reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-17. - Persons with disabilities.

§ 32-1-17. Persons with disabilities.
No fee shall be charged any person with a disability regardless of age, or to automobiles transporting a non-driver with a disability, at any recreational facility owned and operated by the state; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the department of environmental management. For the purpose of this section “person with a disability” shall mean an individual who has a physical or mental impairment and is receiving:
(a)
Social security disability benefits (SSDI);
(b)
Supplemental security income benefits (SSI); or
(c)
Veterans benefits and who shall be determined under applicable federal law by the federal department of veterans’ affairs to be one hundred percent (100%) disabled through a service-connected disability.
For purpose of this section, “fees” shall include all fees for parking, admittance, or other user fees for playing golf. The term “fees” shall not include licensing fees, camping fees, picnic table fees, or specialized facility use fees, including, but not limited to, fees for the use of equestrian areas, performing arts centers, game fields, and mule shed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 127, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-18. - Senior citizens.

§ 32-1-18. Senior citizens.
No entrance fee shall be charged to any person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and who is eligible to participate in the Rhode Island pharmaceutical assistance to the elderly program, and an entrance fee not exceeding one-half (½) of the established and posted rates shall be charged to any other person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older at any recreational facility owned and operated exclusively by the state, excepting docking slips; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 85, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 14, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-19. - Ten Mile River state park — Regulation of use and vehicles — Penalties for violations.

§ 32-1-19. Ten Mile River state park — Regulation of use and vehicles — Penalties for violations.
No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle within the Ten Mile River state park between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.), nor shall any person enter or remain upon the premises of the Ten Mile River state park during those hours. No person shall operate, or be in actual physical control of, any motorcycle, motor scooter, or other motor driven cycle within the Ten Mile River state park except within the area designated for their use or parking. Every person convicted of any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five dollars ($5.00), nor more than one hundred and fifty dollars ($150), or by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) days.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 228, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-20. - Goddard park — Exemption for disabled veteran.

§ 32-1-20. Goddard park — Exemption for disabled veteran.
Any veteran who is a resident of the state, and who shall be determined under applicable federal law by the federal department of veterans’ affairs to be totally disabled through a service-connected disability, shall be exempt from paying any fee to play golf at the Goddard park golf course.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 107, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-21. - Snake Den Park — Restrictions on future use.

§ 32-1-21. Snake Den Park — Restrictions on future use.
The park in the town of Johnston, known as Snake Den Park, shall not be used as a water park, as herein defined, or for an amusement park. “Water park” shall, for the purposes of this section, mean any man-made swimming pool, pond, lake, or water-supplied area designed and/or used for recreation.
History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 292, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-1 - General Provisions › Section 32-1-22. - Gold Star families.

§ 32-1-22. Gold Star families.
No entrance fee shall be charged to any person who is a Gold Star family member at any recreational facility owned and operated exclusively by the state, except for docking slips; provided, however, proper identification is presented as prescribed by the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 152, § 1, effective June 20, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 153, § 1, effective June 20, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-1. - Area included in district.

§ 32-2-1. Area included in district.
The jurisdiction and powers of the director of environmental management, insofar as the jurisdiction and powers relate to metropolitan parks, shall extend to, and may be exercised in, the cities of Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, Warwick, and Central Falls; the towns of East Providence, Johnston, North Providence, Lincoln, and Barrington; and the voting districts numbers three (3), four (4), and five (5) in the town of Cumberland. Those cities, towns, and voting districts shall constitute the metropolitan park district.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 1; P.L. 1909, ch. 410, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-2. - Acquisition of land for parks.

§ 32-2-2. Acquisition of land for parks.
The department of environmental management shall have the power to acquire, maintain, and make available to the inhabitants of the metropolitan park district, and to the public generally, open spaces for exercise and recreation, and for intercommunication between them and adjacent streets and highways; and to this end, and acting as far as may be in consultation with the respective city and town councils and park commissioners of the cities and towns listed in § 32-2-1, the director of environmental management is hereby authorized to take in fee simple or otherwise, in the name and for the benefit of the state, by purchase, gift, or devise, or by eminent domain in such a manner as may now or hereafter be provided by the general assembly, lands and interests, estates, and rights therein, for the public use within the metropolitan park district, and to enter into written contracts for the conveyance thereof to the department, for those purposes and uses, and further, to improve, preserve, care for, and administer those public reservations, and also, in the discretion of the director, and upon such terms and conditions as he or she may approve, such other lands and interests, estates, and rights therein, or funds in trust, as may be entrusted, given, conveyed, or devised to the department or to the state by the United States or by cities, towns, corporations, or individuals for the general purposes of this chapter, or for any one or more of those purposes, as the grantor, donor, or devisor may designate; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the existing rights of any city or town in relation to water supply purposes, or in any way obstruct or destroy the privilege of any such city or town to take advantage of those rights.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-3. - Purchase of land by agreement.

