Narragansett Considers Raising Fees For Town Beach

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Visting one of Rhode Island's most popular beaches might be more expensive next summer.

The Narragansett Parks and Recreation Department proposed raising daily walk-on and parking fees for the town beach at Tuesday night's Town Council meeting. If the proposed hikes are approved, the cost of walk-on admission to the beach would increase from $12 to $15. Parking fees would increase from $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends to $20 every day.

Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Kershaw told the Town Council she thinks raising fees is necessary because Narragansett Town beach's operating income decreased by $500,00 last season. She also said the parking fee increases are reasonable when compared to other beaches in Rhode Island.

"A $20 parking fee is more than comparable to what other towns in Rhode Island are doing," Kershaw said, also mentioning some towns charge more than that.

The town has more than $4 million in its Beach Enterprise Fund, but Kershaw said the town still should raise fees because of increases to minimum wage and the increasing costs of beach supplies and maintenance.

"Running the beach is not ever going to cost us less," Kershaw said. "It’s only going to cost us more."

Kershaw said the beach will also need more revenue in case the fund is depleted due to a hurricane or other natural disaster.

Councilor Susan Cicilline-Buoanno said the money from the Beach Enterprise Fund cannot be used for roads or infrastructure. The money is specifically for the beach.

The rate hikes are not set in stone, as the Town Council still has to review and approve them. Several councilors also expressed concerns about raising fees and said they would like to explore other options first.