During the off-season RI State Beaches gates are open and it is free to park, however parking capacity at several state beaches continues to be reduced to prevent crowding. DEM will continue to monitor developments closely and will make further adjustments to state park and management area operations as needed. Town Beach at Matunuck The South Kingstown Town Beach was constructed in 1988, and features a boardwalk, 1,300 linear feet of sand, a playground, two picnic areas, a parking area, and has a seasonally available pavilion with showers, restrooms, and a vending area during the summer months. Park visitors should maintain 6 feet of social distance and visit parks for solitary recreational activities only. While we hope to accommodate walk-in reservations, please keep in mind that we may be unable to do so. Take-It-Outside. There are no fees to access beaches within state parks. It would be a civil violation – the equivalent of a traffic ticket. We ask that people avoid these bike paths if they are crowded and maintain social distancing on all bike paths and trails. This is a unique season and the beach experience will be different. While some problems still exist, these cities and towns have seen improved water quality (and fewer beach closures as a result). While you need not wear a mask while jogging or fishing or playing outdoors – you will need to wear one in public areas. Pawtucket: I-95 South, from just past Exit 30 to Central Ave., all traffic now shifts to the right. The COVID-19 emergency has contributed to a delayed and challenging recruitment year. COVID-19 Policy Updates Do not visit parks, trails or other recreational areas if you feel ill or are exhibiting symptoms of illness. All state parks and all saltwater beaches are open with limitations in place. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, fishing should be enjoyed as a solitary experience, with just the members of your immediate household, and not as a group activity. For the safety of all visitors, please have a face covering with you and wear it in public areas and if you are within 6 feet of another person who is outside your household. Key Messages for the Public. View the list. Beach closures are based on exceedances of more than 60 cfu/100 ml in saltwater and in freshwater. Closures: (as of 6/29/20) The following locations remain closed until further notice: Ninigret Conservation Area (East Beach Campground), Charlestown. We ask that people avoid bike paths if they are crowded and maintain social distancing. Getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature are great ways to relieve stress and important to public health. We ask all Rhode Islanders stay local, and limit travel whenever possible, even for approved recreation activities. Sample data is available from 2000 to present. Management areas remain open. 7 months. Purchase a gift certificate for a RI State Beach Season Parking Pass. Visitors should plan accordingly and call the regional park office for more information. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Warren Town Beach for swimming because of high bacteria levels. While enjoying outdoor spaces, beachgoers must continue to follow the CDC and RI Department of Health guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19: The number of parking spots will be reduced at most locations. Portajohns are available at a majority of our locations and will remain as long as weather conditions allow. We have made changes to park capacity, access points and traffic flow patterns to keep our guests safe and healthy. Check In/Out & Site Occupancy Practice social distancing by keeping at least six (6) feet of distance between yourself and others, even when outdoors; For the safety of all visitors, please have a face covering with you and wear it in public areas; Do not gather with anyone outside your household. Face Coverings: For the safety of all visitors, please have a mask with you when in public. Rhode Island hiking trails are seeing an unprecedented number of visitors and heavy use, during this time, so we encourage all to not only be mindful of maintaining safe social distancing practices while on-trail, but also practice Leave No Trace principles and good trail etiquette: If there is an obstruction on the trail, try to go over it, and not around it, to limit widening the trail; if there is a muddy section, tread lightly and try to use step-stones, instead of widening the trail by going around (yes, this might mean getting your boots or bike dirty, but isn't that the surest sign of a hardcore and conscientious hiker/biker?) Enjoy scenic views from your favorite beaches and discover the best places to visit in … Portajohns are available at a majority of our locations and will remain as long as weather conditions allow. The City of Warwick has removed thousands of cesspools and installed municipal sewer connections in the Oakland Beach area. Show your love for our natural spaces by doing your part to keep them clean. The check-in process may be different as we explore contact-free procedures. Whether at check-in or at the camping site, campers will be required to follow social distancing guidelines and remain at least six feet from others outside their household. The Ocean State is home to an astounding 400 miles of coastline.The long sandy beaches of Rhode Island have, for generations, created feelings of awe, inspiration, joy, peace, exhilaration…you name it. Scarborough South Beach, Narragansett Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett In addition to the closures, Raimondo ordered all state campgrounds to delay opening for the season until at … (as of 6/1) The Goddard Memorial Golf Course is open daily. Non-Resident Campers Please be patient with the AMC Trails Crew's ability to get out and provide maintenance on our trails, during this period of time, knowing that just as soon as we can, we will. If we can do anything to address the problem, we will work to do so, just as soon as we can, or report the problem to Rhode Island DEM. For more information and event schedule, visit the Westerly Recreation Department. Portajohns may be available in some locations.). Rates "The Pause": While we continue to be in Phase 3 of the ReopeningRI plan, Rhode Island is currently in a Two-Week Pause, with heightened restrictions to help in our fight against COVID-19. COVID-19 beach reopening guidance is located on Reopeningri.com At their peak, the closures affected at least 55.1 million students in 124,000 U.S. public and private schools. RI State Parks are now following regular off-season operations. If you’re not feeling well, stay home! Non-surf beaches: (Updated 9/16) Non-surf beaches at Lincoln Woods State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park, the Burlingame Picnic Area, Pulaski State Park, and Fort Adams State Park are following off-season operations. