape Cod Chronicle.

Resident beach sticker fees will remain unchanged.