Link to DEM Home Page Link to State of RI web site RIDEM graphical banner, showing land and water scene
Navigation button, HomeNavigation button, ProgramsNavigation button, TopicsNavigation button, MapsNavigation button, PublicationsNavigation button, NewsNavigation button, EventsNavigation button, SearchNavigation button, HelpNavigation button, Contact
Home > News > News Item

 
News Release
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
For Release: November 23, 2004
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM TO HOLD DECEMBER 8 INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON DEVELOPMENT OF NEW STATE PARK IN JOHNSTON

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management, in cooperation with the Town of Johnston, will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, December 8 to review conceptual design plans for the development of the proposed Snake Den State Park in Johnston. The meeting will take place in the Johnston Municipal Courthouse located at 1395 Atwood Avenue in Crossroads Commons Plaza.

The proposed 1,100-acre park will be developed on Route 6 - Hartford Avenue, and will feature picnic areas, open fields, an interscholastic cross country track, and equestrian and hiking trails. In addition to the standard park development, a waterpark is also included in the preliminary design plans. The proposed waterpark could include "water slides," a "lazy river," and other water features typically found in this type of development.

Frederick Vincent, Acting Director of DEM said, "The development of final design plans for Snake Den State Park is a major and very exciting undertaking for the Department. DEM is prepared to seek significant capital resources for this project, and we look forward to discussing the development plans for the park with the residents of Johnston."

Johnston Mayor William Macera said, "I am thrilled that the state is moving forward to bring a new recreational facility to the Town of Johnston. When developed, this new state park will provide new and expanded recreation opportunities for residents of the entire northwest section of Rhode Island."

The December 8 meeting will begin with an information session that will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This informal session will offer the public an opportunity to view design plans and ask questions about the proposed new park. At 6:30 p.m., Johnston Mayor William Macera, along with town officials, representatives from DEM, and the design consultants, will give a formal presentation on the final design plans for Snake Den State Park.

The conceptual design for the proposed new state park has been completed. Construction of the project is expected to begin by the middle of 2006, pending approval of capital funds by the Governor and General Assembly.

-30-
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer