Misquamicut State Beach
State beach in Washington County, Rhode Island
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Misquamicut State Beach (MISS-kwahm-eh-kut[3]) is a seaside public recreation area in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island.[4] 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.[5] The state beach covers 51 acres (21 ha) and is 2 miles long. The main beach has a large with multiple public facilities and snack bar.[4]
| Misquamicut State Beach | |
|---|---|
The pavilion at Misquamicut State Beach | |
  Location in Rhode Island | |
| Location | Westerly, Rhode Island |
| Coordinates | 41.3230°N 71.8046°W[1] |
| Area | 51.35 acres (20.78 ha)[2] |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2.1 m)[1] |
| Established | 1959 |
| Administrator | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | Misquamicut State Beach |
Misquamicut State Beach is one of the most popular beaches along the Rhode Island coast and is used extensively by people in the region.
History
A series of hurricanes in 1938, 1944, and 1954 did heavy damage to the Misquamicut beach community. As a result, Governor Dennis J. Roberts instigated condemnation proceedings that culminated in the creation of Misquamicut State Beach in 1959.[5] 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.[5] A beach pavilion was added to the site in 1999 at a cost of $1.5 million,[5] named for Westerly native State Senator James J. Federico, Jr. (1946-1997).[6][7] The project was completed with the addition of a 2,700-space paved parking area in 2000.[8] 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,[9] and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the beach replenishment project in 2015, using an inland sand source.[9]
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.[9] The Misquamicut Business Association sponsors various events throughout the year at the state beach and other locations.[10] The beach is open seasonally.[11]
