Governor Gina Raimondo was unable to attend the celebration and official opening of the new playground and repaired causeway on October 26, 2019. She sent her representative, Joseph Sacks, to present the Certificate of Special Recognition above to acknowledge FoSG’s significant efforts to advocate for park improvements.
The new playground at George B. Salter Grove was officially opened on Saturday, October 26th, 2019 by Mayor Joseph J. Solomon, joined at the ribbon cutting by (left to right, above) Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey, Councilman Anthony Sinapi, Councilwoman Donna Travis, (Mayor), FoSG Coordinator Peter Becker, Rep. Joseph McNamara, and Councilman Rick Corley.
Lynn Salter McCauley was FoSG’s delightful special guest for this neighborhood celebration, providing a link to the park’s naming after her grandfather. The photo below is from a sign unveiling event in May 1967 with (L-to-R) Warren L. Salter (Lynn’s father), Olive Salter (Lynn’s grandmother), and RI Governor John Chafee.
The new playground got a real workout, with spillover to its ADA path.
Thank you, RIDOT, for protecting playground visitors! There is now a guardrail along Narragansett Parkway between the road and the playground.
Fabricator Don Nguyen is on hand while a DPW crew installs four benches at the new playground. The benches were purchased with a generous donation from Martin Wickenden in honor of his parents-in-law, Homer and Barbara Patrick, and a Rhode Island Foundation Community grant.
A fifth bench was installed on Audubon Hill with a very special view and a welcome resting spot for winter sledders.
Matt Dickinson (above, center), Landscape Designer and FoSG member, selected and laid out new plants to harmonize beautifully with Salter Grove’s semi-natural vegetation. He is flanked by planters Isidro Ramirez Ramirez (L) and Kristopher Mancini (R) and a bodacious specimen of Weeping Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum ‘Pendulum’).
Atlantic Lawn & Garden loaned their truck to transport the plants from Sylvan Nursery, which generously supplied them at wholesale prices.
The protective berm was planted with three Juniperus species (Blueberry Delight, Blue Pacific, and Blue Rug). These procumbent conifers will spread out to form bands of different hues and textures. The Parkway side got Winterberry (Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ + ‘Southern Gentleman’), whose bright red berries persist throughout—you guessed it—winter. Some of the soil for the berm was kindly donated by Pawtuxet Memorial Park.
After three and a half years of hard work with our partners at DEM, the City of Warwick, and private contractors, the new playground and repaired causeway have proven very popular successes. We deserve to celebrate with you, our supporters, and the kids deserve to try out the playground equipment!
On Saturday, October 26th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., join us for a potluck neighborhood celebration. Cover band Salter’s Groove will be performing. These local musicians have always wanted to play in the park they are named after, and we are delighted that they are going to be providing the entertainment.
Donuts and cider will be available.
Please walk to the park if possible—parking will be very limited!
The rain date is Saturday November 2nd, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm.
Questions? Email us at friendsofsaltergrove@gmail.com. Thank you!
Friends of Salter Grove 