![A “Walking Mall” at Hampton Beach? Plans Are In The Works](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2020/05/RS35543_Hampton-Beach-Village-District.jpg?w=980&q=75)
A “Walking Mall” at Hampton Beach? Plans Are In The Works
We're all anxiously awaiting the beaches opening back up in New Hampshire. According to nhstateparks.org, all seacoast sand beaches, bathrooms and parking areas will remain closed, including Hampton Beach.
According to Hampton Beach's Facebook page that order will stay in place until May 31st.
But, there's a twist. Seacoastonline.com reports that there could be some changes including a "walking mall". Governor Sununu said that non-essential retail businesses could begin to reopen on May 11th and restaurants could offer take out dining beginning May 18th.
According to Seacoastonline.com, between 40,000 to 80,000 people could be at Hampton Beach on a summer day. Since social distancing guidelines still have to be followed, this means that part of Ocean Blvd. will have to be shut down.
This will create a "walking mall", the article says, and will solve a few problems such as having crowded sidewalks, and also will allow restaurants to have more room to spread out for outdoor dining.
Seacoastonline.com says that the plan is to cut parking spaces by 50%. They also plan to add barricades to create a one way street so cars will be able to exit the state parking lot on Ocean Boulevard to H Street.
Despite the guidelines in place right now, Hampton Beach Police Chief Richard Sawyer told Seacoastonline.com that people are still flocking to the beach. Sawyer says that the amount of traffic on Ocean Boulevard this past Sunday "rivaled" 4th of July traffic.
“They are not able to stop anywhere, but it’s creating a lot of traffic on our roadways.”
Hopefully limiting parking, making streets one way and allowing more room for outdoor dining will get us back to the beach even quicker!
10 Maine and New Hampshire Spots You Have to Visit
More From 97.5 WOKQ
![Is Dumpster Diving Legal in New Hampshire?](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T144520.440.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Common Beach Activity is Actually Illegal in New Hampshire](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/03/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-03-01T055438.643.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![These Are the Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting New Hampshire](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T140838.905.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Coolest New Hampshire Seacoast Celebrations Include Kona Concoctions](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-22T202210.972.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Sight on Hampton Beach in New Hampshire Was Unearthly](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-21T181443.212.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 of the Best Free Things to Do in New Hampshire, According to Tripadvisor](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/02/attachment-amping-12.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Here’s How to Win Tickets to See Niko Moon at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-2156569748-e1721307325780.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Hampshire Car and Motorcycle Show Benefits Local Veterans](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-18T100259.021.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Let’s Settle This: What is the Actual Name of This New Hampshire Lake?](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-17T125959.251.jpg?w=980&q=75)