§ 32-2-3. Purchase of land by agreement.
If any person shall agree in writing with the director for the price of his or her land or for his or her interest, right, or estate therein, so taken, the amount thus agreed upon shall be paid to him or her forthwith upon the delivery by him or her of a good and sufficient warranty or other deed satisfactory to the director in fee simple.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-4. - Rules and regulations — Enforcement — Powers of director.

§ 32-2-4. Rules and regulations — Enforcement — Powers of director.
(a)
The director of the department of environmental management may make rules and regulations for the control, government, and use of all the public properties and highways under his or her care. A person violating the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section shall be guilty of a civil violation and be subject to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each offense. Jurisdiction over violations of this section shall be with the traffic tribunal. In accordance with chapter 17.10 of title 42, any person charged with violating the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this section may elect to dispose of the charge without personally appearing before the traffic tribunal by mailing or delivering the form and summons to the traffic tribunal with a check or money order in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100). In general, the director may do all acts needful for the proper execution of the powers and duties granted to, and imposed upon, the director by the terms of this chapter. The director shall also have power to expend such funds as may be given in trust, and the income thereof, in accordance with the terms of the trusts, as provided for in § 32-2-6.
(b)
Those persons duly authorized by the director of the department of environmental management to exercise the powers specified in §§ 2-10-13, 2-12-8, 2-12-19, 37-15-2, and/or 46-22-17, may also be commissioned by the director of the department to enforce any rules or regulations promulgated by the director of the department as applicable to public properties under his or her care.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-4; P.L. 1972, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 171, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 253, § 7; P.L. 2007, ch. 294, § 7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-5. - Disbursement of funds held in treasury.

§ 32-2-5. Disbursement of funds held in treasury.
To meet the expenses incurred under the foregoing provisions of this chapter, the state controller is hereby authorized and directed, upon receipt of vouchers properly authenticated by the director of environmental management, to draw his or her orders on the general treasurer for the payment of the vouchers, from the amounts hitherto appropriated by, and from any other moneys held in the general treasury under the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 4; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-6. - Acceptance of gifts — Metropolitan park trust fund.

§ 32-2-6. Acceptance of gifts — Metropolitan park trust fund.
The general treasurer is hereby directed, authorized, and empowered, with the approval of the governor, to receive, take title to, and hold in trust for the state, exempt from taxation, any gift, grant, or devise, of lands or interests, estates or rights therein, and any gift or bequest of money or other personal property, made for the purposes of this chapter, subject to the approval of the director of environmental management; and unless otherwise provided by the terms of any gift or bequest of money or other personal property, the general treasurer shall preserve and invest that money or the proceeds of that other personal property in notes and bonds secured by good and sufficient mortgage security, or in such securities as by law the sinking fund commission is authorized to invest. The trust property and real estate shall be known as the metropolitan park trust fund and shall be used under the direction of the department of environmental management, subject to the orders of the director of the department, under the terms of such trusts as may be provided by the donors thereof.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 200; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-7. - Agreements with cities and towns — Transfer of control of parks.

§ 32-2-7. Agreements with cities and towns — Transfer of control of parks.
Any city or town within the metropolitan park district is hereby authorized and empowered to transfer the care and control of any open space owned or controlled by it to the department of environmental management, upon such terms and conditions and for such period as may be mutually agreed upon; or to enter into an agreement in writing with the department for the joint care, control, or preservation of open spaces within or adjacent to the city or town; and the department of environmental management may in like manner transfer the care, control, and preservation of any open space controlled by it to any city or town within the metropolitan park district, with the consent of that city or town and upon such terms and for such period as may be mutually agreed upon.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-9. - Payment of assessments by cities and towns.

