Imagine sipping on a seaside smoothie while watching the waves crash, only to find your favorite beach shrinking away—literally. That's the looming reality for Second Beach in Middletown, Rhode Island, as officials gear up for major changes before the summer of 2026. But here's where it gets intriguing: these tweaks aren't just about maintenance; they're sparking debates on how we balance preservation with progress in our coastal havens.
Nestled on Aquidneck Island, Second Beach—affectionately dubbed Sachuest Beach—is one of two sprawling public shores managed by the Town of Middletown, with its counterpart being Third Beach. Renowned as a hotspot for surfers and beachgoers alike, it boasts a charming concession stand that dishes out iconic treats, such as the now-famous twin lobster rolls. These delicacies were once a staple at Easton's Beach in nearby Newport, but after the city tore down its dilapidated snack bar due to structural issues, Second Beach stepped in to keep the tradition alive. According to town figures, on a sunny summer, this sandy paradise rakes in over $2 million in revenue, making it a economic powerhouse for the community.
Yet, like many beaches across the nation—including its neighbor Easton's Beach—Second Beach is grappling with a persistent challenge: coastal erosion. This natural process wears away the shoreline over time, stripping sand and exacerbating the effects of rising sea levels. To put it simply for beginners, think of erosion as the ocean's way of reclaiming land—slowly but surely, like a patient artist sculpting sand castles into oblivion. In March, the town commissioned a detailed report outlining a step-by-step strategy to combat this, focusing on protecting the existing sand to maintain the beach's allure.
And this is the part most people miss: the town's innovative, temporary solution that might just change how we think about beach conservation. During the off-season, they'll erect temporary snow fencing around half of the eight pathways leading to the beach, allowing the other four to remain open for walkers and joggers. Beach Manager Michael McGourty explained in a press release that this fencing, influenced by wind patterns, traps sand on either side, building up the dunes much like how snow fencing prevents drifts in winter. It's a tactic they've tested successfully before, recommended by experts in coastal management. "We recognize the beach's significance to everyone and wanted to share these updates," McGourty noted. "We've experimented with various methods to retain sand, and this is a promising one endorsed by specialists."
Rest assured, these barriers will vanish well before the 2026 summer crowds arrive, ensuring no disruption to your beach days. But hold on—these aren't the only upgrades brewing at Second Beach.
Middletown is set to expand the concession stand's service area by adding 700 square feet, swapping out the current pavilion deck for a sturdier version crafted from concrete and wood. This enhancement will provide more space for vendors and visitors, potentially boosting amenities like those legendary lobster rolls. The town issued an Invitation to Bid in September, with designs already finalized by Crossman Engineering of Warwick. Bids closed on October 8, and the Middletown Town Council is slated to award the contract to E. W. Berman Inc. at their October 20 meeting.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is this expansion a smart investment in tourism, or is it encroaching on the natural beauty that draws us to the shore? Some might argue that more built structures could accelerate erosion or commercialize a once-pristine space, turning a serene escape into a bustling hub. Others see it as essential for sustaining jobs and keeping the beach vibrant. What do you think—should coastal towns prioritize preservation over development, or is there room for both?
As these changes unfold, it's a reminder that our beaches aren't static; they're dynamic ecosystems demanding careful stewardship. If you've got thoughts on balancing nature with progress, or if you've experienced similar shifts at your local shore, drop them in the comments below. Agree or disagree—we'd love to hear your take!
