Hines Field will be open for free parking most weekends this summer and there will most likely be free shuttle service to the beach as well.

Selectmen approved a proposal Tuesday by Beach and Tourism Committee Chairman Bruce Hutchins to open the field to parking and authorized him to ask the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority to provide shuttle service from the parking lot to the beach.

GATRA administrator Francis Gay, who was also at the meeting, said GATRA was willing to provide that serivice. Gay was also appointed to the Beach and Tourism Committee on Tuesday.

Hutchins said the impending parking plan for the town will end up causing negative feelings for some when it is implemented.

"By having Hines open for this year only and providing this free transportation you will be creating a little bit of a positive viewpoint," Hutchins said.

Town Administrator Derek Sullivan said the plan is to eventually charge for parking in Hines Field, but not this year.

"Before we would even think about charging we would want the entire field upgraded including surfacing and proper lighting for the night time," Sullivan said.

"If we're not going to do anything with it and not collect any money then it doesn't make any sense not to let them use it," Selectman Patrick Tropeano said.

The free parking would not occur on weekends with special events that would have an attendant and charge for parking.

Selectman Peter Teitelbaum said the town of Plymouth was used as a model for this plan. He said this plan would also help resolve some of the employee parking issues in restaurants in Onset.

"It's going to be good for those who are willing to walk or stand out and wait for the shuttle, but I think the idea for the overflow parking for the businesses is the best thing we've gotten out of this tonight," he said.