Public parking at popular Narragansett state beach will close Aug. 19. What to know

NARRAGANSETT – Beachgoers have only a few days left to enjoy one of Rhode Island’s popular state beaches before it closes for the season.

Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management announced Tuesday that parking at Scarborough South State Beach in Narragansett will close Monday, Aug. 19, during weekdays, and swimming will be restricted to neighboring Scarborough North State Beach’s lifeguard area.

Parking will remain open on weekends throughout the rest of the season, as well as food concessions, but restrooms and showers will be closed. Additional portable toilet units will be installed.

“For several years, DEM has closed the parking lot and restroom facilities at Scarborough South in late August as it contends with a shrinking summertime labor force with lifeguards, park rangers, and facility attendants returning to college and high school,” a press release explained. “DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation has concentrated the remaining seasonal staff at Scarborough North State Beach to ensure that this popular facility has full staff coverage.”

All other state beaches will close for the season on Tuesday, Sept. 3, the day after Labor Day.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Scarborough South State Beach parking to close Monday, Aug. 19