2025-176

CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL

No. 2025-176

WHEREAS: The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Large & Small categories of its Recreation Acquisition & Development Grant Program is now open and provides 75% funding (up to $125K in the Small Grant Program, and $500K in the Large Grant Program) to municipalities to acquire, develop or renovate outdoor recreation facilities; and

WHEREAS: The Division of Parks, Grounds & Forestry of the Public Services Department has budgeted Capital Improvement Funds for Murphy Field in previous CIP budgets, and has requested future capital improvement funds in the FY-27 budget for renovation and expansion projects at the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS: The Large Grant Fund would be used to provide residents’ most requested amenity - a Public Splash Pad, along with a new restroom building, shade picnic structures, ADA sidewalks, benches, trees, and drainage/raingardens to compliment the Basketball Court & Skate Park at the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area; and

WHEREAS: The Small Grant Fund would be applied to address critically needed irrigation and field improvements at Murphy Field to provide a safe play surface for child and student athletes; and

WHEREAS: At its September 30, 2025 meeting, The City’s Tree & Open Space Commission endorsed both grant projects and recommended Council authorize the Grants Office to submit two applications to RIDEM; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: that the City Council authorizes the Grants Office within the Department of Resilience & Sustainability, in collaboration with the Division of Parks, Grounds & Forestry, to submit two grant requests totaling $625,000 to RIDEM’s Recreation Acquisition & Development Program for the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area & Murphy Field Projects.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
OCTOBER 22, 2025

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk