Exeter council backs library’s RIDEM grant application to renovate playground and add nature-trail amenities

The Exeter Town Council agreed to support a RIDEM Outdoor Recreation Grant application to renovate the library site and playground after a presentation by the library director and library-board supporters.

Speakers said the playground is roughly 20 years old and needs replacement of several pieces, particularly accessible swings. The project described would focus most funds on playground replacement, build a small pavilion for public uses and library programming, extend the site’s short nature trail into a longer loop, and add interpretive or story-walk signage (including educational signage for a historic cemetery on the site). The application requests $132,500 with a 25% match; presenters said the match would be a combination of fundraising, existing library-board reserves, and volunteer in-kind labor rather than general-taxpayer funds.

A library-board representative said they had already conducted a user survey and received affirmative support for upgrading the playground, and that some private donations and prior contributions are earmarked for this purpose. Council members asked about long-term flexibility (whether a pavilion could be relocated in the future) and were told the pavilion would be modest and not a permanent building.

Council voted to support applying for the RIDEM grant and directed that the library board hold a public hearing to solicit comments. Presenters said the match and fundraising plan will be further detailed at that public hearing.

Next steps: library board to hold the public hearing, finalize the match documentation, and submit the grant application with council endorsement.