2025 -- H 5789
========
LC001910
========
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
____________
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 1
Meshanticut State Park, a beloved public park that boasts a paved walking path that encircles the 2
12-acre lake; and 3
WHEREAS, In 1910, John M. Dean donated Meshanticut Park and its lake to the 4
Metropolitan Park Commission, coinciding with Cranston's transition from a town to a city. The 5
Metropolitan Park Commission, established in the early 1900s, was responsible for acquiring and 6
managing parklands in Rhode Island; and 7
WHEREAS, The State's park system expanded, and the management of these parks, 8
including Meshanticut Park which was purchased by the State of Rhode Island for $600, was 9
integrated into the Department of Environmental Management (DEM). This transition ensured 10
that Meshanticut Park became part of the State's portfolio of recreational areas, preserving it for 11
public use and enjoyment; and 12
WHEREAS, In 2021, the DEM estimated that addressing infrastructure needs at the 13
park—including road repairs, erosion control, tree maintenance, and bench installations—would 14
require an investment of between $2 million and $2.5 million; and 15
WHEREAS, Cranston, home to 82,000+ people, is the second-largest city within the 16
State of Rhode Island, and Meshanticut Lake walking path is an important recreational amenity 17
enjoyed by its diverse community; and 18
WHEREAS, The paved walking path is highly utilized by thousands of individuals of all 19
LC001910 - Page 2 of 3
ages for activities such as walking, running, cycling, and dog walking, promoting health, well-1
being, recreation, and community engagement; and 2
WHEREAS, Local youth athletes, including students from Cranston High School West, 3
Cranston High School East, Western Hills Middle School, and participants in the Cranston 4
League for Cranston’s Future (CLCF) youth programs, regularly use the path for training and 5
conditioning, contributing to their physical development and team-building experiences; and 6
WHEREAS, Years of use causing wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and lack of 7
maintenance have caused cracks, uneven terrain, and hazardous conditions along the paved path, 8
posing safety risks to users and detracting from the park’s overall appeal; and 9
WHEREAS, Investing in the restoration and improvement of the pedestrian pathway; 10
including, but not limited to, resurfacing and structural reinforcements, is essential to ensure safe 11
and equitable access for all members of the community, including individuals with mobility 12
impairments; and 13
WHEREAS, Such upgrades will improve Cranston residents’ quality of life, support local 14
youth athletic programs, and preserve the park as a vital suburban green space for all Rhode 15
Island residents; now, therefore be it 16
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not 17
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the sum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) 18
to restore and enhance the Meshanticut Lake paved walking path, ensuring it remains a safe and 19
accessible resource for all users; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw 20
their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be 21
from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers; and be it further 22
RESOLVED, That members of the public are encouraged to participate in the upcoming 23
hearing to voice their support for this critical community investment. 24
========
LC001910
========
LC001910 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIAT ION OF $1,000,000 FOR THE MESHANTICUT LAKE PAVE D
WALKING PATH IN CRANSTON
***
This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $1,000,000 for the 1
Meshanticut Lake paved walking path in Cranston. 2
========
LC001910
========