The City of Newport has announced plans for a limited reopening of Easton’s Beach beginning Thursday, June 4th.
Beachgoers are advised that the beach lot will be open and lifeguards will be on staff daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Restrooms will also be open, though the City’s reserved bathhouses will remain closed for the foreseeable future. Parking capacity will be capped at 300 cars with limited parking for Newport residents available in the West Lot.
Meanwhile, concessions at the beach, including the popular Easton’s Beach Snackbar, will be opening with enhanced protocols to ensure the health and safety of staff and patrons.
By opening Easton’s Beach – even in a limited capacity – the City is hoping to provide Newporters with an opportunity to relax and enjoy the summer at one of the City’s most popular attractions.
Beachgoers will be asked to practice social distancing and to abide by all guidelines issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health and Governor’s Office and are advised that due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, further operational adjustments may be made as the season progresses.
For the time being, other attractions at the beach, including the carousel, Save the Bay Aquarium and the City’s weekly concert series have been suspended until further notice. Access to the Easton’s Beach playground and Rotunda Ballroom will also be off-limits upon re-opening.
For those traveling to the beach by car, daily parking rates will be set at $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. Parking fees will be collected by debit or credit card only through the City’s new contactless electronic ticket machines.
Seasonal beach parking stickers will also be available to Newport residents only at a cost of $50 per sticker, or $30 for those 65 years and older. To download an application, please visit www.CityofNewport.com/BeachStickers. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of a valid driver’s license along with a current vehicle registration with license plate number of expiration date. Applications should be mailed, along with payment, directly to the Martin Recreation Center at 35 Golden Hill Street, Newport, R.I. 02840. Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received and stickers will be issued via mail only.
Finally, in order to help keep the beach open and running smoothly, the City is currently looking to hire for all seasonal staff positions, including lifeguards, laborer/attendants, and restroom aides. Anyone interested in submitting an application may do so by visiting the City’s website at www.CityofNewport.com/jobs and downloading the Application for City Employment.
