Coventry Gets $1 Million Grant For Playground, Ball Court, Housing

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry was awarded a state grant worth more than $1 million, which will be used to pay for a new playground, basketball court, parking lot, and public housing improvements, town officials said Wednesday.

The funding is part of the latest round of community development block grants (CDBG) awarded by the Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development.

"This is wonderful news for our community's youth and vulnerable populations here in Coventry ahead of the holiday season," Town Council President Hillary Lima said. "Our residents deserve safe and accessible facilities to live, play, and grow, and we are incredibly grateful to Governor McKee and his team for awarding the town these much-needed funds."

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates these funds annually to the state. State officials said the program is intended to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, expanding economic opportunities and creating suitable living environments —primarily for people in low and moderate income brackets (those earning at or below 80 percent of area median income).

"Coventry is proud to be one of only 14 communities in the state to be awarded these critical funds," Town Manager Dan Parrillo said. "This will enable us to continue making necessary investments in our Town’s infrastructure that have been neglected for quite some time."

As part of the CBDG funds, the Coventry Department of Parks and Recreation was awarded $495,247 by the Rhode Island Department of Housing to improve Quidnick Park. Located at 195 MacArthur Blvd, this grant money will be used to install a playground for 5-to-12-year-old children and replace a dilapidated basketball court, town officials said.

"The CDBG funds will be used to create desperately needed park improvements and will make a big difference in town," Parks and Recreation Director Raena Blumenthal said. "Quality parks play a vital role in the health and well-being of residents."

Town officials said construction on these projects is slated to start in Spring 2024.

The Coventry Housing Authority will also receive $541,650 over two program years for public housing repairs, town officials said.

"We're thrilled to be awarded these much needed CDBG funds," said Housing Authority Executive Director Julie Leddy said. "The preservation of 96 affordable housing units for the elderly and disabled that have served this community for over 40 years will ensure this development’s continued viability for current and future residents."

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