Raimondo Unveils Plan to Modernize RI’s Parks & Beaches While Raising Fees

Raimondo Unveils Plan to Modernize RI’s Parks & Beaches While Raising Fees

Governor Gina Raimondo unveiled her plan to "preserve and invest" in Rhode Island’s parks and beaches.

In this year's budget, Raimondo is calling for an increase in beach fees.

The announcement Monday was made at Lincoln Woods State Park.

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"Our beaches and parks are such a special part of who we are as Rhode Islanders, and we need to preserve them for future generations. The study DEM commissioned recently makes clear that we're not doing enough now. It's critical that we commit to long-term investments in our parks and beaches. Let's make sure our kids have the same opportunities that we did,” said Raimondo.

The study showed that Rhode Island has high park use and low investment compared to the rest of the country, ranking 1st in visits per park acre but 47th in state spending per visit.

Raimondo’s Proposal

Raimondo submitted a budget proposal for 2020 that would add $1.5 million in funding for DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation.

"The Governor's Parks Initiative will ensure that we invest in these incredible places that do so much for Rhode Islanders and for our economy. This is a tremendous multi-year effort to increase staffing, adopt best practices, engage further with partners, and do more to realize the opportunities afforded by this magnificent system,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.

The funds would support an additional eight employees, most of whom would help regional managers meet core service requirements like cleaner facilities and bathrooms to improve visitors' experience.

The budget proposal also includes a business development office to find revenue-generating opportunities including sponsorships and concession partnerships.

Community Listening Sessions

According to Coit, the DEM will kick off a series of community listening sessions across the state to get ideas on how to improve the parks system.

Sessions will be held as follows:

Wednesday, February 20

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Westerly Town Hall Council Chambers

45 Broad Street, Westerly

 

Monday, February 25

4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Lincoln Woods Nature Center

Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln

 

Thursday, February 28

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Narragansett Community Center

53 Mumford Road, Narragansett

A fourth session will be held in Bristol, with details to be announced at a later date.