§ 32-2-9. Payment of assessments by cities and towns.
The amount of money required each year from each city and town of the metropolitan park district to meet the interest, sinking fund requirements, and expenses for each year, and the deficiency, if any, shall be estimated by the general treasurer in accordance with the proportion as determined in § 32-2-8, and shall be included in, and made a part of, the sum charged in the city or town and shall be annually assessed upon it. The general treasurer shall in each year give notice to each city and town of the amount of the assessment, and each of the cities and towns shall pay its respective assessments, into the state treasury, one-half (½) thereof to be paid on or before April 15 and one-half (½) thereof to be paid on or before October 15, in each year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1907, ch. 1466, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 238, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-10. - Appointment of park police.

§ 32-2-10. Appointment of park police.
The director of the department of environmental management may, from time to time, appoint one or more persons who may act at the expense of the funds to the credit of the director of environmental management, in the hands of the general treasurer, as police officers upon the premises, subject to the control of the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1077, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-10; P.L. 1972, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-11. - Powers of park police.

§ 32-2-11. Powers of park police.
All full-time park policemen assigned to the division of enforcement within the department of environmental management, including the chief of the division and the chief of the metropolitan park police, shall have and may exercise, on any property under the jurisdiction of the department of environmental management, with regard to the enforcement of the criminal laws and all rules and regulations of the department of environmental management, all the powers of deputy sheriffs, town police officers, and constables, provided, however, that when any person is suspected of having committed a felony, the superintendent of state police, as he or she shall so require, shall be notified.
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1077, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-11; P.L. 1972, ch. 83, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 61.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-12. - Park police auxiliary force.

§ 32-2-12. Park police auxiliary force.
The director of the department of environmental management is authorized to recruit, train, and organize a park police auxiliary force to serve on a seasonal or part-time basis and possessing such qualifications as he or she shall determine. The park police auxiliary force shall at all times be under the direction of the chief of the division of enforcement in the department of environmental management. Members of the park police auxiliary force shall carry out such duties and functions as may be assigned to them from time to time by the chief of the division of enforcement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1077, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 12; impl. am. P.L. 1952, ch. 2973, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-12; P. L. 1972, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-13. - Duties of auxiliary force — Limitations.

§ 32-2-13. Duties of auxiliary force — Limitations.
Members of the park police auxiliary force shall be equipped with uniforms prescribed by the chief of the division of enforcement and delegated specific police powers and specific police duties. They may bear and use firearms only when specifically authorized by the chief and only when in uniform and while assigned to active duty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1914, ch. 1077, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 279, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 220, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 32-2-13; P.L. 1972, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-14. - Use of state owned golf courses.

§ 32-2-14. Use of state owned golf courses.
No fee shall be charged to any person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and who is eligible to participate in the Rhode Island pharmaceutical assistance to the elderly program and an entrance fee not exceeding one half (½) of the established and posted rates shall be charged any other person sixty-five (65) years of age and older for the playing of golf on any golf course owned and operated by the state.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-2-14; P.L. 1959, ch. 63, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 138, art. 14, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-2 - Metropolitan Park District › Section 32-2-15. - Local police authority.

§ 32-2-15. Local police authority.
All members of local city and town police departments shall have, and may exercise, all powers and authority of police officers on any property under the jurisdiction of the department of environmental management and within the territory of the respective city or town with regard to the enforcement of the criminal laws and all rules and regulations of the department of environmental management.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 190, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-1. - Local regulations — Prosecution of violations.

