Misquamicut State Beach

Misquamicut State Beach is a seaside public recreation area in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island.[3] It occupies a portion of Misquamicut Beach, a 3-mile-long (4.8 km) barrier island that extends westward from Weekapaug to Watch Hill and separates Winnapaug Pond from the Atlantic Ocean.[4] The state beach covers 51 acres (21 ha) and features a large beach pavilion with multiple public facilities.[3]

Misquamicut State Beach
The pavilion at Misquamicut State Beach
Map showing the location of Misquamicut State Beach
Map showing the location of Misquamicut State Beach
Location in Rhode Island
LocationWesterly, Rhode Island
Coordinates41.3230°N 71.8046°W / 41.3230; -71.8046[1]
Area51.35 acres (20.78 ha)[2]
Elevation7 ft (2.1 m)[1]
Established1959
AdministratorRhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Parks & Recreation
WebsiteMisquamicut State Beach

History

A series of hurricanes in 1938, 1944, and 1954 laid waste to the Misquamicut beach community, so Governor Dennis J. Roberts instigated condemnation proceedings that culminated in the creation of Misquamicut State Beach in 1959.[4] The beach's 40-year old septic system failed in 1992, at which time waterless composting toilets were introduced which allowed the park to stay in operation.[4] A beach pavilion was added to the site in 1999 at a cost of $1.5 million,[4] named for Westerly native State Senator James J. Federico, Jr. (1946-1997).[5][6] The project was completed with the addition of a 2,700-space paved parking area in 2000.[7] Hurricane Sandy blew much of the beach into the parking area in 2012; the state moved some 30,000 cubic yards of sand back onto the shoreline,[8] and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the beach replenishment project in 2015, using an inland sand source.[8]

Activities and amenities

The James J. Federico, Jr. State Beach Pavilion includes a bathhouse building with composting toilets, a concession building with gift shop and offices, a lifeguard tower, and shade gazebos.[8] The Misquamicut Business Association sponsors various events throughout the year at the state beach and other locations.[9] The beach is open seasonally.[10]

References
  1. "Misquamicut State Beach". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Misquamicut State Beach". State of Rhode Island Division of Parks & Recreation. Archived from the original on July 5, 2012. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  3. "Misquamicut State Beach". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  4. "Misquamicut State Beach History". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  5. "RI Gen L § 22-7.4-54". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. 1999. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  6. "97 S 1085". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. May 16, 1997. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  7. "Beaches". Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
  8. "Pawcatuck River, Rhode Island: Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study: Appendix B: Economics" (PDF). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. October 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  9. "Events". Misquamicut Business Association. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  10. "Rhode Island State Beaches: Parking Passes". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Westerly, Rhode Island, that includes Misquamicut State Beach.
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