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Warwick to accept $193,000 DEM grant for Patuxent Park design and permitting
Summary
City planning said a $193,000 grant from the Department of Environmental Management will fund design and permitting for Patuxent Park (seawall, canoe launch, parking, inclusive playground); LandWorks was selected for professional services and no local match is required.
The Warwick City Planning Department told the council on Nov. 17 that the city has secured a $193,000 grant from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to fund design and permitting work for Patuxent Park.
"This is some more good work done by Dean in the office," Planning Director Tom Kravitz said, and he explained the grant will cover professional services to prepare design documents, permitting, public meetings and bid specifications to make the project construction‑ready. Kravitz told the council LandWorks scored highest in the request‑for‑proposals process and will lead the design work. He said there is no city match required for the grant.
The scope includes seawall reconstruction, a canoe launch, a parking lot, and a new inclusive playground. Kravitz said "inclusive" refers to ADA‑compliant, family‑oriented play amenities and stressed that LandWorks will host public workshops to refine design with neighborhood input. Geotechnical and slope‑stability assessments are part of the contract to determine final cost estimates for construction.
Councilmembers asked about environmental permitting and whether agency review by the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) or the Environmental Protection Agency will be needed. Kravitz said CRMC will be central to any approvals; identifying whether EPA or other agencies must sign off will be part of the consultant's scope. He also confirmed the grant includes a firm cap: if design costs exceed $193,000, the administration will have to reassess next steps and funding.
Kravitz said the professional services contract runs through 2027 and that staff will pursue additional grant funds for construction once design documents and bid specifications are completed.
The council endorsed moving forward with LandWorks’ design work and asked staff to provide more details on the geotechnical findings, site survey records, and any required environmental approvals as the project advances.
