COVID-19 CRISIS

Solomon announces phased reopening of Warwick parks

Posted

Editor's note: The following is the unedited text of a May 18 press release from the office of Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon.

Mayor Joseph J. Solomon has announced the phased reopening of Warwick's parks in coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), as DEM today announced the reopening of the state-run Rocky Point and Goddard Memorial State Parks in Warwick.

"I know many Warwick residents have been anxious for our City's outdoor spaces to reopen, but I did not want Warwick to be a litmus test for how the rest of the state would fare as Rhode Island gradually opens its parks," said Mayor Solomon. "This has been a balancing act: I want people to be able to enjoy our outdoor spaces, but I also need to make sure it's safe to do so. With DEM opening Rocky Point and Goddard Memorial Parks today, now is the time to start reopening Warwick's other parks. Warwick is the most beautiful place around, and I am looking forward to all of us being able to safely enjoy our parks."

DEM announced today that all Rhode Island state parks, including Rocky Point and Goddard in Warwick, are now open to visitors. In conjunction with DEM's phased reopening plan, Mayor Solomon ordered the reopening of the following Warwick parks:

  • City Park
  • Conimicut Point
  • Oakland Beach

Boat launch sites are open where conditions allow. Beaches are closed to swimmers, and no life guards will be on duty. Please note that public facilities, including rest rooms, will remain closed.

The remainder of Warwick's parks will be opened in phases. In accordance with DEM guidelines, the future status of parks and the availability of facilities will be determined by whether visitors are following precautions outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Health and DEM. All visitors to Warwick parks must adhere to social distancing guidelines by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others and wearing a cloth face covering if within six feet of another person who is outside your household. Residents are also asked to avoid crowds. If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas.

DEM has been reopening state parks in a graduated manner by staggering park openings, reducing the size of parking areas, and restricting hours of operation and activities to prevent crowds.

Mayor Solomon reminds Rhode Islanders that for the most updated, accurate information pertaining to COVID-19, please refer to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Information regarding State parks is available here.

Mayor Solomon encourages residents to visit warwickri.gov often for updates and information.

Comments

2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • FASTFREDWARD4

    he comes all of the pigs from providence. and no bathroom . Watch what happens . Nothing with joey this is how Gina wants to play it. a soft opening.

    Thursday, May 21, 2020 Report this

  • perky4175

    the mayor needs to put signs up warwick tax payers only the out of towners have already started to leave there trash and diapers laying around or he should at least charge $20 a car and he also needs to make it illegal for people to do fire works on city property

    Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Report this