Reed Celebrates $4.4 Million Federal Earmark for Rocky Point Gateway Project

WARWICK, RI - As part of the continued revitalization of Rocky Point State Park, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today delivered a $4.4 million earmark to the City of Warwick for upgrades to the north and south entranceways to Rocky Point along Palmer Avenue and Rocky Point Avenue.

Senator Reed was joined by Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and George Shuster, Jr. of the Rocky Point Foundation to celebrate the funding and get a sneak peak of the coming improvements.

Thanks to a $4.4 million federal earmark secured by Senator Reed, the City of Warwick will move forward with the Rocky Point Gateway Project to enhance roadway and pedestrian accessibility to the park and create inviting new entranceways that are worthy of the park's history and natural beauty.

"Like so many Rhode Islanders, I have great memories of Rocky Point. From amusement park to state park, the work that we've been able to do here has helped to ensure that future generations of Rhode Islanders get to share and make new memories here too," said Reed, who was an early champion of ensuring public access to the property. "This $4.4 million federal investment will shore up the park's entryways for visitors now and in the future and improve public access to this beautiful park and shoreline."

"Rocky Point is one of Rhode Island's most treasured destinations, and these improvements will create welcoming entrances that match the beauty and history of the park," said Mayor Picozzi. "We're grateful to Senator Reed for his continued support and investment in Warwick."

In 2003, Senator Reed secured the initial $2.2 million federal earmark that enabled the City of Warwick to acquire 41 acres of land at the park. After acquiring the remaining 80+ acres with the support of additional federal and state funds, state and local leaders moved forward with creating the Rocky Point State Park in 2014.

Throughout the park, signage and plaques help preserve and remember the rich history of Rocky Point, highlighting significant events and artifacts from the park. In 1877, Rocky Point was the site where President Rutherford B. Hayes made the first official telephone call by a U.S. President, receiving a call from Alexander Graham Bell in Providence. And in 1914, during a Providence Grays baseball game, legendary slugger Babe Ruth launched a homerun ball into the waters of Narragansett Bay.

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