$2M in grants awarded to local recreation projects in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Officials announced Monday the awarding of $2 million in grants for local recreation projects in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management shared that 11 municipalities would receive funding to develop or renovate local outdoor recreational facilities.

“Increasing opportunities for Rhode Islanders to get outdoors and recreate improves mental well-being, public health, and quality of life,” said Governor Dan McKee in a statement.

Large grants were awarded to the following projects:

• Central Falls: Historic Jenks Park Restoration, $400,000. Open Air Performance Stage, open lawn and seating area, new concrete pathways, site furnishings and signage.
• East Providence: Providence Avenue Park Splash Pad, $200,000. New splashpad with fencing, bike racks and trees.
• Pawtucket: John Street Splash Pad and Playground Improvements, $400,000. Renovate existing playground with inclusive features, new splash pad, performance area, lighting for basketball court and parking, walking loop, new parking area, benches, signage, stormwater control, and landscaping.
• Providence: Cabral Park Playground and Waterpark Revitalization, $400,000. Revitalize existing splash pad, ballfield and basketball courts, new play equipment, site furnishings, outdoor classroom, green infrastructure, signage, and landscaping.

Small grants were awarded to the following projects:

• Coventry: Harris Playground Renovation, $100,000. New ADA playground with wood fiber surfacing, accessible paths, tables, and landscaping.
• East Greenwich: Scalloptown Park Renovation and Dog Park, $100,000. New dog park, fencing, shade pavilion, solar powered composting toilet, pathways, tables, benches, signage, and landscaping.
• Johnston: War Memorial Park Walking Trail Renovations, $100,000. Renovation of existing walking trail with wooden guardrails, ADA-compliant benches, lighting, signage, and landscaping.
• Lincoln: Old Fairlawn Park Pickleball Courts, $100,000. New pickleball courts, fencing, benches, lighting, shade trees, parking lot repair, and stormwater control.
• Portsmouth: Community Playground, $60,000. New playground with fence, tables, benches, walkways, and landscaping.
• Warren: Community Garden, $72,445. Raised beds, fencing, well, storage shed, rain barrels, compost binds, tables, benches, bike rack, parking area, and signage.
• West Greenwich, Playground Expansion, $80,000. Expansion of existing playground area, new playground equipment and fencing.