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East Matunuck State Beach

Coordinates: 41°22′35″N 71°31′43″W / 41.37639°N 71.52861°W / 41.37639; -71.52861
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East Matunuck State Beach
View of East Matunuck beach from the rocky stretch along the beach's western shore.
Map showing the location of East Matunuck State Beach
Map showing the location of East Matunuck State Beach
Location in Rhode Island
LocationSouth Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States
Coordinates41°22′35″N 71°31′43″W / 41.37639°N 71.52861°W / 41.37639; -71.52861[1]
Area144 acres (58 ha)
Elevation3 ft (0.91 m)[1]
Established1956
OperatorRhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation
WebsiteEast Matunuck State Beach

East Matunuck State Beach is a public recreation area encompassing 144 acres (58 ha) on the shore of Block Island Sound in the town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island.[2] The state beach offers picnicking, ocean swimming, and beach activities.[3] It is open seasonally.[4]

At the east end of the beach lies the small village of Jerusalem. Jutting out from the beach is the stone breakwater that protects Point Judith Pond and harbor. It was built in 1914.

History

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The state began securing the area through condemnation proceedings beginning in 1956.[3] An additional 36-acre (15 ha) parcel was purchased in 1967.[5] A beach pavilion featuring concessions, bathrooms, changing stalls, and a lifeguard tower was built at a cost of $4.5 million and opened in May 2012.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b "East Matunuck State Beach". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "East Matunuck State Beach". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "East Matunuck State Beach History". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "Rhode Island State Beaches: Parking Passes". Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  5. ^ "Land Acquisition/RI Dept. Environmental Management" (PDF). Rhode Island DEM. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  6. ^ "DEM hosts ribbon-cutting for new energy-efficient pavilion at East Matunuck State Beach" (Press release). RI Department of Environmental Management. May 21, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2014.
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