Proposal Would Turn East Providence Golf Course Into Public Space

EAST RPOVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence lawmaker is calling for her city to take action to preserve open spaces. Sen. Valarie Lawson said she will introduce a resolution in the Rhode Island General Assembly calling for East Providence to purchase Metacomet Golf Club.

“One thing that has become quite clear is that people of East Providence value the green space and beauty of Metacomet,” Lawson said. “I see this moment as an opportunity to create a gorgeous recreational and environmental asset for East Providence, one that would be enjoyed immensely for generations. Keeping Metacomet green would benefit the public and the environment, and I’m confident our community would be proud to support such an investment.”

The resolution will mirror that of Rep. Gregg Amore in the House of Representatives, asking the city to use eminent domain to buy the golf course for public use. The proposal suggests using a municipal bond, supplemented by grants from the Department of Environmental Management, federal aid and other resources, creating the Metacomet Conservancy Land Trust.

The historic site, designed by Donald Ross, overlooks the Narragansett Bay and could be connected to the nearby East Bay bike pass, Lawson said, making it an accessible public space for residents.

“This is a creative, outside-the-box idea, one that could be a turning point in our city’s development,” Lawson continued. “I sincerely hope that our city will explore this possibility and look into every possible resource that could make the preservation of Metacomet a reality. This is a rare opportunity to not only save a green space, but turn it into an asset that everyone can enjoy.”