Rising costs forced an increase of parking fees at Second and Third beaches, effective immediately. #Middletown officials said the price of labor, materials and other related factors, they had no choice. Drop-offs, walk-ons and bicyclists remain free.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
RISING COSTS FORCE BEACH PARKING FEE INCREASE
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MAY 30, 2024) – Beach parking fees are on the rise in Middletown.
Facing increased competition for staff, soaring expenses and related costs, the Town Council okayed several changes to the parking costs at Second and Third beaches.
Under the new pay structure that goes in place immediately, the weekday parking fee is now $25 compared to $35 daily on weekends and holidays. The price tag for a seasonal parking pass is also going up to $90 for residents and $180 for nonresidents.
Town officials reminded beachgoers that drop-offs, walk-ons and bicycle riders remain free at both summertime hotspots.
“I’m probably the last person in the world who wants to raise the price to park at the beach,” council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “But we have to do this. Wages are going up everywhere and we need lifeguards and staff, so we have no choice here.”
“We understand that this isn’t something that anyone wants to hear, but to run the beaches the way that people have come to expect, this fee increase is necessary,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “We take this sort of thing very seriously and don’t do this lightly.”
Beach Parking | New Fee |
Seasonal Resident Parking Pass | $90 |
Seasonal Senior Resident Parking Pass | $85 |
Nonresident Seasonal Parking Pass | $180 |
Nonresident Senior Seasonal Parking Pass | $170 |
Weekday Daily Parking Rate | $25 |
Weekend & Holiday Daily Parking Rate | $35 |
Motorcycle Daily Parking Rate | $20 |
Seasonal Resident Motorcycle Parking Pass | $40 |
Seasonal Nonresident Motorcycle Parking Pass | $80 |
Customers are reminded that it’s cash only for daily parking fees, whether weekdays, weekends and holidays.
The fee increase is not retroactive for seasonal parking pass holders. That means if you’ve already purchased your seasonal parking pass, you do not have to make up the difference now.
Seasonal beach passes are available daily at Second Beach — weather permitting. They can also be purchased anytime at https://mdl.town/BeachStickers online.
Any questions can be addressed to Will Cronin, who oversees the beach operations as part of his duties with the town. He’s best reached at wcronin@middletownri.com or 401-842-6519.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/Beach-Parking-24