<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Impact;
panose-1:2 11 8 6 3 9 2 5 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Vani;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.MsoBodyText, li.MsoBodyText, div.MsoBodyText
{mso-style-priority:1;
mso-style-link:"Body Text Char";
margin:0in;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
text-autospace:none;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;}
span.BodyTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Body Text Char";
mso-style-priority:1;
mso-style-link:"Body Text";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle22
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:964119053;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:901275818 67698691 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:1949849797;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1479429628 67698691 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0B7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:\F0A7;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1027" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Wegimont, Jay (DEM) <Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov> <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, May 18, 2022 2:16 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Wegimont, Jay (DEM) <Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Wegimont, Jay (DEM) <Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov><br>
<b>Subject:</b> GOV. MCKEE, LT. GOV. MATOS, DEM ANNOUNCE AWARDEES OF OVER $4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR LOCAL RECREATION PROJECTS ACROSS RI<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="714" style="width:535.5pt;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="115" style="width:1.2in;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="cid:image001.png@01D86AC1.01820440" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
<td width="599" style="width:449.1pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p style="margin:0in;text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#0070C0">
</span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Jay Wegimont, DEM: 401-302-8316 Wednesday, May 18, 2022<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#0066FF">Jay.Wegimont@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt">GOV. MCKEE, LT. GOV. MATOS, DEM ANNOUNCE AWARDEES OF OVER
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt">$4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR LOCAL RECREATION PROJECTS ACROSS RI<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter" />
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" />
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" />
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" />
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" />
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" />
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" />
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" />
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" />
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="A picture containing tree, outdoor, grass, sky Description automatically generated" style='position:absolute;margin-left:254.85pt;margin-top:261pt;width:306.05pt;height:203.95pt;z-index:251660288;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:margin;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
<v:imagedata src="cid:image002.jpg@01D86AC1.01820440" o:title="A picture containing tree, outdoor, grass, sky Description automatically generated" />
<w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin" anchory="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="408" height="272" style="width:4.25in;height:2.8333in" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D86AC2.F89F0380" align="right" hspace="12" alt="A picture containing tree, outdoor, grass, sky
Description automatically generated" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt">PROVIDENCE,
RI – Governor Dan McKee, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the awarding of $4.1 million in matching grants to 13 municipalities to develop or renovate local outdoor recreational facilities.
Perennially, the “rec grant” program is DEM’s most popular, with three times as many requests for funding (53) as projects obtaining funding in this grant cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The grants will fund 16 projects across the state including new athletic fields, playgrounds, a splash park, a dog park, a kayak/canoe launch, a pump track, walking trails, basketball, tennis, and pickleball
courts, and various site improvements.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Since the inception of Earth Day in 1970, efforts to improve air and water quality, clean up contaminated lands, conserve open space, and increase recreational opportunities have greatly enhanced Rhode Islanders’
quality of life. Over the past five decades, almost 50,000 acres of land have been protected and nearly $89 million in grants has been invested for over 550 recreation projects in all 39 Rhode Island cities and towns. These projects are funded by green bonds,
which are submitted to the Rhode Island General Assembly as part of the Governor’s proposed budget, and if included in the enacted budget, put to the voters as a referendum question on the ballot every two years. Historically, these measures pass overwhelmingly
with the 2021 green bond garnering nearly 80 percent of the vote statewide.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“Investments in recreational facilities knit our communities together and are integral to both physical and mental health and well-being,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This is why I included a budget article
proposing a $38 million Green Economy and Clean Water bond that will capitalize future local recreation spending in my fiscal year 2023 budget. Providing the funds to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to connect with nature, recreate, and exercise are
central to our quality of life.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“Of the many benefits that accrue from providing high-quality recreational facilities, I’d like to focus on those that boost our children,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “Outdoor play is crucial to
child development. It improves moods and concentration, reduces screen time and stress levels, and aids sleep. Parks and playgrounds should and can be equalizers where children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same access to fun as children from more
fortunate economic circumstances. The grants we announce today ensure that this will happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“The COVID pandemic put into sharp focus how much public recreation areas and open spaces matter to Rhode Islanders, said DEM Director Terry Gray. "Providing people with places in their neighborhood to get
outdoors, have fun, and enjoy nature is part of DEM’s core mission and is good for health. When people have fun outside, they appreciate how beautiful and important our environment is, and that helps to start developing our next generation of environmental
stewards. We’re thrilled to assist communities across Rhode Island to improve and expand their recreational facilities through these grant awards.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Rhode Island’s outdoor recreation industry is an important part of our state’s economy, generating $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supporting 24,000 local jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, municipal facilities play an important role in beautifying communities, supporting public health, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting a cleaner environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The grants, which require a community match and range from $72,000 to $400,000, are funded through
</span><a href="http://dem.ri.gov/greenclean/#:~:text=On%20Tuesday%2C%20March%202%2C%202021,(View%20election%20results.)"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#0066FF">2021 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> proceeds.
