August 2026

Through the CivicClerk Portal Residents can now access the Town meeting calendar, agendas, packets, and minutes all in one location.

All Agendas will be posted no later than 48-hours prior to the scheduled start of the meeting in accordance with the Open Meetings Act requirements.

Meetings can also be viewed live or the next day on YouTube

SeeClickFix311 Just Launched

South Kingstown High School Construction

Construction continues to move forward on the new South Kingstown High School project, with significant progress taking place across the building and site.

Recent work includes air and vapor barrier preparation, along with roofing installation along the high and low end roof areas. Crews installed exterior rigid insulation on the northwest faces and mobilized for brick installation along the north side.

Exterior construction continues with installation of wall studs and sheathing, as well as soffit sheathing in other areas. Fireproofing and thermal coating applications are also underway in multiple areas.

Mechanical, electrical, and interior work continues throughout the building, including installation of mechanical hangers and roof drains, MC cable, ductwork, and ongoing interior framing. The gymnasium block assembly infill continues, along with installation of door frames and sheetrock along the upper partitions on Level 2.

Site improvements are also progressing with the installation of site lighting and light pole bases at the northeast parking lot.

The project team continues to advance both interior and exterior construction activities as work progresses toward completion of the new high school facility.

Curtis Corner Middle School Redevelopment

The Town is continuing to advance planning and coordination efforts for the redevelopment of the former Curtis Corner Middle School property. The project team is working through the next steps necessary to move the project from planning into implementation.

Project Schedule:

Phase I – Building Demolition - August 2026

• Demolition of the former Curtis Corner Middle School building

Phase II – Athletic Fields

• Bidding & Award: July–August 2026
• Construction: September 2026–March 2027
• Development of new athletic fields

Phase III – Remaining Site Improvements

• Construction: March–September 2027
• Design review is currently underway and includes:
• Improved vehicle and pedestrian access
• Preservation of roadway landscaping where possible
• Creation of a park-like setting for the community

Residents can follow project updates and learn more on the

Town's website.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony



The Town of South Kingstown is pleased to invite residents and community members to celebrate the official opening of the new Community Learning Center at the Peace Dale Library.

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Peace Dale Library, 1057 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Community Learning Center represents a significant investment in lifelong learning, community engagement, and accessible gathering spaces for residents of all ages. The renovated facility features conference rooms, meeting spaces, upgraded technology, and flexible areas designed to support educational, cultural, and community programs.

Funding Sources:

The Community Learning Center Project is funded through a combination of federal grant programs, including $2,893,891 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund through the Governor's Community Learning Center Municipal Grant Program and $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Fiscal Year 2024 Economic Development Initiative Community Project Funding.

Total Project Budget: $3,593,891

Peace Dale Library Improvements

As part of the Community Learning Center project the following projects are underway.

East End Library Entrance

Construction is underway on the library's new east entrance. The previous overhang was removed after water infiltration caused the supporting wood to deteriorate, making the structure unsafe. Concrete forms have now been poured for the new entry, and a new portico will provide expanded weather protection over the book drop while creating a larger, more welcoming entrance for patrons.

Parking Lot Expansion



Recent progress includes the installation of new granite curbing and the widening of the parking lot and driveway, providing safer entry and exit for library patrons. Crews will next remove the existing pavement, regrade the area, and install new asphalt to create a smooth, continuous parking surface.

Peace Dale Library Parking Lot Closure



The Peace Dale Library parking lot is closed for repaving until further notice. The Library remains open during regular hours, and patrons may enter through the front doors on Kingstown Road.



Anyone who requires assistance or cannot use the steps leading to the entrance should call 401-789-1555, ext. 4109. A reference librarian will be happy to assist

The Hazard Memorial Garden

The Hazard garden adjacent to the Peace Dale Branch Library is being upgraded as part of the Community Learning Center Project.

Planned improvements will include:

• Clearing and new surfacing on all pathways;

• Limited clearing of invasive plants and tree trimming;

• Installation of refurbished benches relocated from the Wakefield river walk;

• Upgrades to fencing;

• Installation of new signage;

• New pedestrian bridge crossings.

Improvements started mid July and will be completed by the fall of 2026.

Funding Sources: This project is partially funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund via the Governor's Community Learning Center Municipal Grant Program, along with FY2024 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Project Funding.

