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Narragansett has four of the best beaches in Rhode Island
NARRAGANSETT TOWN
BEACH
one of the state's most popular beaches.
SALTY
BRINE STATE BEACH
ACREAGE:
1.1 Acres
DATE STATE ACQUIRED: Between 1954 and 1956
PREVIOUS OWNERS: Department of Public Works and Division of Harbors and
Rivers
OTHER NAMES: Galilee State Beach
HISTORY: Formerly known as Galilee State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach
was dedicated in 1990 to Rhode Island's most widely recognized radio
personality, Salty Brine.
The pier and surrounding area have always been heavily utilized by fishermen,
commercial and recreational, and also by the public who enjoy watching the boats
come and go all day long.
During the Revolutionary War, British ships frequently sailed through the
natural breachway and anchored there. After the war, the breachway became a
great asset to the farmers in the area who brought their crops by wagon to a
shoreline warehouse in the region.
As you can see, from the 1800's and on through the years, the Galilee area has
been a very valuable resource and will continue to remain so for some time to
come.
SCARBOROUGH
STATE BEACH
Scarborough Beach is Rhode Islandšs most popular and
well known beach. Located 35 miles south of Providence on Ocean Road in
Narragansett, it is a 26 acre facility with 2,325 feet of beach frontage.
Scarborough was originally developed in 1937. It has long been known as the
principal destination for a "day at the beach" for thousands of Rhode
Islanders over the years.
With the acquisition of Olivošs and Lidošs beaches to the south of
Scarborough, the State of Rhode Island now has an additional 16 acres and over
1,000 feet of beach frontage for expanding the saltwater recreational facilities
at Scarborough. After many years of use, the State in 1987, embarked on a
multiphase/multimillion dollar restoration and redevelopment project for
Scarborough, Olivošs and Lidošs.
The State of Rhode Island has one of the finest, if not, the finest saltwater
beach and recreational facility in Southeastern New England. It is hoped that
this facility will help to maintain the positive image of Rhode Islandšs
saltwater beaches, and to continue to provide, not only to this generation but
future generations of Rhode Islanders, a quality experience for a "day at
the beach".
Scarborough State Beach with its newly renovated pavilion and expanded beach
area along with renovations to the Olivošs and Lidošs beach areas, which are
now referred to as the Scarborough South Complex, will offer a wide range of
beach related activities. Saltwater bathing with lifeguards on duty from 9:00 am
to 6:00 pm will continue to be Scarboroughšs biggest attraction along with
picnicking, an observation tower with scenic views and boardwalk. People of all
ages will find activities of interest from sun bathing on Scarboroughšs sandy
beach, and people watching on its boardwalk to picnicking under shaded shelters,
and saltwater bathing in one of Rhode Islandšs most popular spots.
ROGER
WHEELER STATE BEACH
ACREAGE: 27 Acres
DATE STATE ACQUIRED: 1929
PREVIOUS OWNERS: John Bull (a Tory)
ORIGIN OF NAME: The beach was renamed in grateful remembrance in 1970 by
the people of the State of Rhode Island for Captain Roger W. Wheeler (1907-1969)
who developed the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.
OTHER NAMES: Sand Hill Cove (prior to 1970)
DEDICATION CEREMONY: August 15, 1970
GENERAL HISTORY: The Tory and Wig Parties were in constant conflict with
Parliament in England during the American Revolution on the mid 1700's. The two
parties alternated between power in Parliament and also in the colonies. In the
middle to late 1700's the land was confiscated by the State. In 1935 it was
transferred by the Secretary of State from the Metropolitan Park Commission to
the Department of Agriculture and Conservation, Division of Forest, Parks and
Parkways. Then in 1949 to the Division of Parks and Recreation and Department of
Transportation. Later in 1965 it was transferred to the Department of Natural
Resources which, in 1975 became the Department of Environmental Management.
After much litigation with the heirs and with about ninety "squatters"
who had built summer homes along the waterfront, title was finally cleared in
1943, and a large modern bathhouse and parking facilities were constructed
between 1955 and 1956. In 1977 a 160 foot ramp that extends from the parking lot
to the beach was built for handicapped people so that they may enjoy the beach.
In 1979 another 160 foot ramp was constructed on the opposite side of the
bathhouse also to help the handicapped.
RECENT HISTORY: In October of 1996, demolition of the "modern
bathhouse" built in 1955 began, and soon after, construction of a new
facility. The new bathhouse, a $1.3 million building, was officially opened in a
ribbon cutting ceremony on June 21, 1997. Funding for the new facility came
partially through state financing and partially through the National Park
Service. Architectural designs are by William L. Burgin, Inc., and the
construction of the building was performed by Berkshire Construction Services.
The new pavilion, which was specifically designed for ease in maintenance, has
such modern amenities as: special doors which won't rust or corrode, aluminum
and stainless steel hardware, aluminum grates at bathhouse entrances to prevent
sand-clogged drains, heavy-duty barn like doors used to close off sections that
are not in use, modern bathhouses with coin-operated hot showers, a
playground, concession building, lifeguard tower, and naturalist area.
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