TPL Will Work for Rocky Point Protection (RI)

WARWICK, R.I., 6/10/02: The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national conservation organization, today announced that it will lead an effort to purchase the former amusement park at Rocky Point.

The announcement was made at a news conference attended by Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., along with TPL and the Rocky Point Land Company.

“The unique partnership between TPL and the Rocky Point Land Company calls for an innovative and new approach to development at Rocky Point, one which maximizes open space and creates a more livable, walkable neighborhood,” said Simi Batra, Senior Legislative Representative for TPL. He added that “Congressman Langevin’s leadership of this bipartisan effort has been instrumental in bringing this together.”

In addition to Rep. Langevin, Rhode Island Sens. Lincoln Chafee and Jack Reed are also supportive of TPL’s efforts to preserve open space at Rocky Point.

The site along Narragansett Bay was the home of one of New England’s best known amusement parks, which operated for 148 years until it closed in 1995. Since then, it has been rezoned for development, but the TPL proposal provides that a significant portion of the site, including bay frontage, will be protected as a public park.

TPL’s formal proposal will be submitted to the Trustee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and the Small Business Administration.

The Trust for Public Land, established in 1972, specializes in conservation real estate, applying its expertise in negotiations, public finance, and law, to protect land for people to enjoy as parks, greenways, community gardens, urban playgrounds, and wilderness. Across the nation, TPL has helped protect more than 1.4 million acres.