A new attraction is coming to Sachuest Beach/Second Beach, in Middletown. The Town Council conditionally approved on January 6 a mobile sauna and cold plunge experience, set to operate now through April 20.
Ellery Sparkman, the project’s mastermind, plans to set up shop in the Surfer’s End parking lot, taking up one or two spaces. Council members see this as an innovative idea that could draw more visitors to the area. However, Sparkman still needs to get proper insurance and CPR certifications before the project can officially launch.
Dubbed the “Sachuest Sauna and Cold Plunge,” the experience will offer one-hour sessions combining sauna use with ocean swimming. It’s slated to run on weekends from 9 a.m. until sundown.
According to Sparkman’s application, the facility expects to serve about 25 people daily, with 4-6 participants per hourly session. This new attraction is likely to bring in 10-15 extra vehicles each day.
Will Cronin, Middletown’s Operations & Facility Manager, brought the facility use request to the council’s attention. He explained that customers would use the sauna in combination with taking cold dips in the Atlantic Ocean.
Before reaching the council, the application went through a thorough review process involving several town departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks & Beaches, Building Official, Harbor Master, and Town Administrator.
