PROVIDENCE – A new pavilion at Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park will open with a ribbon ceremony on Friday to kick off Memorial Day weekend, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management announced. The $5.5 million project includes new concessions, restroom and shower facilities, an expanded nature center, and improved parking areas.
The pavilion was designed by Providence-based Brewster Thornton Group Architects and constructed by Ahlborg Construction Corp. of Warwick.
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Funding for the project came from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund and the R.I. Capital Plan Fund.
The project is designed to alleviate strain on the environment including the utilization of solar energy to reduce energy consumption, porous asphalt, passive ventilation and building daylighting.
The project also moved the swimming area away from sensitive wetlands and now utilizes the local water and sewer systems, eliminating the use of a well and septic system, both of which are aimed at improving water quality and limiting the environmental effects of the park on the surrounding area.
The landscape design also includes native, non-invasive species that require minimal irrigation.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this project and to offer our visitors new, modern amenities while they enjoy a relaxing day at the beach,” said DEM Director Janet Coit in a statement. “Lincoln Woods is a special place – known for its history, beauty and tranquility and where suburbanites and city dwellers converge to take refuge beneath its trees and by the shore of Olney Pond. I am so pleased that this project will not only provide better facilities to beachgoers but also help improve water quality in the pond, which benefits our environment and all park visitors.”
The ribbon-cutting will take place at the Beach Pavilion Nature Center at 10:30 a.m. on May 26.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
