As Rehoboth Beach’s summer season draws to a close, it is once again time to speak up for a group of people who make our town truly special: our parking pass ambassadors Barb, Tom, Shelly and Sherry.

With rumors circulating that these invaluable positions are once again in jeopardy, we risk losing one of the most welcoming human elements left in a world increasingly dominated by cold parking meters and confusing telephone apps. Rehoboth’s parking structure is notoriously complicated, navigating a mix of traditional metered spaces, timed zones and street parking that requires the physical passes these folks sell. 

For visitors arriving in town, the confusion can be overwhelming. Barb, Tom, Shelly and Sherry do far more than just sell passes; they act as our city's frontline ambassadors. Stationed at key points like Rehoboth Avenue and Bayard Avenue, they answer endless questions not only about parking regulations, but also about town navigation, local dining and Rehoboth in general. They offer a friendly greeting, a warm smile and a sense of local hospitality that a digital app or an automated kiosk can never replicate.

Beyond their human fans, they also boast a massive four-legged fan base. Local dogs and visiting pups know their routes well, pulling their owners straight to these ambassadors daily for a friendly pat and a much-anticipated treat. 

Automation cannot offer directions, share local insights or hand out biscuits to a furry friend. Barb, Tom, Shelly and Sherry provide an essential community connection that is irreplaceable.

Let’s keep human warmth – and canine joy – in our streets and ensure these dedicated ambassadors have jobs in Rehoboth Beach for seasons to come.