Representative Joan Meschino poses with members of the Metropolitan Beach Commission on South Boston's Carson Beach.

(BOSTON) – On Friday, May 12th, members of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC), including State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull), announced the release of the Commission’s new public report “Breaking Barriers” at a press conference on South Boston’s Carson Beach. The report is intended to provide tangible steps for promoting inclusive beach experiences for all Commonwealth residents.

The “Breaking Barriers” report builds on a series of three recent public hearings held by the Commission in order to assess the state of access, equity, and inclusion on the region’s public beaches. Topics of the hearings included racial justice, access for people with disabilities, and access for people who do not primarily communicate in English, all of which can be viewed on the MBC website.

“Equity, inclusion, and accessibility on our Commonwealth beaches must continue to be a priority so that all of our communities can enjoy these public resources,” said State Representative and MBC Vice-Chair Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “I am pleased with the efforts outlined in the Breaking Barriers report, and I look forward to beginning the implementation of its next steps and recommendations. Thank you to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay staff and Director Chris Mancini, my fellow Commissioners, and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo for their continued commitment to expanding access to our treasured beachfront sites.”

Rep. Joan Meschino discusses beach inclusion with DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo.

“All of us at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay are looking forward to working with Governor Healey, DCR Commissioner Arrigo, and the legislative and community members of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission to make our beaches more welcoming and fun for everyone,” stated Chris Mancini, Executive Director of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

The Metropolitan Beaches Commission was created in 2006 by the Massachusetts Legislature to provide oversight to the Boston area’s 15 public beaches, including those in the town of Hull which are managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The commission is comprised of elected officials and community leaders from Boston and the metropolitan region’s waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities. Its work is facilitated by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, who has served as lead consultant to the Commission since its inception.