PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management awarded $3 million in matching grants to 15 municipalities to develop or renovate recreational facilities, Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announced Tuesday.
The funds were directed to 19 projects, and individual grants range from $77,600 to $300,000. The state expects that with the community matches, the investments into recreational improvements will total more than $5 million. The funds are part of the state’s “Green Space” grants offered through the DEM.
“Having clean, safe and attractive parks and recreational facilities in our communities provides tremendous economic, health and environmental benefits for Rhode Islanders,” stated Raimondo. “Modernizing playgrounds, sports fields and walking trails will encourage people to get outside, get active and explore our beautiful state.”
Applications were evaluated and scored by the R.I. Recreation Resources Review Committee.
“We’re thrilled to assist communities across Rhode Island to improve and expand their recreational facilities through these grant awards,” said DEM Director Janet L. Coit in a statement. “Providing people with places in their neighborhood to get outdoors and enjoy nature is part of DEM’s core mission, is good for health, fosters our next generation of environmental stewards, and ensures Rhode Island remains a wonderful place to live.”
The following are the projects and improvements funded as well as descriptions of the projects by the DEM (listed by size of grant and alphabetized):
Central Falls: Macomber Stadium softball/baseball field remediation, $300,000
- Remediation of softball/baseball fields; renovations to the irrigation system, bleachers and dugout; installation of perimeter fencing
Hopkinton: Langworthy Field improvements, phase II, $300,000
- Installation of a new shade pavilion, lighting, perimeter walking loop, benches, picnic tables, concrete seating wall, stormwater infiltration, cameras, bike rack and security cameras; upgrade the tot lot, expand parking and replace trees
Lincoln: Fairlawn Park renovation, $300,000
- Installation of new basketball and pickleball courts, shade pavilion, and concession stand; replacement of a play structure; and renovation of an existing walkway path, outfield fencing, and the exterior of an existing restroom facility
Middletown: Multiuse athletic fields on vacant drive-in property, $300,000
- Installation of two new multi-purpose recreation fields, ADA restrooms, security lighting, irrigation system, stormwater best management practices, buffer plantings, and an ADA sidewalk/steps/ramps from parking lot
Woonsocket: Cass Park softball field improvements and playground renovation, $300,000
- Installation of a new softball field, fencing and netting, benches, lighting, paved walkways, a new lawn area, scoreboard improvements and renovation of an existing playground
Barrington: Latham Park phase II, $234,400
- Installation of a new playground, pedestrian walkways, fitness trail, ADA viewing areas, stage, rain gardens and plantings, and renovations to the existing volleyball court and parking lot
Newport: Vernon Park tennis/pickleball courts, $180,000
- Renovation of existing tennis courts and installation of a pickleball court, new posts, nets, fencing, benches and an equipment storage box
Burrillville: Burrillville dog park and walking paths, $100,000
- Installation of a new fenced dog park near the existing animal shelter, walking paths, landscaping, and a 24-foot wide driveway with 24 parking spaces
Central Falls: River Island campground renovation, $100,000
Create additional camp sites and renovate the existing campground, walking trails and footbridge; increase kayak access points to the Blackstone River; remove poison ivy and add new fire pits
Cumberland: Eptheta Park multi-use field and sensory playground, $100,000
- Installation of a new multi-use field and sensory playground equipment for ages 1-8, and a six-car gravel parking lot
Newport: Miantonomi Park restrooms and upgrades, $100,000
- Installation of new restrooms, sidewalk, ADA access, multi-level drinking fountain and a bike rack corral
Providence: River Road small boat ramp and bank stabilization, $100,000
- Installation of a new concrete boat ramp, trash receptacles and signage; riverbank restoration and stabilization
South Kingstown: West Kingston Park playground improvements, $100,000
- Renovations to existing playground
Warwick: Salter’s Grove playground improvements, $100,000
- Improvements to existing playground, handicapped-accessible apparatus, installation of a safety surface, new picnic tables, benches, trash receptacles, fencing and landscaping
Coventry: Herbert Paine Memorial Park multisport court, $98,000
- Replacement of two tennis courts with eight multi-sport courts for low-impact sports such as pickleball and badminton; installation of new and upgraded fencing and mini-volleyball and para-sports courts for players in wheelchairs
Providence: Veazie Street Park fitness equipment, $96,000
- Installation of an outdoor learning and fitness challenge area and ADA pathways
Barrington: Police Cove Park public space enhancement project, $95,280
- Installation of a new water play feature, shade canopy, game tables and plantings
Jamestown: Taylor Point restrooms and restoration, $90,000
- Installation of a new restroom and improvements to the park entrance, including a new wooden guardrail, defined access points, signage and an ADA viewpoint
East Greenwich: Fry Brook outdoor fitness equipment, $77,600
- Installation of new, universally-accessible outdoor fitness equipment with ground surfacing and connections from walkways to an existing path
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
