DEM, PARTNERS TO CUT RIBBON ON NEW BEACH PAVILION
AT LINCOLN WOODS STATE PARK NEXT WEEK
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a special ceremony next week to mark completion of a new beach pavilion at Lincoln Woods State Park. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the beach will be open daily – with all new concessions, restroom and shower facilities, an expanded nature center, and improved parking areas. Lincoln Woods, located just outside the Providence metro area, is one of Rhode Island's most popular state parks, attracting nearly one million visitors each year.
"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. “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. During the summer months, the park and beach bustle with excitement, as families flock to the water to escape the heat and spend time together. 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.”
WHERE: Beach Pavilion Nature Center
Lincoln Woods State Park
Lincoln, Rhode Island
WHEN: Friday, May 26, 2017 | 10:30 a.m.
WHO: First Gentleman Andy Moffit
U.S. Senator Jack Reed
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
U.S. Congressman James Langevin
U.S. Congressman David Cicilline
DEM Director Janet Coit
“The value of Lincoln Woods – and our vast network of historic parks, beaches and green spaces in Rhode Island – to our quality of life and vitality as a state is immeasurable,” continued Coit. “I am incredibly proud to cut the ribbon on this project and to celebrate the beginning of an exciting, new chapter in the history of Lincoln Woods.”
Rhode Island is home to a wealth of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and other recreational facilities. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs each year. Last year, Governor Raimondo convened the Rhode Island Outdoor Recreation Council – with membership from state and local government, industry and community – to develop an actionable vision for promoting and growing outdoor recreation in Rhode Island. The Council released its Final Report last December, highlighting the importance of this recreational network to Rhode Island’s economic and cultural vitality. A recent study conducted by the University of Rhode Island found that State-managed parks and bikeways alone contribute $311 million to the economy annually and support over 3,700 jobs and nine million visits.
Lincoln Woods is located in one of Rhode Island’s most densely populated urban areas and is a popular retreat for Rhode Islanders and visitors to the state, offering fresh-water swimming, trout fishing, hiking, horseback riding, ice fishing, ice skating, and many other recreational opportunities. The park is teeming with walkers, joggers, and fishermen daily. Lincoln Woods was the first park acquired by the State of Rhode Island in 1909.
The beach pavilion project included the construction of three new buildings, connected by a central plaza. The fully-accessible buildings were designed both to honor the history and aesthetic of the park as well as reduce their impact on the natural environment through the use of efficient technology, recycled materials, and innovative design strategies. The $5.5 million project was designed by Providence-based Brewster Thornton Group Architects and constructed by Ahlborg Construction Corporation of Warwick, Rhode Island. It was funded through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund ($1.4 million) and Rhode Island Capital Plan Fund ($4.1 million).
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
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