Sen. Lawson to introduce resolution calling on city to preserve Metacomet Golf Club

State House – Sen. Valarie Lawson will introduce a Senate resolution calling upon the City of East Providence to purchase Metacomet Golf Club to preserve it as open space.

“One thing that has become quite clear is that people of East Providence value the green space and beauty of Metacomet. I see this moment as an opportunity to create a gorgeous recreational and environmental asset for East Providence, one that would be enjoyed immensely for generations,” said Senator Lawson, a Democrat whose District 14 includes the 105-acre golf course. “Keeping Metacomet green would benefit the public and the environment, and I’m confident our community would be proud to support such an investment.”

The senator said she plans to introduce a Senate resolution matching a House resolution that will be introduced by Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) calling on the city, through eminent domain, to purchase Metacomet for public use. The proposal calls for a municipal bond that could be supplemented through Department of Environmental Management grants, federal aid, various conservation organizations’ support and the forming of the Metacomet Conservancy Land Trust.

The historic Donald Ross-designed golf course features rolling hills overlooking Narragansett Bay. It could be connected to the nearby East Bay bike path to create a recreational resource that could be easily accessed and enjoyed by Rhode Islanders.

“This is a creative, outside-the-box idea, one that could be a turning point in our city’s development. I sincerely hope that our city will explore this possibility and look into every possible resource that could make the preservation of Metacomet a reality. This is a rare opportunity to not only save a green space, but turn it into an asset that everyone can enjoy,” said Senator Lawson.