New boating ramp provides launch to cleaner Bay

Warwick Beacon ·

Once a rutted and muddy access to Greenwich Cove, the boat ramp at Goddard Park now sports a grooved cement ramp, adjoining docks and a spacious parking lot that seemed empty Friday despite an entourage from the governor’s office and the Department of Environmental Management.

Governor Gina Raimondo chose the ramp to launch public awareness of Sunday’s Governors Bay Day Celebration. It was also an opportunity to spotlight the improvement of bay waters.

Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit applauded the boat launch, one of Rhode Island’s nearly 90 public boat ramps, and new parking lot for granting more access to the bay for a wider variety of users. Previously known primarily by people using kayaks or canoes, the goal of rebuilding the ramp is to expand access to boaters.

“Whether you come here for the first time or the hundredth time, this is what makes Rhode Island great,” Coit said. “We are delighted that this access point now is handicap accessible, it's very popular and we worked very closely with all these partners to make it happen.”

Standing in front of the ramp accompanying Governor Raimondo and Coit were the Nature Conservancy Executive Director John Torgan, Save the Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone and Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association President Steve Medeiros. Each encouraged the public to take advantage of the ramp and explore the bay.

“This site provides great access to Greenwich Bay and Narragansett Bay,” Medeiros said. The ramp is located in Goddard Park on the shore of Greenwich Cove.

Governor Raimondo, speaking to a gathering of around 30, thanked the DEM and STB for the efforts made to clean up the bay. She said the beach is important to Rhode Island and the waterways are an integral part of the culture.

“Fishing is important to who we are as Rhode Islanders and to the economy,” Raimondo added. “This place, Goddard Park, is very special to me. When I was a little girl my grampa used to go golfing – a very affordable golf course – and I have such happy memories, as do a lot of Rhode Islanders, of hanging out at Goddard Park, which is a wonderful Rhode Island treasure.”

The ramp designer, Andres Aveledo of the DEM and Nature Conservancy, said the project cost was approximately $850,000.

According to Lisa Primiano of the DEM Department of Planning and Development, no state dollars were used for the project. Primiano said the project was completely federally funded. She explained that a land value match from the Galilee Boat Ramp was able to provide funds for the Goddard Park ramp and other projects.

Coit said, “It was funded through a federal program that gives us proceeds off of angling and gas use by recreational boaters, so it was funded federally and we only could have done it because of our partnership with the Nature Conservancy.”

While waiting for the governor to arrive, environmental police and DEM officers discussed the few issues adding a new paved parking lot brought up. With limited “truck with trailer” parking spaces available, environmental police officer Jennifer Ogren said violators would be given tickets for parking in the wrong area.

“It’s a huge problem here; cars with canoe and kayak racks are not allowed to park here,” Ogren said, referring to the new lot. Offloading is permitted.

Goddard Park Region Manager Roger Monfette said to avoid any problems, those looking to launch kayaks should follow instructions on signage, adding, “You can park anywhere else in the park, as long as you don’t tear up the grass.”

While talking about the ramp, Governor Raimondo spoke about her excitement for Bay Day and its festivities. Entry to all state beaches was free on July 30, and the public was invited to try out salt-water fishing license-free for one day.

“It’s one of my favorite days of the year because I love the beach,” Raimondo said. “We live in the Ocean State. We have 400 miles of coastline. We have the best bay in America. Come out Sunday, go for free, look for me on a beach and have a great time.”