Erie County Executive, Parks Commissioner Visit Bennett to Review Safety Rules, Regulations for Popular Summer Site
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel at Bennett Beach in Angola, which is open for the season. Bennett Beach offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is the only county-owned beach with swimming permitted when lifeguards are present AND water testing indicates that the water is safe. The water is tested daily.
“Bennett Beach is a gem in Erie County and a place where great summer memories are made. Enjoy a full day of picnicking, swimming and fishing capped off by a fantastic sunset,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “With the holiday weekend ahead it’s a good time to for beach goers to refamiliarize themselves with the rules and regulations for beach and park usage so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day here.”
Bennett Beach Park hours are 10 AM – dusk (9 PM in summer). Swimming (when permitted) is from noon – 7 PM. Parking Lot gate is locked at 7:30 PM.
The following are prohibited at Bennett Beach Park:
- Alcohol and glass containers
- Fires or cooking on the beach
- Flotation devices of any kind
- Pets on the beach
- Loud music
The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry maintains a strong relationship with the Town of Evans Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, both of whom assist Erie County Park Rangers with keeping the beach safe, closing down the beach and Park at night, and quickly responding to any issues that may arise during the day.
“Our partnerships with law enforcement agencies are essential to operations at Bennett Beach Park and their presence reaffirms that safety for all is our first priority,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel. “I thank them for working with us and look forward to seeing lots of visitors this summer at Bennett. Also, please discard all trash in the receptacles provided.”
Bennett Beach Park is also home to rare and fragile sand dunes, which are hills, mounds or ridges of wind-deposited sand home to a variety of plant communities. The Great Lakes sand dunes are the world’s largest collection of freshwater dunes, are home to endemic, rare, endangered, and threatened species and house significant shorebird habitats. Invasive species, recreational use, habitat destruction, foot and vehicle traffic are all threats to sand dunes, destroying vegetation and causing erosion. It is important to stay off the dunes to preserve and protect these important natural resources.
Bennett Beach Park does not have any shelters, but grills and picnic tables are available. An Electric Car Charging Station is also located at Bennett. Fishing is available to those with an appropriate license. Swimming status is updated daily and can be found on the parks department homepage at www.erie.gov .
For more information:
On Bennett Beach Park facilities, amenities and regulations visit
https://www3.erie.gov/parks/bennett-beach
# # #
