Jenell Taylor
Staff Writer
Thursday afternoon, the Chautauqua Property Owners Association Waterfront Committee hosted “The Big Splash,” a reopening celebration of Heinz Beach complete with freshly-squeezed lemonade, popsicles, cookies and happy families.
The beach, closed since 2019 due to a lifeguard shortage and budgetary restrictions, has reopened for public use, bearing fresh renovations and amenities as well as a newly planted maple tree. A proposal to revamp the space into additional boating docks sparked community concern for the once-lively spot of leisure. Kyle Keogh, Interim Chief Executive, offered to rethink the decision if residents demonstrated significant interest in the preservation of the beach as a place for recreation.
“It’s been a really good group effort between Chautauqua [Institution] and the community to make this happen,” said Alyssa Porter, director of Community Education and Youth Programming.
In a survey that went out in April garnering 258 respondents, 70% of respondents said they would attend the beach at least once per week if it were to be reopened. Respondents stated swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, reading and socializing as some of the top reasons to keep Heinz Beach.
Restrooms, drinking water and chairs were named as some of the most desired amenities, which have all been provided. These additions, including the hourly wages of the beach’s lifeguards, were made possible through the generous and continual donations of Chautauquans.
“The Big Splash” saw the largest turnout Heinz Beach has had in six years. Droves of families came out to relax under the trees, enjoy the beach and celebrate the fruits of a community’s joined efforts.
“I’m really excited to be open,” said Anna Ertenberg Coats, waterfront counselor. “It’s so nice to have the busyness back, and this is such a great place for it. It’s nice to have people here again.”
Keogh also spoke at the reopening, thanking community members and CPOA Waterfront Committee for their dedication.
“It’s really important for all of us to recognize that we are a place, a program and a community,” he said.
Heinz Beach is open 12–6 p.m. daily and will remain open throughout the final day of the summer season, Aug. 30. Snacks and water are also available across the beach in the Youth Activities Center from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Luca Neubauer and his mom Christine Meredith play in Heinz Beach during The event The Big Splash a reopening ceremony Thursday, July 2 2026. GABRIEL MILBY/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
