Town Residents to Weigh In on Proposed State Park Fines

Town residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on a state plan to charge fines ranging from $25 to $250 for vandalism at state parks on Thursday evening at the Hampton Beach Seashell Complex.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. and four other public hearings are scheduled for locations throughout the state. More information about those hearings and the proposed changes can be found here.

Amy Bassett, a spokesperson for the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, said in September the proposed three-tiered fine system would be the first of its kind for state parks like Hampton Beach.

The fine structure is part of a series of administrative rule and permit changes sought by the state, which will hold several public hearings in October to gather input from residents about how the state should operate the state parks.

In recent years, Hampton Beach has dealt with a variety of issues that would fall under the new fine categories, including some of the spraypainting and vandalism that hit the Lady By The Sea memorial and other monuments.

State Sen. Nancy Stiles had proposed a bill to impose a $1,000 fine for crimes of this nature, although the measure was killed. Hampton selectmen have also discussed other ways to deter vandalism and other unwanted types of unwanted activity at the beach, including a suggestion to install security cameras.