Rye residents hold a uniquely privileged position in their direct access to the mile long coastline consisting of Sawyers, Jenness, and Cable beach. For a vast majority of the population in New Hampshire and beyond, however, beach access is limited and has seen reductions in the past, including the elimination of nearly 60 parking spaces along 1A in 2020.

Now, a new proposal seeks to implement paid meters on 1A, eliminating nearly all free parking options for visitors of Rye beaches. In doing so, the town further restricts non-resident access to public land, privatizing beaches and removing the very foundation upon which the notion of a “public space” is built.

The effects of this measure will be felt by everyone, but the largest impact will be seen in our underprivileged, underserved, and youth communities. This is more than just a fight for fair and equal access to one of the seacoast's most important natural features; this is a fight for social justice, with implications extending far beyond New Hampshire and the surrounding states. Simply put, requiring payments of beachgoers turns people away from the outdoors.

Moreover, should this proposal become reality, a precedent will be set for the removal of free public land wherever baseless claims of finance and safety can be raised. Think not only of the consequences experienced in the present, but the continued impacts that will be felt in the future. What if every trail, park, and beach in New England required a nonnegotiable payment?

The seeds of this reality are being sowed at this very moment, and soon paid entry will become ubiquitous--and with it the death of accessible natural spaces as we know them. The choice is ours: stand against this measure now, or watch as the very concept of public land erodes one parking meter at a time.

So how can you get involved? The first thing you can do is email/call the Rye Select Board to voice your opposition to these measures: selectmen@town.rye.nh.us or 603-964-5523 /ext 110. Second, be on the lookout for updates in your inbox about when and where future town meetings will be held, and consider attending to make your objections clear.  Most importantly, share this petition with as many friends/family as possible to spread awareness!