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Richmond council directs staff to pursue state recreation grant for Fort Richmond/Townhouse Road
Summary
After discussing funding categories, match requirements and easement concerns, the Town Council directed staff to prepare an application to the Rhode Island DEM outdoor recreation grant focused on Richmond Townhouse Road/Fort Richmond and to return with updated cost estimates.
The Richmond Town Council voted to direct staff to prepare and submit an application to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) outdoor recreation grant program after an extended discussion of priorities, match requirements and long‑term impacts.
Interim town staff described the DEM grant (application due Nov. 18), clarified it is distinct from earlier congressional earmarks and said projects such as pickleball courts, playground resurfacing, fencing and site work are eligible. Staff warned Richmond Elementary is not eligible for this fund. Councilors reviewed past estimates for phases of the Fort Richmond/Townhouse Road project and discussed grant categories that include awards up to $500,000 and the possibility of in‑kind matches using DPW labor.
Councilors repeatedly raised the need to review the DEM recreation easement language before finalizing a decision because certain easement terms could limit future uses of town property. The solicitor and staff were asked to obtain and circulate the easement terms to the council for review.
After discussing prioritization among potential sites (Townhouse Road/Fort Richmond, Beaver River), matching strategies and whether multiple applications are allowed, the council moved and approved a directive for staff to return with a completed application for Townhouse Road (Fort Richmond) and updated cost and match estimates before final submission.
Next steps: Staff will obtain DEM easement language, prepare a full application and updated estimates for the council’s review. The application deadline identified in the meeting materials is Nov. 18; award announcements are not expected until spring 2026, staff said.
