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East Greenwich approves $5.22M award to Yardworks for Eldridge Park field improvements
Summary
The council approved a contract not to exceed $5,222,520.61 to Yardworks for Eldridge Park improvements including an ADA walking path, a relocated skinned softball field, fencing, and bottle‑fill stations; town staff said the work is part of a broader ~$1.6M multi‑phase park upgrade funded by grants and local funds.
The East Greenwich Town Council voted Aug. 13 to award a contract to Yardworks of Warwick, R.I., not to exceed $5,222,520.61 for the Eldridge Park field improvement project.
Andy Wade, director of community services and parks, described the work as the next major phase of a larger park upgrade: construction of an ADA‑compliant walking path around the main field, relocation and reconstruction of a multi‑use skinned softball field (with adjustable base paths to host several leagues), new decorative fencing on First Avenue, installation of a water bottle filling station, and groundwork for future dugouts and concessions. Wade said the ball diamond will shift roughly 70 feet west to improve sight lines to the renovated bleachers and pavilion.
Funding for this phase includes a $356,000 2022 DEM recreational development large grant and approximately $165,876.61 from the recreation development fund balance; town staff and the manager also noted additional capital contributions and in‑kind Public Works work that bring the broader project scope closer to $1.6 million across phases. Wade said the original bid specifications were pared back in negotiation after receiving only one bid; some design elements were simplified to preserve intent while reducing cost.
Council thanked staff for grant coordination and for securing multiple funding sources. The council moved to approve the resolution awarding the contract; the motion carried by voice vote.
Project delivery was described as phased with some work to occur before the school season and other components (lighting, concession enhancements) expected in subsequent phases; Wade estimated roughly a one‑year schedule for this phase if all proceeds as planned.