§ 32-3-1. Local regulations — Prosecution of violations.
Town councils and city councils may pass such ordinances, bylaws, and regulations as they may think proper in relation to the care, management, and use of the public parks, squares, or grounds within the limits of their respective towns or cities, and may prescribe punishment for the violation thereof by a fine not exceeding twenty dollars ($20.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding ten (10) days for each offense. Every deputy sheriff, town sergeant, town constable, or police officer, or any officer authorized to serve criminal process, may arrest, without a warrant, any person who does any criminal act or willfully violates any of those ordinances, bylaws, or regulations in any of those public parks, squares, or grounds, and may detain that person until a complaint can be made against him or her, and he or she can be taken upon a warrant issued upon that complaint; provided, that the arrest and detention without a warrant shall not continue longer than the space of six (6) hours when the arrest is made between the hours of 4 o’clock in the morning (4:00 a.m.) and 8 o’clock in the evening (8:00 p.m.), and when made at any other hour, the person arrested shall not be detained after 10 o’clock in the morning (10:00 a.m.) of the following day.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 40, § 24; G.L. 1909, ch. 50, § 25; P.L. 1913, ch. 950, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 51, § 25; G.L. 1938, ch. 333, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-1; P.L. 2012, ch. 324, § 62; P.L. 2015, ch. 260, § 33; P.L. 2015, ch. 275, § 33.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-2. - Establishment of public recreation systems.

§ 32-3-2. Establishment of public recreation systems.
The city council of any city or the town council of any town may vote to establish a system of public recreation and may, by ordinance or resolution, vest in the school committee, the board in control of public parks, a board of recreation established as provided for in this chapter, the authority to establish, construct, equip, control, and maintain public playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, bathing places, and other community recreation centers, and to conduct and promote recreation, play, sport, and physical training for which admission or other fees may be charged.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 24; P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-3. - Powers of agency in charge of system.

§ 32-3-3. Powers of agency in charge of system.
The board or committee that may be authorized pursuant to § 32-3-2 to exercise those powers stated therein may conduct its activities on land and in buildings, adapted or adaptable for those purposes, owned by the city or town, with the consent of the committee or board in control of that property, or on land or in buildings that may hereafter be acquired for those purposes by gift, purchase, or lease; and may also in its discretion take charge of and use any place or places that any person or persons may offer the use of for purposes herein enumerated. The board or committee may employ a superintendent of recreation, teachers, and other officers and may fix their compensation. The board or committee may authorize the use of such property as may be under its control for any other municipal purpose, or by any person, society, or other organization for such other public, recreational, social, or educational purposes as the board or committee may deem proper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 24; P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-3; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 53.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-4. - Board of recreation.

§ 32-3-4. Board of recreation.
If a city council or town council shall vote to establish a board of recreation, the city council or town council shall, by ordinance or resolution, specify the number of members on the board of recreation, the manner of their appointment, and the term for which they are chosen, and may provide that a member of the school committee, the city council, or town council, and the board in control of public parks in that city or town shall be ex officio members of the board of recreation.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 47, § 24; P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-5. - Joint recreational committees.

§ 32-3-5. Joint recreational committees.
The respective boards or committees of two (2) or more towns or cities, exercising the powers conferred by §§ 32-3-2 — 32-3-6, may vote to unite as a joint committee for the purpose of employing a superintendent of recreation, teachers, supervisors, and other officers; may fix their compensation; and shall apportion the amount to be paid by each of the towns on the basis of the next preceding federal census. The joint committee shall be the agent of each town represented thereon.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, ch. 47, § 24; P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-6. - Appropriations for recreation systems.

§ 32-3-6. Appropriations for recreation systems.
Any city or town may appropriate money for:
(1)
The acquisition by lease or purchase, or for the equipment, of land or buildings for the purposes enumerated in §§ 32-3-2 — 32-3-5;
(2)
The operation of playgrounds and recreation places; and
(3)
The carrying on of recreation activities.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, ch. 47, § 24; P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-7. - Special laws unaffected.

§ 32-3-7. Special laws unaffected.
The provisions of §§ 32-3-2 — 32-3-6 shall not affect the provisions of any special law respecting any particular city or town, none of which are repealed hereby.
History of Section.
P.L. 1924, ch. 553, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 30; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-8. - Town forests.

§ 32-3-8. Town forests.
Towns may appropriate sums of money for the purpose of acquiring certain lands to be set apart as town forests and may expend money for developing and planting those town forests and for the necessary nursery stock required for planting purposes, provided, that the expenditures shall be authorized by the town at a legal town meeting in accordance with law. Towns may also acquire, by gift or bequest, lands for town forests and may reclaim and plant those lands.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, ch. 47, § 27; P.L. 1929, ch. 1389, § 1; P.L. 1930, ch. 1617, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 329, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-9. - Town forest and park commissions.

