Agreement Would Protect Point Judith Park (RI)

Narragansett, RI, 6/20/2007: The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit conservation organization, announced today that it has signed an option agreement to purchase 5 acres near the southernmost tip of Point Judith. The property, popularly known as the Rose Nulman Park, had long been owned by Saul Nulman, who died this March. Nulman had a longstanding policy of public access to the property’s picnic areas, parking, and oceanfront views, and it was his wish that the land become a permanent public park.

Under a plan TPL is spearheading, the state’s Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is seeking a $1.5 million federal grant under CELCP (Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program) to purchase a conservation easement on the property. If the funding is approved, RIDEM will permanently hold the easement, ensuring that the land will never be developed. TPL is in talks to transfer permanent ownership of the park to Preserve Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization. The current owners plan to create an endowment for ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the park.

Nulman purchased the property in 1993. He transformed the former restaurant site into a park in honor of his mother, Rose Nulman. Located in Narragansett, at the very end of the Point Judith Peninsula, the park is directly adjacent to the historic Point Judith Lighthouse. With 700 feet of open shoreline, the park offers a 270-degree view that includes rocky beach, open ocean, and Block Island. With its proximity to Rhode Island Fish and Wildlife’s South Shore Management Area, it is a prime spot for bird watching. The site is also a popular and well-used fishing spot as well as one of the best places to surf in New England.

According to Craig MacDonnell, Rhode Island State Director for TPL, “Point Judith Park has been loved by thousands of people over the years, most of whom never realized that they were there at the discretion of a private owner. Now, if this project is successful, this remarkably beautiful location at the water’s edge will always be available for public enjoyment.”

“I am committed to preserving Rhode Island’s open spaces and protecting our natural resources,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a cosponsor of the Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection (CELP) Act, which would provide a pool of federal funding for preservation efforts at locations like Rose Nulman Park. “I applaud the Nulman family and The Trust for Public Land for their conservation efforts and I am pleased they will be eligible to compete for federal funds to preserve this open space.”

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped to protect more than 2 million acres nationwide. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve its land for people mission. For more information, visit www.tpl.org.

For a map of the property contact Lauren Wolpin at 617-367-6200 ext. 528.