Parking rate hike at Second Beach in effect
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
Middletown raised prices at Second Beach this month making it the most expensive to visit in Rhode Island.
“No body wants to have a rate increase but the reason that it went up this year is because the town really needs to do some things around the building and in the parking lots to maintain the place,” said Beach Manager Tim Cohen.
It now costs $25 on weekends and holidays, and $15 on weekdays for a day pass. Money made by tacking on the extra $5 will go directly back to the beach instead of into the town’s general operating fund. Town official’s estimate parking could bring in about $300,000 over the course of summer.
The hike went into effect July 1st. The parking lots have remained packed, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s happy about it.
“I love coming to this beach. I’ll still always come but I don’t understand why they got to up the fees,” said Nicholas Bowen who drove up for the day.
Cohen admits the timing inst the greatest. The increase comes as the state is slashing its beach rates. Weekend passes as places like Scarborough, Misquamicut and Roger Wheeler fell from $15 to $7.
“I guess that’s a tough time. Some people are really surprised that instead of it going down it went up,” said Cohen.
He believes the experience visitors get at Second Beach makes it worth every penny, and many regulars seem to agree.
“As long as it goes to a good purpose I’m really fine with it because I think it’s such a beautiful beach. That doesn’t bother me too much,” said Laura Delsalvio who is visiting from New York with her husband.
© WLNE-TV 2016