§ 32-3-9. Town forest and park commissions.
The town council of any town is hereby authorized to appoint five (5) persons who shall constitute the forest and park commission of that town, to serve for a term of one, two (2), three (3), four (4), and five (5) years, respectively. Annually thereafter, at the meeting held for the purpose of appointments of town officers, any town council shall appoint one member of the commission to replace the member whose term shall next expire and who shall serve for a term of five (5) years and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. In case of vacancy in the commission, the town council shall fill the vacancy forthwith by appointment for the unexpired term.
History of Section.
P.L. 1954, ch. 3349, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-10. - Supervision of parks and forests — Plans and recommendations.

§ 32-3-10. Supervision of parks and forests — Plans and recommendations.
A town forest and park commission shall have supervision and control of all the forests acquired by that town under the provisions of § 32-3-8, or which may be otherwise acquired, and of the public parks of that town. The commission shall, from time to time, make such recommendations and submit such plans to the town council of the town as to the commission shall seem proper relative to the improvement and beautifying of the public parks and places in the town, to the preservation of objects and places of especial interest therein, whether owing to their natural attractiveness, their historical associations, or otherwise, and relative to the general development and enhancement of the natural beauties of the town, its surroundings and approaches, and shall annually make a written report of its administration to the financial town meeting.
History of Section.
P.L. 1954, ch. 3349, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-11. - Reforestation projects.

§ 32-3-11. Reforestation projects.
A town forest and park commission shall also have jurisdiction over forest management projects and the reforestation of any land owned by that town and shall provide for that reforestation and may cooperate with the state in reforestation of any rural lands within that town under such terms as may be deemed to be for the public benefit of that town and with the approval of the town council.
History of Section.
P.L. 1954, ch. 3349, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-3 - Town Forests, Parks, and Recreation Systems › Section 32-3-12. - Expenses and appropriations for commissions.

§ 32-3-12. Expenses and appropriations for commissions.
The members of any town forest and park commission shall serve without compensation. They shall have no authority to spend any money or to contract any indebtedness for, or on account of, the town, other than such moneys as shall be appropriated and placed at their disposal for the purposes aforesaid, or such indebtedness as they may be especially authorized to incur by the town at some regularly called meeting of the electors thereof who are entitled to vote upon any proposition to impose a tax.
History of Section.
P.L. 1954, ch. 3349, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 32-3-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-1. - Short title.

§ 32-4-1. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Green Acres Land Acquisition Act of 1964”.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-1; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-2. - Legislative declaration.

§ 32-4-2. Legislative declaration.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(1)
Providing land for public recreation and the conservation of natural resources promotes the public health, prosperity, and general welfare and is a proper responsibility of government;
(2)
The lands now provided for those purposes will not be adequate to meet the needs of the expanding population in years to come;
(3)
The expansion of population, while increasing the need for those lands, will continually diminish the supply thereof and will tend to increase the cost to the public of acquiring lands suitable and appropriate for those purposes; and
(4)
The state should act now to acquire and to assist local governments to acquire substantial quantities of those lands now available so that they may be used and preserved for future use for those purposes.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-2; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-3. - Definitions.

§ 32-4-3. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context shall otherwise require:
(1)
“Director” means the director of administration or his or her designated representative;
(2)
“Land” or “lands” means and includes real property, and improvements thereon, rights of way, water, riparian and other rights and easements, conservation easements, scenic easements, privileges, present and future estates, and interests of every kind and description in real property;
(3)
“Local unit” means a city or town or any agency thereof; and
(4)
“Recreation and conservation purposes” means and includes use of lands for agriculture, parks, natural areas, forests, camping, fishing, wetlands and marsh lands preservation, wildlife habitat, hunting, golfing, boating, winter sports, scenic preservation, and similar uses for public outdoor recreation and conservation of natural resources.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-3; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-4. - Application of funds.

§ 32-4-4. Application of funds.
(a)
The director shall use the sum appropriated by this chapter, and such other sums as may be appropriated or as may otherwise be available from time to time, for the purposes herein set forth, to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes and to make grants to assist local units to acquire lands for those purposes, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed by this chapter.
(b)
The director is authorized for and on behalf of the state, with the approval of the governor, to apply for, and accept from, the federal government or any department or agency thereof assistance that may become available for the purposes of this chapter, whether it be in the form of a loan or grant or otherwise; to accept the provisions of any federal legislation or regulations therefor; to enter into contracts in connection therewith; and to act as agent for the federal government in connection therewith or to designate a subordinate so to act. To obtain federal assistance, the director is authorized to comply with any federal law, or rules and regulations thereunder, and to meet such federal requirements as may be made conditions precedent to receiving federal assistance.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-4; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-5. - Duties of director.

