NARRAGANSETT, RI – The U.S. National Park Service has approved $3,146,570 in federal funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to build a new boardwalk and make upgrades to Roger Wheeler State Beach (locally known as Sand Hill Cove Beach), according to U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Reed says the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the federal funds to construct 600 feet of boardwalk with guardrails supported by a new concrete retaining wall extending from each side of the existing beach pavilion, and other upgrades at the state’s oldest state beach.  The new boardwalk will be 1,200 feet in length and will replace existing stairs currently at the beach.  When it is completed, the project will improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated accessibility and increase visitor safety for all beachgoers entering and exiting the area.

Located on the ocean side of Narragansett, near Galilee, and protected from Block Island Sound by an extensive breakwater barrier, Sand Hill Cove is known for its gentle surf, playground, and modern beach pavilion with a kid-friendly environmental education area.

“Sand Hill Cove is a popular spot for families and this new boardwalk will make it even more accessible and welcoming for all.  I appreciate the National Park Service working to approve these funds so the project can continue to move forward.  This is a very family-oriented place and the boardwalk will be a welcome addition that makes getting to and from the beach a little easier for everyone.  It will complement the new planned amenities like shade structures, planters, and environmentally friendly foot-washing stations,” said Senator Reed, who helped pass the landmark Great American Outdoors Act, fully funding LWCF at $900 million annually.

The National Park Service administers the LWCF state assistance program at the national level.  A portion of LWCF money is generated from federal offshore oil and gas lease revenues.

DEM awards its allocation of LWCF dollars to local communities and municipalities.  These federal funds must be matched 1:1 by the state and may be used for acquisition, new construction, and renovation of recreational sites.

Over $80 million in LWCF aid has been invested in Rhode Island to protect the state’s open spaces, coastlines, and historic sites and increase outdoor recreation access over the last half century.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia are included in the distribution of federal LWCF awards.  Each state receives a portion of the funds based on population.  Then, the funds are distributed based on need. 

Previous Rhode Island projects that have been awarded LWCF dollars include: facilities and amenities improvements at Goddard Memorial Park; a new green beach pavilion at Lincoln Woods State Park; conservation at Block Island National Wildlife Refuge; and upgraded bathroom facilities at Fishermen’s State Park and Campground.

“Land and Water Conservation Funds are crucial to Rhode Island and DEM does a tremendous job putting them to work.  Our beaches and parks are essential to our economy, community, and public health and wellness.  I am pleased to support federal funding to enhance Rhode Island’s beaches, parks, trails, and wildlife refuges while providing more opportunities for Rhode Islanders to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our state,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, which funds proposed LWCF projects.

In 1970, the state named the beach after Captain Roger W. Wheeler, a former state recreation supervisor and director of water safety, who lived in Narragansett, and is credited with creating the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System.