2025 -- H 5789

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LC001910

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 FOR THE MESHANTICUT LAKE PAVED

WALKING PATH IN CRANSTON

     Introduced By: Representatives Paplauskas, Baginski, Potter, Lima, Fascia, Quattrocchi,
McNamara, and Handy

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2025

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Meshanticut Lake, located within Cranston, is the focal point of

Meshanticut State Park, a beloved public park that boasts a paved walking path that encircles the

12-acre lake; and

     WHEREAS, In 1910, John M. Dean donated Meshanticut Park and its lake to the

Metropolitan Park Commission, coinciding with Cranston's transition from a town to a city. The

Metropolitan Park Commission, established in the early 1900s, was responsible for acquiring and

managing parklands in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The State's park system expanded, and the management of these parks,

including Meshanticut Park which was purchased by the State of Rhode Island for $600, was

integrated into the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This transition ensured

that Meshanticut Park became part of the State's portfolio of recreational areas, preserving it for

public use and enjoyment; and

     WHEREAS, In 2021, the DEM estimated that addressing infrastructure needs at the

park—including road repairs, erosion control, tree maintenance, and bench installations—would

require an investment of between $2 million and $2.5 million; and

     WHEREAS, Cranston, home to 82,000+ people, is the second-largest city within the

State of Rhode Island, and Meshanticut Lake walking path is an important recreational amenity

enjoyed by its diverse community; and

     WHEREAS, The paved walking path is highly utilized by thousands of individuals of all

ages for activities such as walking, running, cycling, and dog walking, promoting health, well-

being, recreation, and community engagement; and

     WHEREAS, Local youth athletes, including students from Cranston High School West,

Cranston High School East, Western Hills Middle School, and participants in the Cranston

League for Cranston’s Future (CLCF) youth programs, regularly use the path for training and

conditioning, contributing to their physical development and team-building experiences; and

     WHEREAS, Years of use causing wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and lack of

maintenance have caused cracks, uneven terrain, and hazardous conditions along the paved path,

posing safety risks to users and detracting from the park’s overall appeal; and

     WHEREAS, Investing in the restoration and improvement of the pedestrian pathway;

including, but not limited to, resurfacing and structural reinforcements, is essential to ensure safe

and equitable access for all members of the community, including individuals with mobility

impairments; and

     WHEREAS, Such upgrades will improve Cranston residents’ quality of life, support local

youth athletic programs, and preserve the park as a vital suburban green space for all Rhode

Island residents; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000)

to restore and enhance the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path, ensuring it remains a safe and

accessible resource for all users; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw

their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be

from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That members of the public are encouraged to participate in the upcoming

hearing to voice their support for this critical community investment.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 FOR THE MESHANTICUT LAKE PAVED

WALKING PATH IN CRANSTON

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the

Meshanticut Lake paved walking path in Cranston.

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