NK Wins Grant To Connect Wickford To Parks, Neighborhoods

From RI Foundation: A North Kingstown nonprofit has won a $10,000 grant to restore an historic connection between Wickford Village and surrounding neighborhoods and parks. The funding comes from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Community Grants program, which received nearly 130 applications.

“Grants like this will create places to gather, build relationships and inspire new collaborations that will strengthen community connections all over Rhode Island,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

The Land Conservancy of North Kingstown will use the funding to restore a historic walking path in Wickford Village. The path traverses the Lower Mill Cove salt marsh, connecting Wilson Park, the town boat launch and nearby neighborhoods with the Conservancy’s Bush Hill Preserve and historic Wickford Village.

“A culvert in the earthen causeway built in the 1700s by farmers to connect their pastures and woods collapsed about 20 years ago, severing this tie among the community. Our work will once again make this historic pathway accessible for all to use and enjoy,” said Gidget Loomis, project co-leader.

The grant will support the initial engineering studies, permitting and fundraising needed to stabilize the eroded banks of a circa 1700s causeway, install a footbridge, clear trails and add signage.

“This is a community project, designed to bring together many groups and people. With the town's blessing, we applied for and received this grant, and we welcome help from organizations, professional services, individual volunteers and donations. As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3), our mission is to preserve the natural and scenic character of our community for present and future generations,” said Donna Hutchinson, project co-leader.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.

Image Courtesy of RI Foundation