For Release: October 16, 1997

Contact: Larry Mouradjian 277-2632

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management announced today that Lincoln Woods State Park will be closed to vehicle traffic on the nights of Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, and reopened during the daylight hours that weekend. The park will be permanently gated shut through the winter beginning Friday night, October 31.

The early closure is occurring because of concerns about disruptive and inappropriate after-hours use of the park. The need for the early closure was brought to the Department's attention by - and is being coordinated with - Sen. Jonathan F. Oster of Lincoln.

The closure is an annual event, which generally begins on December 1.

Pedestrians will still have daytime access to the park by parking at the beachfront off Twin River Road or by the maintenance headquarters off Louisquisset Pike.

"The Department has moved the date forward this year at the request of park neighbors in an effort to reduce vandalism and after hours vehicle activity," said Andrew McLeod, DEM Director. "The gated closure will help to control nuisances, and will help enforce our existing curfew which is from sunset to sunrise."

Senator Oster said, "The limiting of vehicle traffic makes for a safer, friendlier park. Most people who use the park at this time of year will appreciate the elimination of the speeding autos and the hazards they bring to the park atmosphere. The entire park will still be open for hikers, bicyclists, and other recreation activities, the automobiles will just be limited."