Surf Club Renovation Takes Place By: Emily Butler, Kenny Carter, and Maggie French

Garvan Point which overlooks Long Island Sound at Madison’s Surf Club is currently under renovation.. The Madison Beach and Recreation Department has spent countless hours and days improving both the Surf Club facility and Garvan Point Beach.

The purpose of the rebuilding of Garvan Point is to ensure the structural integrity of the point for years to come. Garvan Point not only provides a beautiful visual opportunity for guests, it also provides a high level of protection against coastal flooding and shoreline degradation while safeguarding the Surf Club property and infrastructure. The timeline for the project started two years ago with permitting, test boring sites, and engineering. Federal, state, and local permits were granted along the way to ensure wildlife and the shoreline were not negatively impacted by the construction.

“The construction began right after Thanksgiving and will wrap up in March followed by the replanting of grass, replacement of benches and erection of the flagpole,” Austin Hall, Madison Beach and Recreation Director, said. “The entire project will be complete by Memorial Day as we welcome guests to the park for the spring and summer season.”

Town Engineer Rob Russo said the reconstruction is funded by $770,000 through the Urban Act grant program.

Hall said before a shovel went in the ground, the town hosted many public discussions and information sessions to gather public input, to explain the project, and ensure it is what the community wants.

“Once construction is complete, we will invite the public to a ribbon cutting to wrap up the project and to kick off the beach season,” Hall said.