PROVIDENCE – All state beaches will be open daily, beginning this Saturday, May 27. Reduced parking fees remain in effect, with daily parking rates of $6.00 for residents on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends and holidays. A season pass is $30.00 and, through September 4, will be available for purchase at all state beaches.
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. 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 beach pavilion, offering fully accessible restrooms and showers and an expanded nature center and concessions, opens Saturday. In addition to modernizing visitor amenities at the beach, the pavilion will greatly improve energy efficiency and enhance water quality in Olney Pond. Three new buildings, connected by a central plaza, were constructed.
Scarborough North and South State Beach – New restroom and shower facilities at Scarborough North are open, and new plantings have been installed in flower beds at Scarborough North and Scarborough South.
George Washington Memorial Campground – New restroom and shower facilities are available.
Fisherman’s Memorial Campground – Tennis and basketball courts have been resurfaced. And new tennis nets, hoops and backboards have been installed.
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 also be open daily, beginning Saturday, May 27.
Non-resident parking is $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends and holidays. A season pass is $60 for non-residents. 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.
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