New Pram Racks In Place

Public Works crews scooped and swept sand from beside the boat launch at Fisherman's Beach Friday.

Bob Pappas Welding delivered two newly built racks, with bays for 48  small craft.

Now, those selected in the town pram lottery have a place to stow their prams.

In addition, at the beach site, there are 39 eye hooks, each of which can accommodate two kayaks, said DPW Director Gino Cresta.

Next year, the director may add a kayak rack, he said.

All but about 30 people won a spot for their boat or kayak in the lottery.

A majority of those unlucky 25 were from out of town though about a dozen boat owners were Swampscott residents, the director said.

The lottery grew out of the Board of Selectmen's desire last year to create space for people to use Fisherman's Beach.

The beach was cluttered with prams and kayaks, limiting the space for people to walk or sit on a blanket.

Pram owners use the craft to row to a mooring where they keep a motorized or sail boat.