Old Mountain Field Improvement Project

Construction at Old Mountain Field continues to progress on schedule, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of October.

Wood framing of the new building is now complete. Over the next several weeks, residents will see wood trusses erected, windows and roofing installed, making the building weather-tight, lighting installation and other ongoing site work.

Despite the ongoing construction, recreation camps, athletic leagues, and park programs have continued with minimal disruption. The Town extends its sincere thanks to all Old Mountain Field users and to E.W. Burman for their patience, flexibility, and cooperation throughout the project.

Senior Center Parking Lot Improvements

The Senior Center parking lot reconstruction project is now underway. These improvements will provide a safer and more accessible parking area for everyone. During construction, parking will be limited and traffic patterns may change.

Please allow a little extra time when visiting the Center and follow posted signs. Additional parking is available at the Recreation Center located across the street.



Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these important improvements.

Harbor Patrol

Boat Christening

The Town of South Kingstown cordially invites all residents to attend the Christening Ceremony of our new Harbor Patrol Vessel, a SAFE 27' Center Console Hard Top Boat.

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Time: : 12:30 PM

Location: Marina Park, 214 Salt Pond Road

Parking: Parking is available directly across the street from the public boat ramp.

Funding Sources:

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): $500,000.00

• Recreation Capital Equipment Reserve Fund: $2,712.06

Total Project Budget: $502,712.06

South Kingstown

Community Highlights & Events

The Town’s Annual Budget Document for Fiscal Year 26–27 has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the 11th consecutive year. This prestigious award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and reflects the continued commitment and dedication of the Finance Department and Town staff to excellence in financial planning, transparency, and responsible budgeting.

Congratulations to the Finance Department and all staff involved in preparing the FY26-27 budget document. This accomplishment is a great team effort and demonstrates the Town’s continued dedication to excellence in budgeting.

Deadline to register to vote is August 10, 2026

The 2026 Statewide Primary Election will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Voter registration for new voters or changes to your voter registration must be made at least 30 days prior to the Primary, by August 10, 2026.

Voter registration forms are available in the Town Clerk's office or you may register online with the Secretary of State's office.

Questions call the SK Canvassing Clerk at 401-789-9331 x 1231

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) is moving forward with efforts to control invasive hydrilla in Worden Pond.

The Pond and Lake Connection has been selected to conduct a whole-lake, low-dose fluridone treatment funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

Aquatic plant surveys and sediment sampling will begin in late July, weather permitting, with treatment expected to start in early August and continue through November.

The treatment will not restrict swimming, fishing, or boating.

Temporary irrigation restrictions may apply immediately following treatment.

If you wish to receive an email from RIDEM with notifications of scheduled treatment dates, please add your email address to our list by scanning the QR code or click HERE and make sure to include “Worden Pond” as “Waterbody Most Interested In” on the form.

Property Tax Appeal Period for 2026 Tax Bill Begins August 1, 2026

Taxpayers may appeal their assessments yearly to the Department of Assessment between AUGUST 1st to NOVEMBER 15th.

**NO EARLY OR LATE FILINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED. APPLICATION WINDOW IS STRICTLY ENFORCED**

Please Note: Effective June 24, 2025, and Pursuant to RI General Laws 44-5-26, the Town of South Kingstown has adopted a NEW Appeal Form and Instructions for appealing your assessment for the year ending December 31, 2025.

• Property Assessment Appeal Application



• Appeal Form Instructions

Elderly Homeowner Exemptions

Over 65 Years of Age? It's not too late to apply for an elderly exemption on real property for the 2026 Tax Bill!

TO QUALIFY:

1. You and your spouse must be 65 years of age or older as of 12/31/2025

2. You must be an owner of the property you occupy for the last 5 years and legally domiciled in South Kingstown

3. Your total gross household income MUST NOT EXCEED $49,717

• Elderly Homeowner Exemption Information

• Elderly Exemption Application

• Full List of Available Tax Exemptions

Questions

Call: 789-9331 prompt 3 or Visit the Assessor's Office M-F (8:30-4:30)



On Monday July 27, 2026 the South Kingstown Town Council passed the following resolution:

PURPLE HEART TOWN

WHEREAS, the Town of South Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island has always supported its military veteran population, and has been proclaimed a Purple Heart Town since 2021, and 

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration in present use and was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by General George Washington in 1782, and       

WHEREAS, the Purple Heart was the first American service award or decoration made available to the common soldier and is specifically awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United States of America, and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of goodwill among the combat-wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism, support legislative initiatives, and most importantly make sure that we never forget, and

WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island has a large, highly decorated veteran population including many Purple Heart recipients, and

WHEREAS, South Kingstown appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support that they have earned.

