Stillhouse Cove, along Narragansett Blvd. Restored salt marsh is at right.
Pawtuxet’s Stillhouse Cove has undergone a remarkable transformation. Since 2004, almost $1 million has been invested in projects that have restored the 3-acre salt marsh, protected the embankment from erosion, enhanced the parkland, replaced a derelict boat ramp, and calmed traffic.
Stillhouse Cove Park is managed by the Edgewood Waterfront Preservation Association (EWPA), a non-profit incorporated in 1996. EWPA has developed partnerships with agencies and organizations critical to the funding and installation of these great projects. Partners include: Save the Bay, the City of Cranston, DEM, CRMC, the US Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Narragansett Bay Commission and the Edgewood Garden Club.
2003 2015
Improvements in a coastal zone are very expensive, require environmental permits, and have to be carefully managed. Projects are complicated and time-consuming. However, EWPA and its partners have been tenacious. The result? Note the following projects and milestones completed in the past fourteen years:
2004
Coastal erosion project. Stone rip-rap was installed on about 1000 linear feet of the southern embankment, and the embankment to the north was cleared and planted with special “warm season” grasses, with root systems capable of holding the steep slope in place.
2004-5
Salt marsh restoration project. The invasive phragmites grasses were cut away. The
streambed channels were dug out, removing accumulated sediment, and restoring infiltration of salt water critical to allowing native marshland ecology to recover.
Vortechnics catch basin unit installed, 2005
2005
Installed “Vortechnics” catch basin units in the lawn area, capable of filtering out sand, metals and other contaminates before reaching the marsh.
Installed new sidewalks and granite curbing on Narragansett Boulevard.
2005-09
Installed six memorial benches, for park patrons to enjoy.
2008
Garden improvements installed by the Edgewood Garden Club
2009 ditching enhancements / Unsuccessful hydroseed project, 2009
2009
Additional channels dug to control mosquitoes and increase salt water infiltration
2012
Installed wooden fence at northern end of park
2013
Recovery from Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy grant enabled stabilization of embankment
2014-15
EWPA wins National Historic Register designation for Stillhouse Cove
EWPA wins Hurricane Sandy restoration grant for new erosion project
Water service installed at site, 2015
Water service and sprinklers installed on lawn area, which was regraded and reseeded as well.
Narragansett Boulevard traffic calming installed, including two speed tables and a new rotary at the intersection with Ocean Avenue.
New boat ramp installed.
Ten new gardens planted on site.
Annual Cove Clean Up, 2015
EWPA has ongoing initiatives and the annual Cove Clean Up every April. Pawtuxet neighbors who use or appreciate Stillhouse cove are encouraged to check out www.stillhousecove.org and sign up to become a member. Thanks for your support!