Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

The Westerly Comprehensive Plan6.3 RecreationWhile the town does not have a recreation master plan to help guide recreation initiatives, it doeshave a recreation department to manage and administer improvements for the recreation facilitiesand programs.The Recreation Board advises the Planning Board and the Town Council and meets monthly todiscuss the planning, organization and promotion of recreation resources in Westerly. The directorof the Recreation Department reports to the Board on town recreation matters and efforts. TheRecreation Department was created in 2001, fulfilling a recommended action of the 1991Comprehensive Plan. The department’s staff includes a director and an administrative assistant. Thedepartment manages town parks and programs and operates the two town beaches.The following describes the town’s existing recreation facilities including non-water based recreationfacilities and water-based facilities and the town’s existing recreation programs.6.3.1 Recreation Facilities and ProgramsNon-Water Based Recreation FacilitiesRecreation facilities for non-water based uses include town, public school, quasi-public, private andregional facilities. The following sections provide descriptions of these recreation facilities.Town FacilitiesThere are several non-water-based outdoor town recreational facilities that serve Westerly’s activerecreation needs, including the Bowling Lane Playground, Cimalore Field, Craig Field, GingerellaSports Complex, Rotary Park, Airport Field and the Narragansett Avenue tennis/basketball courts.Additionally, all public schools have outdoor recreational facilities available to the public. Generallythe town recreation facilities are in good condition; the major facilities are generally five years old orless.In addition to these facilities, it should also be noted that the town owns a 229 acre property alongthe Pawcatuck River known as the Town Forest. Although this property is categorized as habitatprotection land, like many open spaces, it serves multiple uses. The Town Forest is available forpublic use as a passive recreation facility and contains approximately three miles of trails for naturewalks and environmental education.The table below describes these town facilities.Westerly, Rhode Island 99