WHEREAS, Meshanticut Lake, located within Cranston, is the focal point of Meshanticut State Park, a beloved public park that boasts a paved walking path that encircles the 12-acre lake; and
WHEREAS, In 1910, John M. Dean donated Meshanticut Park and its lake to the Metropolitan Park Commission, coinciding with Cranston's transition from a town to a city. The Metropolitan Park Commission, established in the early 1900s, was responsible for acquiring and managing parklands in Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, The State's park system expanded, and the management of these parks, including Meshanticut Park which was purchased by the State of Rhode Island for $600, was integrated into the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This transition ensured that Meshanticut Park became part of the State's portfolio of recreational areas, preserving it for public use and enjoyment; and
WHEREAS, In 2021, the DEM estimated that addressing infrastructure needs at the park—including road repairs, erosion control, tree maintenance, and bench installations—would require an investment of between $2 million and $2.5 million; and
WHEREAS, Cranston, home to 82,000+ people, is the second-largest city within the State of Rhode Island, and Meshanticut Lake walking path is an important recreational amenity enjoyed by its diverse community; and
WHEREAS, The paved walking path is highly utilized by thousands of individuals of all ages for activities such as walking, running, cycling, and dog walking, promoting health, well- being, recreation, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Local youth athletes, including students from Cranston High School West, Cranston High School East, Western Hills Middle School, and participants in the Cranston League for Cranston’s Future (CLCF) youth programs, regularly use the path for training and conditioning, contributing to their physical development and team-building experiences; and
WHEREAS, Years of use causing wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and lack of maintenance have caused cracks, uneven terrain, and hazardous conditions along the paved path, posing safety risks to users and detracting from the park’s overall appeal; and
WHEREAS, Investing in the restoration and improvement of the pedestrian pathway; including, but not limited to, resurfacing and structural reinforcements, is essential to ensure safe and equitable access for all members of the community, including individuals with mobility impairments; and
WHEREAS, Such upgrades will improve Cranston residents’ quality of life, support local youth athletic programs, and preserve the park as a vital suburban green space for all Rhode Island residents; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of three million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000) to restore and enhance the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path, ensuring it remains a safe and accessible resource for all users; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That members of the public are encouraged to participate in the upcoming hearing to voice their support for this critical community investment. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,500,0 FOR THE MESHANTICUT LAKE PAVED WALKING PATH IN CRANSTON *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $3,500,000 for the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path in Cranston.
