Roger Wheeler State Beach: Boardwalk and Bulkhead Project
A rendering of the new western bulkhead at Roger Wheeler State Beach.
A rendering of the new eastern bulkhead at Roger Wheeler State Beach.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is excited to announce a construction project of a bulkhead and boardwalk at the popular, family-oriented Roger W. Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett. This project will enhance the beachgoing experience with modern, sustainable, and accessible amenities.
Project Overview
Phase 1 (August 2024 – May 2025):
- Replacement and expansion of the East Side boardwalk and bulkhead and relocation of the town’s waterline within the parking area originally installed in the 1950s
Phase 2 (Fall 2025 – May 2026):
- All remaining work on the East Side of the pavilion (boardwalk, shade structures, ramps, stairs, etc.) and the West side of the pavilion
The new facility will include:
- An additional 600 feet of boardwalk with guardrails supported by a new concrete retaining wall extending from each side of the existing beach pavilion
- The final ADA-compliant boardwalk will be close to 1,200 feet in length and replace the existing stairs currently at the beach, enhancing accessibility and increasing visitor safety for all beachgoers entering and exiting the area.
- The boardwalk will feature new shade structures, sidewalks, foot washing stations, and concrete benches
Project Details
- Design: RI-based Pare Corporation, a Lincoln, RI-based design firm, prepared the design plans funded by RI Capital funds
- Construction: Ferreira Construction of Branchburg, New Jersey, is performing the work
- Funding: The project is primarily funded by $3.1M in federal funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the RI voter-approved 2021 Beach, Clean Water, and Green Economy Bond
- Timeline: Completion is anticipated by May 2026
Impact on Beachgoers
DEM appreciates the understanding and patience of beachgoers as we work to enhance access and resilience at our oldest state beach.
- Delayed Opening of Amenities: Due to the ongoing improvements, beach amenities will open later than in past seasons. Starting Saturday, June 14, lifeguards will be on duty, and restrooms, showers, and concessions will be open through Labor Day.
- Reduced Beach Area: While construction will pause during the 2025 beach season, visitors can expect a smaller beach area with sections of the beach being rocky. There will be fenced-off areas along the East and West sides of the beach, extending into the parking lot and beachfront itself to establish safe work zones. Beach access will be available at both ends of the parking lot, with most visitors entering through the pavilion.
- Potentially Reduced Parking Area: As in previous years, the parking lot is a popular nesting spot for Piping Plovers, a federally protected shorebird. RIDEM, with the US Fish and Wildlife, continues to monitor and protect these areas.
- Affected Areas: Please refer to the map of impacted shower/restroom facilities and adjacent campsites during the 2025 camping season. Please review this map carefully when making reservations to understand potential impacts.
- Policies: Note that regular beach and parking policies will be in effect.
How to Stay Informed
DEM will provide updates on this page as the project progresses. The public can also contact RI State Parks with any questions or concerns, as well as DEM.projects@dem.ri.gov for project-related questions.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve Roger Wheeler State Beach for future seasons.