Reduced parking fees remain
in effect at state beaches
Beach season kicks off this month in Rhode Island, with reduced parking fees in effect at state facilities. Again this year, daily beach parking for residents will be $6.00 on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends and holidays. A season pass is $30.00 for residents.
Beginning
on Saturday, May 13, Scarborough North and Roger Wheeler State Beaches in
Narragansett and Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly will be open on weekends,
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All state beaches will be open daily, beginning Saturday,
May 27.
"Rhode Island is known for its spectacular stretches of beachfront and beautiful waters," said DEM Director Janet Coit.
"These natural resources are the lifeblood of our state, and they are beloved by residents and visitors alike. The opening of the beach season is always a special time in Rhode Island. Even on a cooler day, I can think of little more relaxing and magical than watching the waves roll in or taking a walk along the water's edge. Incredible!"
Rhode
Island's network of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and recreational
facilities continues to promote quality of life and attract people and businesses
to locate in the state.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs each year. A recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island found that State-managed parks and bikeways alone contribute $311 million to the economy and support 3,700 jobs and nine million visits annually.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs each year. A recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island found that State-managed parks and bikeways alone contribute $311 million to the economy and support 3,700 jobs and nine million visits annually.
Last
year, Governor Raimondo convened the Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council –
with membership from state and local government, industry and community – to
develop an actionable vision for promoting and growing outdoor recreation in
Rhode Island.
The
Council released its Final Report last December, highlighting the importance of
the network to Rhode Island's economic and cultural vitality and the need for
additional investment. In anticipation of this year's summer season,
improvements are underway across several State recreational facilities,
including:
-
Lincoln Woods State Park – The new "green" beach pavilion, offering
fully accessible restrooms and showers and an expanded nature center and
concessions, will be open for Memorial Day weekend. In addition to modernizing
visitor amenities at the beach, the pavilion will greatly improve energy
efficiency and enhance water quality in the lake. Three new buildings,
connected by a central plaza, were constructed. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is
scheduled for Friday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m.
-
Scarborough North and South State Beach – New restroom and shower facilities at
Scarborough North will be open, beginning Memorial Day weekend. And new
plantings have been installed in flower beds at Scarborough North and
Scarborough South.
-
George Washington Memorial Campground – New restroom and shower facilities will
be open as of Memorial Day weekend.
-
Fisherman's Memorial Campground – Tennis and basketball courts are being
resurfaced. And new tennis nets, hoops and backboards will be installed. The
new facilities will be available, beginning May 14.
All
weekend openings are weather permitting. Other non-surf state beaches –
including Burlingame State Park and Campground in Charlestown, Pulaski Memorial
Recreation Area in Glocester, Fort Adams State Park in Newport, and Goddard
Memorial State Park in Warwick – will be open daily, beginning Saturday, May
27.
Daily
beach parking for residents is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays.
Non-resident parking is $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. A
season pass is $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents. Passes can be
purchased on weekends at Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler and Misquamicut State
Beaches.
From
May 27 through September 4, passes are available for purchase at all state
beaches. A 50-percent discount on daily parking fees and season passes applies
for senior citizens 65 years and older.
Fees
are based solely on the vehicle registration (i.e. license plate) of each
vehicle entering beach facilities. All Rhode Island-registered vehicles will be
subject to resident parking rates; non-Rhode Island plates will be subject to
non-resident rates. By law, a "vehicle" is defined as any
street-legal equipment, motorized or non-motorized, properly registered for
over-the-road travel.
DEM
continues to accept applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach
facilities. Entry level and senior lifeguard positions are available at
numerous locations throughout the state. All lifeguard positions require
certification and special training in first aid, CPR, and senior lifesaving.
For more information about available positions, visit www.riparks.com.
For
more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow
us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter
(@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
Related
links
