Bristol Town Beach Limits Parking To 25 Percent

BRISTOL, RI — Parking at Bristol's Town Beach will be limited to just 25 percent, the town's Parks and Recreation Department announced Thursday. The decision was made after Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that parking will be reduced at two popular state beaches in an attempt to reduce crowding.

The parking restrictions will go into effect Friday, and sports leagues will not be affected by the policy. Sarah Klein, the department's director, encouraged residents to arrive early to ensure they will get a parking spot.

Although Rhode Island's coronavirus cases have held steady as other states see major spikes, the Rhode Island Department of Health and Gov. Raimondo have voiced concerns about overcrowding and lack of masks at state beaches. In response, parking at two of the busiest beaches — Scarborough and Misquamicut — was lowered to 25 percent.