NORTH SMITHFIELD – When North Smithfield’s annual Memorial Day parade steps off from Slatersville Plaza next May, participating scouting troops, emergency workers, students, veterans and more will be greeted with a new sight as they march along North Main Street.
The town was one of six municipalities statewide that has been approved to receive a Municipal Beautification Mini Grant through the Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative, announced this week by Gov. Dan McKee, First Lady Susan McKee, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The grants aim to help with small-scale projects that enhance the beauty and livability of public spaces. Cities and towns across Rhode Island were invited to apply for up to $2,000 for projects that promote civic pride, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
“Rhode Island is a beautiful state, and this mini-grant opportunity will help our communities keep it that way,” said Gov. McKee. “These projects are bringing re-energized life, color, and civic pride to public spaces that will better the lives of not only residents, but also the experiences of people visiting our state.”
Eligible projects included, but were not limited to, fall plantings for spring blooms, tree planting and public art installations.
“Every idea, project, and action matters as we make a Litter-Free Rhode Island,” said First Lady McKee. “Through this mini grant, we’re celebrating Rhode Island’s community spirit and building a state we can all take pride in.”
In North Smithfield, a grant of $1,894 will be used to purchase and install American flags and flag poles across the 1.16-mile stretch used for the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade, put on each year by Leclaire Kozlik Bassett Logan Post 6342 typically begins at the plaza and continues down North Main Street, stopping at Memorial Town Hall for a brief ceremony honoring those lost. Police and fire departments, scouting troops, town officials, veterans and more take part each year in an event that traditionally includes a performance by the North Smithfield High School band.
The new flags will also greet marchers and visitors as they continue down School Street, likely to the parade’s traditional final stop for a collation at the pavilion at Lindy’s Tavern.
Additional Beautification Grants announced this week are listed below.
- Newport ($2,000): The city’s project would plant a variety of glower bulbs in the spring and summer to ‘color in’ areas along the new walking path in Aquidneck Park. Additionally, the bulbs would be planted near benches, welcome signs, municipal offices, and more.
- Providence: ($2,000): The city is sprucing up Amtrak Station Park by planting new flowers, shrubs, and trees. The project would also add signage and restoration work.
- Smithfield ($1,820): The town’s project would create a 25-foot-round display of flowers near the baseball fields at Deerfield Park.
- West Greenwich ($2,000): The town is converting a recently purchased church into a new senior center and historical space. This grant funding would be used for landscaping and flower planting in the front lawn and would open new opportunities for outdoor education and events.
- West Warwick ($2,000): The town will install picnic tables, walkways, and flowers at Factory Street Park to promote a better community space for residents and families to enjoy.
