JULY 2008 NICKERSON STATE PARK CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
In November 2007, MA DCR announced a change in the 2008 spring/summer campground schedule at Nickerson State Park in order to replace Nickerson’s water and electric system. To accommodate this work, Nickerson's campground opening schedule was adjusted to open areas in phases when work is completed.
- Throughout spring 2008, this major upgrade project passed several milestones, and as of mid-July was completed.
- All water distribution lines are completed and tested. The new water system is fully functional throughout the park.
- All electrical system work has been finished. The new electric system is fully functional throughout the park.
- Restoration landscaping along roadways has been finished.
- Restoration paving of roadways has been finished.
- Finishing work on Nickerson buildings has been completed.
We’re pleased to report that on July 25, 2008 the remaining closed areas will reopen and Nickerson’s campground will be fully operational. Customers will experience the consistent bathroom services provided by the new water and electric systems. Customers will see significant upgrades to the bathrooms and shower rooms. Comfort stations will have new roofs, exterior siding, as well as new tiling on interior walls. We are confident that the campground infrastructure improvements have been worth the wait, and will improve services for our customers.
Background information regarding Nickerson’s construction project is detailed below.
Information About the Project at Nickerson
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is pleased to announce we are moving forward with major capital improvements to the utilities at Nickerson State Park in Brewster. These long-awaited capital repairs will significantly improve the experience for our visitors at the park by upgrading the antiquated water and electrical systems. The electrical lines will be placed underground, safeguarding them from future knockdowns due to high winds and storm events. Visitors who have experienced frequent power outages and loss of water pressure during previous stays at Nickerson will, after the repairs, enjoy a more pleasant experience. Repairs will begin in mid-December, 2007 and are projected to be completed by the end of July 2008.
In order to make these major improvements, the 2008 camping schedule will be altered as listed below.
Reservations for these dates may be made beginning on December 13, 2007 for Areas 1 – 5 and January 25, 2008 for Areas 6, 6x and 7. This means that Nickerson State Park is not scheduled to be open on Memorial Day weekend 2008. This action is unavoidable in order to complete these long-awaited repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience that this change in the camping schedule may cause you this year.
While Nickerson’s traditional camping season will be reduced, DCR has worked with the contractor to phase the construction in order to open portions of the campground as soon as they are completed. To keep you informed of progress, DCR will post monthly updates regarding the Nickerson construction on this website. On March 1, DCR and the contractor will review progress to date and, if construction is ahead of schedule and it is possible to open any of the camping areas earlier, we will post an amended schedule on this website and indicate when reservations can be made for the new dates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve Nickerson State Park for generations of visitors to come.
Frequently asked questions from customers include:
1) What does the construction involve?
Campground improvements, estimated to cost $2.3 million include replacement of the water system infrastructure and transfer from use of on-site wells to connecting with the Town of Brewster water system. The electrical system will involve moving from an above-ground system to one that is modernized and moved below-ground to help prevent system interruptions due to adverse weather conditions and falling trees. Overall, the improvements will offer a more reliable and consistent shower and comfort station experience for the camping customer at Nickerson.
2) Why are all areas of Nickerson not opening on May 22, 2008 as planned?
DCR anticipated that construction would begin on these capital improvements in fall 2007. In late November, DCR received approval to move forward on the project moving the construction schedule into the spring. Rather than keep the entire facility closed until completion, DCR is working with the contractor to phase the construction in order to open portions earlier and maximize the 2008 camping season.
Due to the anticipated 8 month construction schedule, we cannot guarantee that Areas 1-5 will be completed by Memorial Day, therefore we are not opening Nickerson for camping until June 13, 2008 in Areas 1-5 and July 25 in Areas 6, 6x and 7. DCR will post monthly construction updates on the DCR website. On March 1, DCR and the contractor will review progress to date and, if construction is ahead of schedule and it is possible to open any of the camping areas earlier, we will post an amended schedule on this website and indicate when reservations can be made for the new dates.
3) I’m interested in calling on 12/13/07 for a site at Nickerson for the opening date of June 13, 2008. Do you anticipate problems for me in securing the site and date that I want? What are my options?
Nickerson is a very popular campground. We anticipate competition for 2008 date sites at Nickerson State Park. Since Areas 6, 6x and 7 will not be available until July 25, 2008; competition for the remaining sites in Areas 1 - 5 will be greater than prior years. Please be prepared by having multiple date and site options when attempting to make your Nickerson reservation on Thursday December 13, 2007 at 9:00 am EST.
In the event that a date or site is not available at Nickerson, please be aware of our other camping opportunities on Cape Cod. Both nearby Scusset Beach State Reservation and Shawme-Crowell State Forest as well as Myles Standish State Forest in Carver are open April through October in 2008, and reservations are available. Discuss these options with a reservation agent at ReserveAmerica.
Thank you again for your interest in Nickerson State Park. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this major capital improvement at one of DCR’s most popular facilities. We look forward to serving you in 2008.
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation