During the Narragansett Town Council's work session on October 21, 2024, significant discussions centered around the financial health of the Beach Enterprise Fund and changes to parking policies aimed at improving access for visitors.

The meeting highlighted the results of the 2023 audit, revealing that the Beach Enterprise Fund currently holds an unrestricted balance of $5.1 million. This marks a positive shift from previous concerns about declining revenue. The fund generated $2.67 million in revenue this year, a notable increase attributed to both operational success and investment returns. Council members expressed relief and optimism regarding these financial improvements, contrasting them with last year's worries about potential revenue shortfalls.

A key focus was the new parking policy for the South Parking Lot, which is now open to non-resident parking on weekdays starting at 1 PM, contingent on the West Lot reaching capacity. This change has allowed for increased visitor access, with approximately 25 to 45 non-resident vehicles utilizing the South Lot on days it was opened.

The council also reviewed visitor statistics, noting a rise in attendance at the beach. In 2023, the beach recorded 198,101 visitors, up from 187,759 the previous year. This increase is attributed to improved parking strategies and favorable weather conditions on key weekends.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing beach operations and visitor experience while maintaining a healthy financial outlook for the Beach Enterprise Fund. As the council moves forward, continued monitoring of revenue trends and visitor access will be crucial in sustaining these positive developments.