Warren Receives $400k Grant For Beach, Park Improvements

WARREN, RI — Warren's town beach and Burr's Hill Park will see some major improvements, thanks to a $400,000 grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The funds will help create a new activity center in the park, as well as update existing equipment. Warren's state representative thanked the department for the funding, saying it will help beautify the areas for use once social distancing has been relaxed.

"At a time when state recreation facilities are closed and our recreational opportunities are limited to what we can enjoy while social distancing, it provides some refreshing hope to think about the improvements in store for Warren’s beach," said Rep. Jason Knight. "After so much isolation, I’m sure people will really appreciate and take advantage of the new and improved facilities."

At Burr's Hill Park, the matching grant will be used to replace and move a building in the park to create the new activity center, which will feature accessible bathrooms, a concession stand and storage area. The existing playground equipment will be replaced, a walking path will be added to connect the parking lot to the East Bay Bike Path and overhead lighting will be installed.

Rep. June Speakman thanked town leaders for their work to secure the funding.

"Burr’s Hill is a beautiful spot that provides valuable recreational opportunities to the people of Warren. We are already very fortunate to have a park and beach like this in town, and these exciting improvements will make it more usable, accessible and inviting to everyone," Speakman said. "Thanks to Warren Town Planner Bob Rulli and Parks and Recreation Director Tara Thibaudeau for their work on the grant application."