For Immediate Release Contact: Wendy Fox

July 13, 2007 617-626-1453

STATE CELEBRATES NEWLY RENOVATED COMFORT STATION AT

DEMAREST LLOYD STATE PARK WITH RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

DARTMOUTH—Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan, Jr. joined Senator Mark C. Montigny and Representative John F. Quinn for a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated comfort station at Demarest Lloyd State Park.

“Demarest Lloyd is a well-used beach, particularly popular with families for its calm, safe waters,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “It is my pleasure to open this modern, clean and environmentally friendly facility that these loyal visitors so richly deserve.”

The comfort station, which was built in 1960, had been closed for several years. The existing structure has been gutted and rebuilt. New doors and windows were installed, along with a new roof. The former shower rooms were separated from the restrooms, and the entire structure now conforms to federal accessibility guidelines. External rinsing showers were added for the convenience of swimmers.

“We are blessed in Greater New Bedford with some of the nation’s most pristine beaches and bays,” said Senator Montigny. “I am proud to play a role in protecting these priceless assets and to ensure a safe, pleasurable experience for our taxpayers.”

“People from across the country vacation on the SouthCoast because of the availability of facilities such as Demarest Lloyd State Park,” said Representative Quinn. “This renovation project will add to the attractiveness of this beach for years to come.”

To make the comfort station more environmentally friendly, new energy-efficient light fixtures and water-saving toilets were installed. Other new features include low-impact stormwater quality improvement techniques. Landscaped islands were installed in the parking lot that employ vegetation and soils to help filter, and reduce the volume of, stormwater runoff, thereby improving water quality at the beach. The islands will also help mitigate flooding in the parking lot during heavy rains. The entire project, including the landscaping work and comfort station construction, cost approximately $250,000.

Demarest Lloyd State Park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Its popular public beach accommodates as many as 1,000 visitors on peak days. For more information on Demarest Lloyd State Park, including directions, visit www.mass.gov/dcr.

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