RI State Beaches ​In Narragansett​ Reopening Saturday

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management has good news for beach fiends looking to hit the water this spring: Two state beaches in Narragansett will open early this year.

Scarborough North and Roger Wheeler state beaches — both in Narragansett — will open to the public this Saturday. The beaches will be open only on Saturdays and Sundays until Memorial Day, when they will open daily until Labor Day.

"Accessibility to outdoor recreation venues where families and friends can relax and share special times is part of DEM's mission," DEM Director Janet Coit said in a statement. "After the year we've all had, we're glad to open two popular state beaches early so that Rhode Islanders can get outside and enjoy themselves when crowds are light. We encourage beachgoers to plan for the summer and buy season parking passes or our new daily flex pass now using our convenient online option, which is accessible at www.riparks.com."

Season tickets and daily flex passes can be purchased online to help alleviate crowding at beach entry booths. The DEM said anyone who holds an online pass will be able to use the express lane for quick entry.

According to a news release from the DEM, season pass holders are no longer required to place a physical parking pass on their windshields. Passes are now connected to license plates, which are scanned by beach attendants using handheld devices.

Daily beach parking for residents costs $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. Season pass holders must pay a $30 parking fee. Passes can be purchased through Labor day.

Non-residents must pay $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends. Season passes cost $60 for non-residents.