Some State Beaches, Parks Expected to Reopen Tuesday

While all state parks, beaches, campgrounds, and management areas are closed today as the RI Department of Environmental Management assesses damage and begins clean-up, we can expect some of those areas to reopen on Tuesday.

Beaches

DEM announced on Monday that widespread erosion has been reported, access points leading to many beaches have been washed away, and parking lots are full of storm-related debris. Gates at all state beach parking lots are closed today, and no lifeguards are on duty. A high surf advisory that includes a high risk of dangerous rip currents has been posted by the National Weather Service for Rhode Island beaches today.

East Matunuck, Misquamicut, Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine, and Scarborough state beaches are expected to reopen as early as Tuesday once those public safety concerns have been addressed and the areas are deemed safe for public access.

Parks

Goddard Memorial, Lincoln Woods, and Burlingame State Parks sustained extensive tree damage, with many downed limbs reported.  Conditions at other heavily-wooded parks and management areas include downed limbs and scattered debris.  Entrances to state parks and management areas remain secured today with traffic barriers.

The following state park facilities will reopen on Tuesday: Beavertail State Park, Blackstone Bike Path, Colt State Park, East Bay Bike Path, Fort Adams State Park, Fort Wetherill State Park, Haines State Park, and Kelly House.

The following facilities sustained heavy damage and will be closed until further notice: Burlingame Picnic Area, Goddard Memorial State Park and golf course,  Lincoln Woods State Park, and Pulaski State Park.

Campgrounds

George Washington State Campground in Glocester and Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown sustained heavy tree damage and will remain closed until further notice.

Three state campgrounds – Charlestown Breachway, East Beach, and Fishermen’s Memorial – will reopen on Tuesday, pending restoration of electrical service. Campers are advised to check DEM’s parks website at www.riparks.com for updated information on the status of these campgrounds.  DEM’s campground reservation system, ReserveAmerica, will advise campground patrons that have reservations of when the facilities will reopen.