Projo Running Blog

Some good news from the running community provided by Chuck Hyson of the Rhode Island Road Runners:

Rhode Island Road Runners Adopt-A-Spot

Capitalizing on the opportunity that Kurt Jamiel created for Rhode Island Road Runners, Dave Simmons led the team of volunteers to create what is believed to be the very first "Adopt-a-Spot" along the 14-year old East Bay Bike Path. Our location was chosen because of its proximity to the finish line for the Club's Red Rooster Ramble, held weekly in the summer, in Warren.

Courtesy of Chuck Hyson

Landscape Designer and club member, Brooke Merriam developed a plan that was approved by local and state authorities, and construction of the spot was started and completed on Thursday July 9th.

Before the shovels hit the dirt, however, there was a significant amount of work done by both Brooke, and club member Brian Govednik in obtaining the necessary materials. Their dedicated efforts yielded a spot filled with 100% donated plantings - thanks guys! (And thanks to our generous sponsors: BG Landscaping (mulch); Redwood Nursey (plants), Frerich's Farm (plants), and frequent-Ramble-walker Bob Dagesse (plants).)
Dave, Brooke, Kurt, and Brian were joined by able-bodied helpers Bill Caine, Chuck Hyson, and Kevin Brennan. Together the team carved out the spot, turned over the soil, planted the donations, and mulched the area. Once the main project was completed, the group also cleaned up much of the adjacent area, and dressed up the Market Street intersection with the bike path. Brian generously hauled away the refuse and we departed late afternoon to prepare for that night's Ramble. We were thrilled to
see that a big 'thank you' banner had been attached to our club banner while we were away - this a gift from a local resident whose yard abutts the bike path. The group received many compliments and much encouragement while the work was being done along with one cynic who, presuming we were state workers, apparently, criticized us for wasting the state's money on such a project with the economy the way it is! We were more than happy to inform her that we were not state workers, were not being paid, were beautifying her neighborhood with generous donations from local merchants on our own time, and it wasn't costing her a penny. (She left a bit skeptical however.)

The one remaining item is the sign identifying the club's 'Spot' which we believe will be ready in a few weeks.

Courtesy of Chuck Hyson

 Tags  adopt-a-spot East Bay Bike Path Rhode Island Road Runners

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