Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council OK with exploring $125,000 small recreation grant to restore Eldridge Memorial Fountain
Summary
Town staff proposed a $125,000 DEM small recreation grant application to improve the James H. Eldridge Memorial Fountain area, add signage and remove invasive plantings; the council directed staff to further design the concept and potentially include historical signage and gateway improvements.
Andy Wade briefly outlined a second, smaller grant idea to apply for a $125,000 DEM small recreation-development grant to fund improvements around the James H. Eldridge Memorial Fountain at the corner of Cliff Street and 1st Avenue. Wade described the corner as a gateway to the park and the historic district and suggested work could include removing invasive burning bushes, adding historical signage, improving sightlines, and investigating returning the fountain to working order.
Wade cautioned the concept is "real 0.5 baked" and would require additional design before an application. He said the fountain once stood in front of Town Hall and that additional narrative about James H. Eldridge could strengthen the application. He noted proximity to two RIPTA bus routes (14 and 16) could help the grant score.
Why it matters: A small, targeted grant could restore a visible, ceremonial town feature used in Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades and improve the park gateway. The council encouraged staff to meet with a landscape architect and refine a submission that emphasizes accessibility and historical context before returning with a formal plan.