NOW THEREFORE, WE THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN do hereby proclaim the fifth anniversary of the Town of South Kingstown as a PURPLE HEART TOWN and DECLARE AUGUST 7, 2026 as PURPLE HEART DAY.  

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Great food, great music, friends, family and FUN!

South Kingstown's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration brought the community together for an unforgettable evening as residents and visitors celebrated America's 250th Anniversary.

Held on Saturday, July 4, at Old Mountain Field, the event drew a tremendous crowd for an evening filled with patriotic spirit, community pride, and family fun. Guests enjoyed live music by Take It to the Bridge, a variety of food trucks, a 50/50 raffle, and activities for all ages.

Beautiful weather throughout the day and into the early evening made for ideal conditions as families gathered to celebrate. With an approaching storm on the horizon, organizers made the decision to begin the fireworks display 30 minutes early, ensuring everyone could safely enjoy a truly spectacular show before the rain arrived.



The celebration was a tremendous success, bringing the community together to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary and create lasting memories with family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's celebration so memorable.

Featured Speaker: Robert A. Geake

On July 9th, The Town of South Kingstown and The 250th Committee welcomed Robert A. Geake, a public historian and author of fifteen books on Rhode Island and New England history, for a special presentation as part of our USA 250 Speaker Series.

Mr. Geake has shared his research with historical organizations throughout the region, including the Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Institute of the American Revolution in Washington, D.C. He previously served two terms as President of the Cocumscussoc Association, which maintains Smith’s Castle in North Kingstown, and continues to support historical education initiatives.

Through his work as a public historian, author, and educator, Mr. Geake provided an engaging look into the people, events, and stories that have shaped Rhode Island’s history.

Upcoming Events:

Take a step back in time

Speaker Series #11: "Why Did Americans Rebel Against the British Crown & Seek Independence in July 1776" presented by Christian McBurney



Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: The Contemporary Theater, 

327 Main Street

Summer Concert Series Off to a Great Start!

Beautiful weather, great music, local artisans, delicious food trucks, and plenty of smiling faces made the South Kingstown Town Beach Summer Concert Series a wonderful success. The Wakefield Concert Band kicked off the season on Monday, July 13, followed by TJ & The Campers on Thursday, July 23. Both performances drew enthusiastic, jam-packed crowds for evenings of music and community by the shore.

The Town also hosted Concerts on the Village Green. With performance by To Be Continued on July 12, Whiskey Knights Band on July 19, and The Dennis Bouchard Group on July 26. The Wakefield Concert Band continued to entertain with a performance on July 27 at Marina Park, closing out the July lineup and continuing another memorable summer of free live music for the community.

The Town is looking forward to a couple of more concerts coming up in August to celebrate the final weeks of summer.

Blissful Moon

Date: Sunday, August 2

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: SK Village Green, 325 Columbia Street

Guess Method

Date: Thursday, August 6.

Time: 6:00 pm

Location: SK Town Beach, 719 Matunuck Beach Road

Don't miss out on the fun - bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and head on over for a fun family night out - we look forward to seeing you there!

For more summer fun ideas browse our Summer Brochure and the Summer Camp Guide and start planning your summer today!

Sound Bath Experience

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

Location: SK Senior Center, 25 St. Dominic Road

Cost: $10 Residents/$20 Non-Residents

Join certified sound healing practitioner Melissa Dorish for a relaxing sound bath experience.

Let the sounds and vibrations of various instruments like crystal quartz bowls, Himalayan metal singing bowls, a rain stick, ocean drum, chimes and much more move through your body and bring you into a deeper state of relaxation.

Pre-registration with payment is required.

Stop by the front desk at The Senior Center to register.

Recycle Right!

