The Town Council of Middletown has approved an increase in the parking fee at Second and Third beaches to combat rising costs.
The new weekday parking fee is now $25, compared to the $35 daily fee during weekends and holidays. The price for a seasonal parking pass for residents has also increased to $90, and the fee for nonresidents has risen to $180.
The town says that the cost of labor, materials, and other related factors factored into the decision to raise the prices. However, officials stress that drop-offs, walk-ons, and bicyclists will remain free.
| Beach Parking | New Fee |
| Seasonal Resident Parking Pass | $90 |
| Seasonal Senior Resident Parking Pass | $85 |
| Nonresident Seasonal Parking Pass | $180 |
| Nonresident Senior Seasonal Parking Pass | $170 |
| Weekday Daily Parking Rate | $25 |
| Weekend & Holiday Daily Parking Rate | $35 |
| Motorcycle Daily Parking Rate | $20 |
| Seasonal Resident Motorcycle Parking Pass | $40 |
| Seasonal Nonresident Motorcycle Parking Pass | $80 |
“I’m probably the last person in the world who wants to raise the price to park at the beach,” Council President Paul Rodrigues said. “But we have to do this. Wages are going up everywhere and we need lifeguards and staff, so we have no choice here.”
Town Administrator Shawn Brown added that the increase was necessary to “run the beaches the way that people have come to expect.”
The new fee structure will take effect immediately. Seasonal resident parking passes can be purchased online, and they are also available daily at Second Beach, weather permitting.
The town also reminds residents that cash is only accepted for daily parking fees. People wishing to purchase a seasonal pass can do so online.
Read more on this from the Town of Middletown here – Rising Costs Force Beach Parking Fee Increase
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
Hahahaha. The town is charging what the market will bear. Fewer people will park at the beach so they won’t generate any more revenue. They won’t raise any less either. Last year the parking lot filled and people were turned away. The easiest way to fix that problem is to charge more to park. I think that is the real reason for the increase. My opinion.