2026-68
Newport
Resolution
CITY OF NEWPORT
RESOLUTION
OF THE
COUNCIL
No.2026-68
WHEREAS: The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Recreation Acquisition & Development Grant Program (RDGP) has awarded the City of Newport a $500,000 grant for the development and renovation of public outdoor recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS: pursuant to City Council authorization (Resolution No. 2025-176, approved October 22, 2025), the Grants Office within the Department of Resilience & Sustainability submitted an application for funding under the RDGP; and
WHEREAS: the proposed project at the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area aligns with the City’s Open Space Master Plan and incorporates community priorities identified through the Newport Health Equity Zone Community Creativity Lab (June 2025); and
WHEREAS: the Department of Public Services, including the Divisions of Recreation and Parks, Grounds & Forestry, in coordination with the Tree & Open Space Commission, has advanced the planning and design of improvements to the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS: planned improvements include a public splash pad, ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible pathways, shaded picnic areas, trees, benches, and green infrastructure elements, complementing existing basketball court and skate park facilities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: that the City Council hereby authorizes the Grants Office to accept and administer this $500,000 grant award from RIDEM’s Recreation Acquisition and Development Grants Program for improvements to the John Chafee Boulevard Recreation Area. AND BE IT
RESOLVED: that the City Council authorizes the inclusion of the required 25% local match, ($167,000), in the City’s FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and directs the Director of Finance to take all necessary actions to allocate and reserve such funds.
IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MAY 13, 2026
Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk