GOVERNOR CARCIERI AND DEM ANNOUNCE $1.28 MILLION IN HISTORIC & PASSIVE PARK RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

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RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	August 15, 2008
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402

GOVERNOR CARCIERI AND DEM ANNOUNCE $1.28 MILLION IN HISTORIC & PASSIVE PARK RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that $1.28 million in passive and historic park recreational development grants has been awarded for 15 projects in 13 communities across the state. The grants will fund a variety of projects from Burrillville to Little Compton, including development of a new passive coastal park at Rocky Point in Warwick and renovation of the historic tower at Miantonomi Park in Newport.

"Rhode Island has a tremendous park system," Governor Donald L. Carcieri said. "These recreational development grants will support projects to improve our parks and ensure they are available for Rhode Islanders to enjoy for years to come."

DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, PhD said, "These funds are a great opportunity to work with communities to enhance some particularly special spaces that are hidden among us. They are special places where there is great local appreciation and where visitors can often peak into Rhode Island's past."

The grants are from the 2004 Open Space bond fund, and provide up to 90 percent funding for municipalities to acquire, develop or renovate passive and historic parks. The state grants will be matched by local bond funds and federal grants to generate $2.42 million in passive and historic recreational project improvements throughout Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee selected the 15 projects from a total of 34 applications. DEM is administering the grants.

The grants are as follows:

1. TOWN OF BARRINGTON: The town will establish pedestrian connections and park amenities within the Barrington Civic Center Historic District.

Project Cost: $122,350	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Peter A. DeAngelis, Jr., Town Manager	Telephone: 247-1900, ext. 308

2. TOWN OF BURRILLVILLE: The town will develop a multi-use pedestrian trail that will connect the villages of Harrisville and Pascoag. The path is approximately 6,200 feet long.

Project Cost: $100,000	Recreational Development Grant: $90,000
Contact Person: Tom Kravitz, Planning	Telephone: 568-4300, ext. 130

3. CITY OF CENTRAL FALLS: The city will restore the historic Jenks Park stone tower including stone stairs to the observation deck.

Project Cost: $130,000	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Arthur L Hanson, Director, Planning and Economic Development	Telephone: 727-7480

4. TOWN OF CUMBERLAND: The town will renovate the historic Valley Falls Heritage Park including removal of invasive species and installation of interpretive signs and landscaping.

Project Cost: $110,684	Recreational Development Grant: $98,490
Contact Person: John J. Aubin, III, Director of Planning and Community Development	Telephone: 728-2400, ext. 142

5. CITY OF EAST PROVIDENCE: The city will restore the historic pond in Squantum Woods Park for ice skating and install bike racks, benches, interpretive signs and a walking trail in the park.

Project Cost: $126,600	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Jeanne M. Boyle	Telephone: 435-7530

6. TOWN OF HOPKINTON: The town will develop Depot Square Park which will include a walkway, stone walls and a passive park.

Project Cost: $522,289	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Geoffrey A. Marchant, Director, Community Development Consortium	Telephone: 886-3213

7. TOWN OF LINCOLN: The town will develop a walkway and bridge to connect the historic Moffitt Mill, Chase Farm and Hannaway Blacksmith Shop.

Project Cost: $100,000	Recreational Development Grant: $90,000
Contact Person: Albert V. Ranaldi, Jr	Telephone: 333-8433

8. TOWN OF LITTLE COMPTON: The town will establish walking paths, parking, walls and picnic areas in the historic Town Commons area of Little Compton.

Project Cost: $166,000	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Robert L. Mushen, Town Council President	Telephone: 635-4569

9. TOWN OF NARRAGANSETT: The town will develop Casino Courtyard, a passive park located adjacent to the historic towers on Ocean Road and construct a fountain, seating and landscaping.

Project Cost: $250,000	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Jeffry Ceasrine, Town Mgr.	Telephone: 782-0632

10. CITY OF NEWPORT: The city will restore the historic tower in Miantonomi Park.

Project Cost: $111,000	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Bruce Bartlett, Susan Cooper	Telephone: 845-5473, 845-5801

11. CITY OF PAWTUCKET: The city will restore Friendship Gardens in Slater Park. The gardens were developed in the park in 1935.

Project Cost: $100,000	Recreational Development Grant: $90,000
Contact Person: Susan Mara, Senior Planner	Telephone: 724-5200

12. CITY OF PAWTUCKET: The city will renovate Hiker Park, which was developed in 1922 to honor military veterans.

Project Cost: $11,000	Recreational Development Grant: $10,000
Contact Person: Susan Mara, Senior Planner	Telephone: 724-5200

13. TOWN OF RICHMOND: The town will develop Knowles Mill Park, a historic passive and interpretive park that will be a focal point in the revitalization of Shannock Village.

Project Cost: $308,100	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Geoffrey A. Marchant	Telephone: 886-3213

14. CITY OF WARWICK: The city will develop a passive coastal park at Rocky Point.

Project Cost: $250,000	Recreational Development Grant: $100,000
Contact Person: Dan Geagan/Rick Crenca	Telephone: 738-2000, ext. 6295/6289

15. CITY OF WARWICK: The city will restore the Gaspee Point overlook and install interpretive signs to allow for viewing of Narragansett Bay and the site of the burning of the Gaspee.

Project Cost: $12,000	Recreational Development Grant: $10,800
Contact Person: Margaret Underwood Brugsman	Telephone: 468-4110

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