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Golfers must reserve a tee time and follow new guidelines. Learn more about the freshwater fishing season. As a reminder: when on the water, personal floatation devices should always be worn. Eisenhower House at Fort Adams State Park, RI Department of Environmental Management, Learn more details on the 2020 camping season, Learn more about the freshwater fishing season, Required registration documents are located here, Camping Area Descriptions & Specific Requirements, Haines Memorial State Park, East Providence, John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, North Kingstown, Arcadia Management Area (Frosty Hollow shelter, backpack camping area, and horseman's campground), Exeter. DEM-managed bike paths: the Blackstone River Bikeway, the East Bay Bike Path, Washington Secondary Bike Path – and state management areas remain open. The social gathering size remains one household. Parking: To encourage physical/social distancing at popular beaches, parks, trailheads, and scenic areas, RI State Parks has reduced the number of available parking spaces. We made the decision that staffing and monitoring just ten campsites 24/7 for does not make financial or practical sense this season. Beach closures are based on exceedances of more than 60 cfu/100 ml in saltwater and in freshwater. By opening some areas and monitoring how it goes, we can devote the staff resources to locations, and make sure the physical distancing rules and safe practices are going well before we open the entire system. No lifeguards are on duty. View live webcams from popular beaches and coastal towns in Rhode Island. Plan a trip to a nearby park for a short, local visit since restrooms are not available at most outdoor areas. Once the storm has subsided, the combined sewer and storm water goes through a wastewater treatment facility before entering Narragansett Bay. Fitness classes, dining, family activities, even business meetings can take place out in the fresh air. Portajohns are available in the majority of areas and will remain as long as weather conditions allow. Boat Launches: Boat launch sites are open where conditions allow. The following State Parks are open daily: RI State Beaches are currently following off-season operations. Find the latest information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the Rhode Island Department of Health. So book an appointment with us today. The only exceptions from these rules are for people with disabilities, anyone whose health would be in jeopardy because of wearing a face covering, or any children under 2 years old. December 12-18, 2020. To determine whether the water at the state's licensed beach facilities is safe for swimming. Not only that, but remaining stores will be reduced in size. The status of a beach may change as … Learn more about operational changes and safety guidelines for staying safe at our beautiful state parks, beaches, and campgrounds. Know Before You Go These measures are being taken for the safety of all visitors and to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, please remember that physical distancing guidelines still apply. Learn more details on the 2020 camping season. Carry out what you carry in! Length of Stay If you’re not feeling well, stay home! If you receive a test after arriving in Rhode Island and get a negative test result, you can stop quarantining. If you arrive at a favorite fishing spot and find that crowds are forming or the parking lot is full, please leave and choose a different location or return at another time or day. Richmond: I-95, at Exit 4, lanes have split to the left and right on both sides of I-95. We are committed to ensuring visitors and staff enjoy safe and memorable experiences at our state parks and beaches. A link to a reference map and written descriptions of all RI shellfish waters with seasonal and year-round water quality related shellfish harvesting closures are provided below. Review how to Protect Your Household here. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Official Website of the State of Rhode Island. Gatherings that do not adhere to the latest social gathering group sizes. The activities are for all ages and can be done individually or with family members. The facility is open 7 days a week and day parking rates are based upon weather and time of year. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, DEM has implemented new procedures to protect staff and visitor health and support a safe, accessible return to camping. Swimming: (updated 9/16) All saltwater state beaches are following off-season operations. Phase II of the Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program became operational during the end of 2014. more. We encourage you to review information provided by the. A: Yes. These measures are being taken for the safety of all visitors and staff and to stop the spread of COVID-19. Some but not all locations will have portajohns available. Many of the regular duties performed by parks staff – mowing grass, clearing winter debris, opening bathrooms and water lines, hiring and training staff, and other park-related duties – were delayed or disrupted. In accordance with Reopening RI guidance, DEM assessed the layout of each campground and has set limits on the number of campsites available for reservation to create more room between campsites so campers can maintain physical distancing from others. No lifeguards are on duty and beach pavilions are closed. Water Quality Challenges and Improvements Bring and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Rhode Island's five state campgrounds were originally scheduled to open in early-mid April. 2020 Griffin Communications. Currently the bike paths are open. The state's reservation agent, Reserve America, is contacting those with reservations during this … The future status of parks and the availability of facilities will be determined by whether everyone is following all the precautions. The complete list is available online in both English and Spanish, and includes apps and virtual learning opportunities, reading and educator resources, DIY and home projects, and outdoor activities. All campground reservations through April 30 have been cancelled. Outdoor activities, including boating, are a great way to relax and enjoy nature. The Reopening RI guidance would have decreased the number of campsites to ten. Pavilion bathrooms will be close starting Monday, September 21. Contact us if you are a business interested in the Take It Outside initiative. If you see something in a park that needs attention, please safely notify a staff member – for an emergency call (401) 222-3070. MIDDLETOWN — Memorial Day Weekend draws thousands to area beaches and traditionally beckons the start of a lucrative summer, but whether to reopen beaches for the holiday weekend after coronavirus-related closures has weighed heavy on members of the Middletown Town Council, President Robert Sylvia said.The Town Council voted Monday to reopen Third Beach for the … DEM is looking at the overall capacity of areas and working to ensure that we allow access without crowding. In late January 2020, Gap announced that it had so far closed 89 stores — including 56 in the U.S. — toward its goal of closing about 230 by February of next year. Check the current weather, beach conditions, or see what’s happening before you go. DEM state campgrounds are popular destinations, and many are fully booked, particularly during peak times. Stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces transports contamination (including bacteria) to our fresh and salt-water bodies. Given the serious nature of COVID-19, DEM will continue to provide any needed updates regarding changes to this guidance. In addition, numerous municipalities including Barrington, Bristol, and Newport have installed stormwater improvement projects at and around their beaches. We encourage Rhode Islanders to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Non-Residents: (updated 6/30) If you are coming to Rhode Island from one of the states listed here with a positivity rate of COVID-19 greater than 5%, you will either have to self-quarantine for 14 days while in Rhode Island, or produce proof of a negative test for COVID-19 that was taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Rhode Island. Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, or fish is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with household members, and reduce stress while practicing physical distancing. #MiddletownListens: Short-Term Rental Survey Available December 17, 2020 – Town Administrator Middletown High Has Spirit December 16, 2020 – School Department Winter Storm Advisory If our Parks are overrun with too many visitors who are not practicing social distancing or adhering to recommended group sizes, we may be forced to once again close parks. Historically, beach closures in Rhode Island have been closely tied to precipitation. This policy is consistent with the National Park Service and most state park systems across the country as a best practice because it promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences. The number of parking spots will be reduced, and parking gates may need to be closed at times depending on beach capacity. We recognize the value of spending time in nature. Travel Advisories . We thank you, all, for your understanding. Download the CRUSH COVID RI app now to step up and help RI #CrushCovidRI. Practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet of distance between yourself and others, even when outdoors. But the hope is that by restricting parking, the state can curtail the number of visitors. The activities are for all ages and can be done individually or with family members. The Rhode Island Department of Health is responsible for beach water monitoring and water quality notifications. And we’re ready to start when you are. We started with reopening our network of state parks in May, state swimming areas and saltwater beaches in late-May and June, and welcomed campers back to state campgrounds in late-June. Our strategy has been aimed at prioritizing the opening of facilities to those that can be accessed by the most people. Please watch for more information as your reservation date nears. All playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields in state facilities are CLOSED. All boaters are encouraged to consider the size of the vessel, the number of people on board, and the ability of people to stay 6 or more feet apart. As demonstrated by the graph above, the correlation between rainfall and beach closures appears to be changing since 2009, when Phase I of the Narragansett Bay Commission's "Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program" came online. In order to keep our beaches clean and safe, it is important to do your part in eliminating pollution and preventing illness. Yes. Historically, beach closures in Rhode Island have been closely tied … During the off-season RI State Beaches gates are open and it is free to park, however parking capacity at several state beaches continues to be reduced to prevent crowding. Avoid close contact with others outside your household, such as shaking hands, hugging, or high-fives. Camping: (updated 11/1) State campgrounds are following off-season operations. The only exceptions from these rules are for anyone whose health would be in jeopardy because of wearing a face covering or any children under 2 years old. Playgrounds, Athletic Courts and Sporting Fields: All State Park playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields are CLOSED. As the situation continues to develop, we will take any necessary actions to protect visitor and staff health. Please contact us with questions or submit a special use request. Newport Beach closed down both of its piers, the Balboa Pier and Newport Pier, and beachfront parking lots starting March 25 due to ongoing coronavirus concerns. Our campgrounds are popular destinations, and many are fully booked especially, during peak times. Visit DEM’s website for a list of public boat launching sites. Another Rhode Island Beach Closed To Swimming - Newport, RI - Gooseberry Beach in Newport is the eighth beach to be closed in Rhode Island in just one day. Required registration documents are located here. (updated 6/29) Burlingame, Charlestown Breachway, Fishermen's Memorial, and George Washington state campgrounds are now opened for the season. The crisis has required us to assess and change many of our operations and timeframes. If you do go to a refuge, preserve, management area or other open spaces, and see that parking is limited or lots are full, you should change your plans and take your walk back home. Avoid close contact with others outside your household, such as shaking hands, hugging, or high-fives; Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available; and. You are encouraged to wear a mask if you are within 6 feet of another person who is outside your household. On November 30, the state will enter a two week pause. Bathrooms will have occupancy limits and markings to promote physical distancing. Pavilion bathrooms will be closed on Monday, September 21. Given the serious nature of COVID-19, DEM will continue to provide any needed updates regarding changes to this guidance. While the area has seen more than double the amount of rain compared to this time last year, the number of beach closures has been lower than expected, according to Upon completion of the online renewal, boat owners will be able to print a temporary registration that allows the vessel to be used during the two-week period while the registration is being processed and the decal mailed. 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