Categories include large grants that range from $100,000 to $400,000 each, and small grants of up to $100,000 each for projects of smaller cost. The state grants will be matched by local funding to generate over $5 million in recreational project improvements
throughout Rhode Island.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Applications were evaluated and scored by the Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee, consisting of government and non-profit members using the Open Project Selection Process developed under the
</span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/planning/scorp/index.php"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:#0066FF">2019 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt">. This is one of the “Green Space” grants DEM
offers to local communities; other grant funds support Local Open Space and Recreational Trails.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Director Gray noted that the local outdoor recreation grant program funded by green bonds is the most popular of all the grants programs at DEM. DEM received 53 applications for this round totaling more than
$14 million in requests but can fund fewer than one-third of the projects seeking grants.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk103759126"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk103759126"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“While we celebrate the projects that received grants, we know how disappointing it is not to get this<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk103759126"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">funding,” Gray said. “This is a highly popular grant program and is always oversubscribed. Governor McKee has proposed a green bond in the budget that would include
increased funding for these valuable investments in our communities. This funding will help us meet the demand in this extremely popular program in the future. We encourage communities to keep an eye out for future program announcements and join DEM for grant
application workshops and other opportunities to sharpen the descriptions of their terrific projects.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk103759126"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The program offers funding in three categories: small development grants with funding awards up to $100,000, large development grants with awards up to $400,000, and acquisition funds that support property
acquisition for permanent outdoor recreation with awards up to $400,000. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Small grants were awarded to the following projects:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Barrington: Chianese Pickleball Courts, $80,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Convert Chianese Field into four permanent pickleball courts, with a new playing surface, fencing, and permanent pickleball posts and nets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Central Falls: Louis C. Yip Soccer Field Improvements, $80,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Improvements to Yip Soccer Field including new scoreboard, storage facilities, benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Cumberland: Diamond Hill Pump Track Improvements, $100,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Upgrade existing pump track space, install obstacle course, renovate lawn area, drainage improvements, accessible path, benches, and bike racks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">East Greenwich: Academy Field Improvements, $100,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Improvements at Academy Field including new pickleball courts, shade structure, accessible walkway, benches, and accessible parking space.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">North Providence: Westcott Park Kayak Launch, $100,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">New canoe/kayak launch on the Woonasquatucket River, trail, and parking improvements.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Richmond: Richmond Dog Park, $71,580<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">New dog park near the Richmond Heritage Trail with fencing, parking, gazebo, and seating.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Smithfield: Deerfield Park Splash Pad, $100,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">New splash pad between two existing playgrounds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Large grants were awarded to the following projects:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Central Falls: Jenks Park Playground Improvements, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Playground improvements including new equipment, site furnishings, lighting, and landscaping.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Cranston: Knightsville Park Revitalization, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Revitalization of a park in the Knightsville neighborhood with new pavers, gazebo, relocation of war memorial, bocce courts, water fountain, benches, flagpole, irrigation, and
landscaping.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">East Greenwich: Eldridge Park Improvements, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Redevelop Eldredge Park with a new accessible perimeter path, reconstruct basketball and ballfield, new outdoor pavilion, benches, and landscaping.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">East Providence: Kent Heights Recreational Facility Renovation, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Renovation of the Kent Heights Recreational Facility including resurfacing basketball and tennis courts, repairs to existing walkways, resurfacing/grading existing multiuse
athletic field, new futsal court, accessible walking path and play equipment, landscaping benches, and bike racks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">North Providence: Coletti Athletic Complex, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Develop Coletti property of approximately five acres to include a multipurpose athletic field, walking trails, and green space.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Providence:
<a name="_Hlk103692312">Roger Williams Park Boardwalk </a>and Fishing/Boating Pier, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">New elevated boardwalk culminating in a boating and fishing dock over Cunliff Pond from the Temple to Music to the existing boat ramp, additional accessible parking area, benches,
lighting, and interpretive signage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Warwick: Apponaug Recreation Complex Improvements, $320,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Renovate existing playground with new equipment, accessible surfacing, improved loop paths, accessible parking, new stair handrails, bleachers, benches, tables, shade trees,
interpretive signage, and little league files safety netting. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">West Warwick: Crompton Playground and Stephen Clarke Recreation Area, $400,000<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Renovate and expand existing playground to improve accessibility and add multiuse pickleball and basketball courts, bocce court, shaded picnic patio and outdoor multimedia space, new
accessible fitness trail loop, renovated open lawn space and picnic area, landscaping, and low-impact development stormwater treatment areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">An Acquisition grant was awarded to the following project:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Woonsocket: Acquisition for Cass Park Expansion, $312,500<o:p></o:p></span></b></li></ul>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Acquisition of 1.37 acres adjacent to Silvestri Pond to make improvements to the access road to Dionne Track in Cass Park.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
<a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a>. Follow
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!PlbgDvzhXFrH2PJFO6etWawMztltYkb2t_trQRoLaYwuyVCJGOfnuzUEfmCvA9bMaybr4soSRk-TSt80N3C6b5qSAdrsT_Uqj4AQ$"><span style="color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a>, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" align="center" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:27.45pt;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:10.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:-.5pt">
<b>###<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0078FF">Jay G. Wegimont | Programming Services Officer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">401-222-4700, X277-2402</span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Email: </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><a href="mailto:jay.wegimont@dem.ri.gov"><span style="color:#0066FF">jay.wegimont@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="color:#212121"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Web:</span><a href="http://%20www.dem.ri.gov/">
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Facebook/Twitter:
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">@RhodeIslandDEM</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="216" height="96" style="width:2.25in;height:1.0in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image004.png@01D86AC1.01820440"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Vani",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>