PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Ray-catchers and sun worshippers, alert: Rhode Island's beaches are starting to open for business.

After renovation prompted by superstorm Sandy, four state beaches in South County will be open on weekends, starting this Saturday.

The Department of Environmental Management says Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck and Misquamicut State beaches will be open weekends weather permitting, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., from May 11 until Memorial Day.

"Our world-class, state-of-the-art beach facilities are among the state's major tourist attractions and generate billions of dollars for the local and state economy every year," said DEM director Janet Coit in a news release. The department has just completed months of major repairs and cleanup, Coit said, because of Sandy.

The full schedule of state parks and beach schedules are as follows:

Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck, Misquamicut: Open weekends starting May 11; daily from Memorial day Lincoln Woods State Park: Open daily starting May 11 Goddard Memorial State Park: Sat-Sun starting May 18; daily from Memorial Day Burlingame Picnic Area, Pulaski Park, George Washington Campground, Fort Adams State Park: Daily starting May 25

The daily beach parking fee for Rhode Islanders is $10 weekdays, $14 weekends and holidays; with a season pass for $60. Those prices double for non-residents. For seniors from Rhode Island, weekday parking is $5, weekends/holidays $7; those prices double for seniors who are not residents. The prices are based on the license plate of the car driving in.

Season passes will be on sale starting May 11, weekends only, at Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck and Misquamicut State Beaches. The State Parks Office in Johnston does not sell season passes.

Original post:

Beaches open Sat. for summer