WEST CHATHAM — Years ago, when the town needed to relocate the skateboard park from the Main Street School to a new spot on the airport grounds – and when it was moved again to Volunteer Park – some worried that the new, more remote locations would lead to more vandalism and other mischief. Though that hasn’t been a serious problem, security cameras will soon let town officials keep an eye on the park and the peo...

CHATHAM – An accessible path has been completed in Chase Park, providing access to the historic grist mill and community labyrinth at the back of the downtown green space. “It's looking pretty good,” said Frank Messina, a volunteer at the Godfrey Grist Mill, which dates from 1797 and is one of the oldest working mills on the Cape. The winding path provides access from the parking lot off Shattuck Place to t...

HARWICH — Residents are once again trickling into the community center as the doors closed by the COVID-19 pandemic in March are beginning to open for limited group activities. Community Center Director Carolyn Carey said small groups of no more than 10 people are being allowed to use the activity rooms, and groups of up to 25 are using the multi-purpose room. The center's hours are limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m....

Finding outdoor activities that allow you to get moving and stay socially distant can be a challenge, even on Cape Cod, but the Monomoy Yacht Club has the answer: kayaking. Contrary to many local yacht clubs, which focus primarily on sailing, and in a few cases, boating, the MYC boasts an enthusiastic and sizable kayaking contingency, and is thrilled that only weather has necessitated kayaking cancellations th...

People typically flock to the beaches on the Fourth of July, and this year was no different, save for the destination. While many people simply wanted a beach day, a surprising number wanted to get their hands dirty and possibly score some dinner in the process. How? Shellfishing. According to area shellfish constables, the recreational activity has seen a sharp uptick in popularity this season, which could be...

CHATHAM – In 2010, marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal tagged an 18-foot white shark off the coast of the Cape. She was given the name Curly and is, to date, the largest great white shark ever tagged along these shores. While the real Curly is likely still swimming somewhere in the Atlantic, shark enthusiasts can get a sense of her impressive size by visiting the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Shark Center in Ch...

HARWICH — The board of appeals has unanimously approved a variance for a trimmed-down proposal for a miniature golf course on the Emulous Hall Realty Trust property at the corner of Route 28 and Sisson Road. This is the second time proponents have sought to develop a miniature golf course on the property, which includes Bud’s Go Karts and an antiques store. In April, a previous proposal seeking a 36-hole cours...

HARWICH —The town's summer recreation programs are being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recreation Department Director Eric Beebe said the summer playground program and the swimming and tennis programs were being canceled, at least for the beginning of the season. He'll be keeping a close eye on what will be allowed in the third phases of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening of Massachusetts. “There ar...

During the COVID-19 emergency, public health officials are encouraging people to enjoy time outdoors, as long as they’re still observing social distancing precautions. But let’s face it...how many walks around the neighborhood can a person take? Enter Geocaching, the outdoor treasure hunt that allows users to explore conservation areas and other public lands, stretching their legs and exercising their brains. ...

CHATHAM – Even as the Castle in the Clouds playground at Harwich Elementary School was being demolished, work was ramping up on a new playground at Chatham Elementary School. The new community playground is the culmination of a years-long process to improve the play areas on the east side of the Depot Road school and included upgrading drainage and installing irrigation. Work began a few weeks ago on the main ...

HARWICH — The proposal by Monomoy Regional High School Junior Lily Daniels-Diehl to revegetate and restore the wildlife habitat in Brooks Park Hollow, damaged by a tornado in July, was greeted with unanimous support by the Recreation and Youth Commission. Daniels-Diehl has developed a comprehensive proposal through her Global Studies Program to revitalize the hollow, which lost dozens of trees when the July 23...

HARWICH — Several days after the Monomoy Regional School Committee voted to close the Castle in the Clouds because of safety concerns, the board of selectmen this week voted to have the playground torn down. The decision came after an onsite inspection of the aging facilities by town and school officials, teachers and members of the Parent Teachers Organization.  The demolition began Wednesday. Among the many ...

CHATHAM — Though they said they would investigate the possibility of planting shrubs to screen the view of the Chase Park labyrinth from a neighboring house, selectmen this week rejected the idea that activities at the park are disruptive to the neighborhood. Selectmen this week heard from Ernest “Tripp” Walen, who owns the house next to the labyrinth and who complained to the parks and recreation commission i...

*This article has been updated to include corrected information as not all of the results information provided was accurate* PLEASANT BAY – There are many sailing vessels in the world, but the catboat is about as Cape Cod as it gets, and on Aug. 17 catboat enthusiasts set sails aloft as they took to the waters of Pleasant Bay for the 2019 Arey's Pond Cat Gathering. The 27 th annual event was sailed by 72 c...

CHATHAM – Chase Park neighbors are concerned about what they see as its escalating use, including regular events held at the labyrinth at the rear of the property. In a sometimes contentious meeting July 16, park and recreation commission members countered that the park, located off Cross Street, is not heavily used and is open to all members of the public. “It is a park and it is for the entire community,”...

CHATHAM – The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy was created with public safety, research, and education in mind, and this summer the nonprofit is taking the public safety piece to heart with its new Shark Smart Beach Program at Lighthouse Beach. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9 and 10 a.m., folks from the AWSC will be offering informational talks on sharks and shark safety. “We want to increase t...