Gov. Raimondo Proposes $1.5 Million For RI Parks And Beaches

Governor Gina Raimondo announced a plan Monday to make an investment in Rhode Island's parks and beaches.

The governor was joined by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit, First Gentleman Andy Moffit, and environmental advocates at Lincoln Woods State Park for the announcement.

"Our beaches and parks are such a special part of who we are as Rhode Islanders, and we need to preserve them for future generations," Gov. Raimondo said. "The study DEM commissioned recently makes clear that we're not doing enough now. It's critical that we commit to long-term investments in our parks and beaches. Let's make sure our kids have the same opportunities that we did."

According to the DEM's study, Rhode Island does not invest enough funding into parks compared with usage, ranking first in the nation for visits per park acre yet 47th for state spending per visit. In the study, the DEM calls for state officials to create a long-term investment plan to ensure the survival and protection of public spaces, as well as improve operations and staffing at parks.

More than nine million Rhode Islanders and tourists visit the state's public spaces each year, says a release from Gov. Raimondo's office. The state boasts 8,200 acres of parkland, 1,000 capsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, 25 parks, management areas, and nature preserves and eight saltwater beaches. These add an estimated $315 million into the state's economy each year, as well as $40 million in state and local taxes.

The past decade and a half have been rough on these public spaces, however, with budget and staffing cuts decreasing what the agency can accomplish, as well as increased visitors, longer seasons and old facilities.

To help remedy this, Gov. Raimondo announced a proposal for a $1.5 million funding increase to the DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation in the 2020 state budget. With the increased funds, the agency could hire eight new employees to help address issues such as visitor service issues such as improved facilities and bathrooms with regional managers. In the proposal, Gov. Raimondo also seeks to create a business development office dedicated to creating partnerships that would bring in revenue, including sponsorships and concessions.

"The Governor's Parks Initiative will ensure that we invest in these incredible places that do so much for Rhode Islanders and for our economy," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "This is a tremendous multi-year effort to increase staffing, adopt best practices, engage further with partners, and do more to realize the opportunities afforded by this magnificent system."

First Gentleman Moffit chairs the Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council, which was created through an executive order signed by the governor in January 2016. The DEM's study "grew out of work done by the ORC," stated a release from the governor's office.

"As Rhode Islanders, we're incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful state beaches and parks to enjoy," Moffit said. "I'm proud that the work of the Outdoor Recreation Council was the first step toward realizing our vision for outdoor recreation through the Parks Initiative."

The DEM will be soliciting the public's input on improvements needed for Rhode Island's parks and beaches through a series of public listening sessions. At the event, members of the community will have the chance to offer their opinions as well as learn more about the study and Gov. Raimondo's budget proposal. Sessions will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, February 20: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Westerly Town Hall Council Chambers, 45 Broad St.
• Monday, February 25: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Lincoln Woods Nature Center at Lincoln Woods State Park
• Thursday, February 28: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Narragansett Community Center, 53 Mumford Rd.
• A fourth listening session is slated to be held in Bristol, with the date and location to be announced.

Photo Credit: Office of Governor Gina Raimondo