August adult programming at Peace Dale has an environmental theme! Learn how to “Recycle Right” with Rhode Island Resource Recovery

Date: Saturday, August 29

Time: 10 am - 11 am

Location: Peace Dale Library

Cost: Free

Registration: No registration required

For more information

Monuments and Memorials of South Kingstown

More interested in local history? Don’t miss Monuments and Memorials of South Kingstown



Date: Wednesday, August 26

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Kingston Free Library

Cost: Free

Registration: No registration required

South Kingstown abounds with public monuments, markers, and memorials, many hidden in plain sight, dedicated to a wide variety of people and events.

This illustrated virtual tour will explore these sites and illuminate some of the history behind each one. The program will be presented by former SKPL librarian Jessica Wilson.

LED Mini Golf

Looking for a fun family activity? Families are invited to play nine holes on an illuminated indoor LED mini-golf course.

Date: Wednesday, August 12

Times: Choose a tee time below

Location: Kingston Free Library

Cost: Free

Registration: Click on a time to register

10:30 am or 11:30 am or 12:30 pm

Looking to get involved?

Join a Town Board or Commission and play an active role in shaping your local government and community.

The Town of South Kingstown is currently seeking applications for several Boards and Commissions.

Click the links below for more information.

Boards & Commission's Application

Boards and Commissions General Information

Updated Rates for the Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station

Effective July 1, 2026, updated disposal rates are now in effect at the Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station for South Kingstown and Narragansett residents.



Key updates include:

• Refuse Tags: $2.50 each (sold in sheets of 5 tags - $12.50)
• Yard Waste Tags: $1.50 each (may be purchased individually)
• Residential Bulky Waste: $0.08 per pound ($12.50 minimum)
• Residential Bulky Yard Waste: $0.0375 per pound ($12.50 minimum)

Tags may be purchased at Rose Hill Transfer Station or from the Town Clerk's Office at the South Kingstown Town Hall.

Residents are encouraged to review the complete Schedule of Fees before visiting the transfer station or review the Brochure.

For additional information or Call the Recycling Coordinator at 401-789-9331 x 2259

Sorting it Out: When recycling, ignore the chasing arrows

Did you know the familiar "chasing arrows" recycling symbol doesn't always mean an item is recyclable? Because the symbol is unregulated, it can appear on products for a variety of reasons—even when they can't be recycled.

In Rhode Island, recyclability isn't determined by the symbol or the number inside it. Instead, follow the guidelines established by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). For curbside recycling, clean plastic containers smaller than five gallons are accepted, regardless of the resin number, with the exception of compostable or biodegradable plastics.

When in doubt, skip the symbol and check the official recycling guidelines at RIRRC to ensure you're recycling right or contact SK's Recycling Coordinator at 401-789-9331 x 2259

Full Article - The Independent

‘Sorting It Out’ is a recurring column of The Independent Newspaper that features recycling and composting tips from Charlotte Canner, the Recycling Coordinator for the towns of South Kingstown and Narragansett a brief will appear monthly in the newspaper.

Children's Programming

July was filled with exciting children’s programs, including story times, animal visits, pop music, crafts, STEM activities, and more. Check out some of the photos from the month’s children’s programming at the Kingston Free Library!

Friends of the Hale Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Robert Beverly Hale Library held a successful book sale in mid-July, raising funds to support Library programs and supplies while providing the community with plenty of beach reads for the rest of the summer—and beyond!

Summer Reading Programs

Summer reading programs for children, teens, and adults were in full swing throughout July! The fun continues through the first two weeks of August.

The Town of South Kingstown is committed to supporting residents by providing access to a wide range of community resources and services, including assistance with housing, healthcare, food access, and education. Residents are encouraged to explore these programs and connect with the services that best meet their needs. Full details and contact information are provided below.

• Jonnycake Center for Hope (401-789-1559) Providing food pantry services, financial assistance, and support programs for South Kingstown residents.

• Rhode Island Community Food Bank (401-942-6325) Offering information on food pantries and meal sites across the state.

• Tri-County Community Action Agency (401-351-2750) Assisting individuals and families with food access, energy assistance, and other essential needs.

• SNAPsupport.ri.gov – An online hub for updates and resources, especially during the current federal SNAP shutdown.

• South Kingstown Senior Center (401-789-0268) Providing daily meals for adults age 60 years or older.

South Kingstown Town Council: towncouncil@southkingstownri.gov

Town Manager: townmanager@southkingstownri.gov

Town Hall Phone: 401-789-9331

Town Hall Address:

South Kingstown Town Hall

180 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879

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