POLAND — The town has hired an attendant for the summer to maintain the town beaches at Tripp Lake and Lower Range Pond. The part-time attendant will be at the beaches six days a week, starting Wednesday, June 15, and working through Sept. 15.

According to Poland Recreation Director Scott Segal, in the past the town has followed an ordinance that allowed only Poland residents, taxpayers and their guests to use the beaches. Last summer, a survey of beach attendance at Tripp Lake showed that about 75 percent of all beach users were nonresidents.

Instead of turning these nonresidents away this year, the town has adopted a use fee system for visitors.

One of the tasks of the attendant will be to issue permits for nonresident visitors. The cost will be $5 per day for a car load, or a season permit can be purchased for $50.

As in the past, residents, taxpayers and their guests will still be able to use the beaches at no charge, but will have to show a current transfer station permit or, they can get a free seasonal beach use pass with proper identification of residency. These free passes are available at the town office, from the beach attendant or through the recreation department.

Beaches will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets (except authorized personal aid animals), glass bottles, alcohol, camping, open fires are allowed. Visitors may not use soap in the water, and the attendant will enforce a carry-in/carry-out trash policy.

According to Segal, the goal in charging visitors for use of the beach is to cover the costs of the attendant, who will be responsible for making sure beach users have a safe place to swim.

For more information, contact Segal at 998-4650.