§ 32-4-5. Duties of director.
In acquiring lands and making grants to assist local units to acquire lands, the director shall:
(1)
Seek to achieve a reasonable balance among all areas of the state in consideration of the relative adequacy of area recreation and conservation facilities at the time and the relative anticipated future needs for additional recreation and conservation facilities;
(2)
Give due consideration to the special park requirement needs of urban areas;
(3)
Give due consideration to acquiring unusual or unique natural areas;
(4)
Insofar as practicable, and except as provided in subdivision (3) of this section, limit acquisition to predominately open and natural land in order to minimize the cost of acquisition and the expense of rendering land suitable for recreation and conservation purposes;
(5)
Wherever possible, select land for acquisition that is suitable for multiple recreation and conservation purposes and contains an area sufficiently large to make practical its use for those purposes;
(6)
Give due consideration to coordination with the plans of other departments of state government with respect to land use or acquisition. For this purpose, the director is authorized to use the facilities of the department of economic development and any agency, commission, or interdepartmental committee; and
(7)
Encourage contiguous local units to develop joint plans with respect to land use or acquisition for recreation and conservation purposes.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-5; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-6. - Acquisition of lands.

§ 32-4-6. Acquisition of lands.
Lands acquired under this chapter by the state shall be acquired by the director with the approval of the governor by purchase, gift, devise, or otherwise on such terms and conditions as the director shall determine, or by the exercise of eminent domain, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 6 of title 37, insofar as those provisions are consistent with the provisions of this chapter. This power of acquisition shall extend to lands held by any local unit.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-6; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-7. - Rules and regulations.

§ 32-4-7. Rules and regulations.
The director shall prescribe rules and regulations governing the administration, operation, and use of lands acquired by the state under this chapter to effect the purpose of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-7; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-8. - Acquisition of lands by local units.

§ 32-4-8. Acquisition of lands by local units.
Local units are hereby authorized and empowered to acquire lands for the conservation and recreation purposes of this chapter. If the director approves the acquisition of lands by a local unit with state assistance, the lands may be acquired in the name of the local unit in any manner the local unit is authorized by law to acquire real property; provided, however, that if the acquisition is by eminent domain, it shall conform with the provisions of chapter 1 of title 24, insofar as they are consistent with the provisions of this chapter. In acquiring land for the conservation and recreation purposes of this chapter, the local unit may deal directly with the federal government or any department or agency thereof.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-8; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-9. - State grants — Application.

§ 32-4-9. State grants — Application.
A state grant to assist a local unit to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes shall not be made under this chapter until:
(1)
The local unit has applied to the director on forms prescribed by the director:
(i)
Describing the lands for the acquisition of which the grant is sought;
(ii)
Stating the recreation and/or conservation purpose or purposes to which the lands will be devoted, and the facts that give rise to the need for the lands for that purpose;
(iii)
Setting forth a comprehensive plan for the development of the lands approved by the governing body of the local unit; and
(iv)
Stating such other matters as the director shall prescribe;
(2)
The director shall have prescribed the terms and conditions under which the grant applied for will be made; and
(3)
The local unit shall have filed with the director its acceptance of the terms and conditions and has otherwise complied with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-9; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-10. - Regulation of lands.

§ 32-4-10. Regulation of lands.
A state grant shall not be made under this chapter until the local unit has adopted regulations governing the administration, use, and development of the lands in question and until the director shall have approved them. No regulation may be altered thereafter without the approval of the director.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-10; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-11. - Percentage of state grants.

§ 32-4-11. Percentage of state grants.
Grants under this chapter shall be made by the director. In the case of a single, local unit, the grant shall be in an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the nonfederal share of the cost of the lands, and in the case of two (2) or more contiguous local units that shall join together to present a joint comprehensive plan for the development of those units approved by their respective governing bodies, the grant shall be in an amount equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the nonfederal share of the cost of the lands.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-11; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 511, art. 2, § 54.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-12. - Diversion from use.

