The RI DEM announce proposed rate increases today to park at Rhode Island State Beaches and to camp in Rhode Island State Parks. The beach proposal calls for a $2.00 a day increase for Rhode Island residents and a $4.00 a day increase for non-residents. The camping proposal calls for much steeper increases in some cases more than doubling the current rate.
“Rhode Islanders are fortunate to have access to an outstanding array of state parks and beaches. However, these places are being loved to death, and we must do more to support and maintain them,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “The study that DEM commissioned makes clear that our fee structure is one of several aspects of our state parks system that is outdated, and the Governor’s parks initiative pairs fee increases with service improvements. The increase to beach parking fees that we’re proposing is small — $2 more for Rhode Islanders on weekdays and weekends, and $10 more for a season pass. Reinvesting this new revenue back into the state parks system will pay great dividends for our parks and beaches, which add $315 million to the economy, generate nearly $40 million in state and local taxes, and support nearly 4,000 jobs a year. Of course, they also are beloved places that delight families, attract visitors, and create fond memories for a lifetime.”