§ 32-4-12. Diversion from use.
(a)
Lands acquired by one or more local units with the aid of a state grant under this chapter shall not be disposed of or diverted to a use for other than recreation and conservation purposes without the approval of the director. That approval shall not be given unless the local unit or units shall agree to repay to the state the amount of the state grant given to the local unit or units under the provisions of § 32-4-11.
(b)
Lands acquired by the state under this chapter shall not be disposed of or diverted to use for other than recreation and conservation purposes without the approval of the governor.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-12; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-13. - Acquisition of lands by private sale.

§ 32-4-13. Acquisition of lands by private sale.
Any other provision of law notwithstanding, the state may acquire lands under this chapter from any local unit at private sale.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-13; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-14. - Authority of director.

§ 32-4-14. Authority of director.
The director is authorized to do all things necessary, useful, or convenient to carry out his or her duties under this chapter, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Obtaining engineering, inspection, legal, financial, geological, hydrological, and other professional services, estimates, and advice;
(2)
Entering on any lands for the purpose of making surveys, borings, soundings, or other inspections or examinations;
(3)
Prescribing rules and regulations to implement any provisions of this chapter; and
(4)
Entering into arrangements with the federal government as provided for in this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-14; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-4 - Green Acres Land Acquisition › Section 32-4-15. - Allocation of appropriations — Acquisition and development fund.

§ 32-4-15. Allocation of appropriations — Acquisition and development fund.
(a)
Unless otherwise provided, money appropriated for use in executing the provisions of this chapter shall be allocated as follows:
(1)
With respect to acquisition of lands by the state hereunder, two-thirds (⅔) thereof; and
(2)
With respect to state grants under this chapter to assist local units to acquire lands, one-third (⅓) thereof.
(b)
Such sums as may be from time to time appropriated or otherwise made available by the issue of bonds for the acquisitions contemplated by this chapter shall be held in a separate fund, and be deposited in such depositories as may be selected by the general treasurer to the credit of the fund, which shall be known as the recreation and conservation land acquisition and development fund of 1964. The moneys in the said recreation and conservation land acquisition and development fund are hereby specifically dedicated to meeting the cost of public acquisition and development of land for recreation and conservation purposes and shall not be expended except in accordance with law.
History of Section.
G.L. 1956, § 32-4-15; P.L. 1964, ch. 174, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-5 - Bridle and Hiking Trails › Section 32-5-1. - Preservation.

§ 32-5-1. Preservation.
All recognized bridle and hiking trails situated upon state property as of June 4, 1971 shall remain in existence unless and until closed pursuant to the provisions of § 32-5-2. All of those trails shall be reasonably accessible to any horserider or hiker during the daylight hours.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 62, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-5 - Bridle and Hiking Trails › Section 32-5-2. - Closing.

§ 32-5-2. Closing.
No bridle or hiking trail shall be closed except by the director of environmental management and only after the director, after a public hearing of which due and proper notice is given, shall have found as a fact that the trail is not used at all and that there is no prospect for future use.
History of Section.
P.L. 1971, ch. 62, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-6 - Public Use of Private Lands — Liability Limitations › Section 32-6-1. - Purpose of chapter.

§ 32-6-1. Purpose of chapter.
The purpose of this chapter is to encourage owners of land to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting their liability to persons entering thereon for those purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 375, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 32 - Parks and Recreational Areas › Chapter 32-6 - Public Use of Private Lands — Liability Limitations › Section 32-6-2. - Definitions.

§ 32-6-2. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1)
“Charge” means the admission price or fee asked in return for invitation or permission to enter or go upon the land;
(2)
“Land” means land, roads, water, watercourses, private ways and buildings, structures, and machinery or equipment when attached to the realty;
(3)
“Owner” means the private-owner possessor of a fee interest, or tenant, lessee, occupant, or person in control of the premises, including the state and municipalities;
(4)
“Recreational purposes” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following, or any combination thereof: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, water sports, viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, and all other recreational purposes contemplated by this chapter; and
(5)
“User” means any person using land for recreational purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 1978, ch. 375, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 234, § 1.