May 2026

The Town recently transitioned to the CivicClerk Portal to make it easier to stay informed. 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

On Friday, April 17, South Kingstown marked the completion of the new Perryville EMS Station with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. The event brought together a distinguished group of federal, state, and local officials, including Governor McKee, U.S. Senators Reed and Whitehouse, members of the South Kingstown Town Council, RI Senators Sosnowski and Valverde, RI Representative Fogarty, representatives of the South Kingstown Land Trust, mutual aid partners, as well as the Town Manager, municipal staff, and local residents.

With approximately 100 attendees, the event underscored the importance of this new EMS facility in enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the continued delivery of critical services to the community.

The project was completed on schedule and within budget. Funding included a $1 million Municipal Public Safety Infrastructure Grant from the State of Rhode Island and $1.8 million in the Town’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLRF).Any remaining project costs were covered through surplus SLRF funds or the EMS billing fund, with no financial impact to South Kingstown taxpayers.

The Town extends its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported this important milestone.

The Town proudly marked a significant moment in the construction of the new South Kingstown High School with the Topping Out ceremony.

A tradition grounded in history signifying the completion of the building’s structural frame by placing of the last beam. This important milestone brings the community one step closer to a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to serve students for generations to come. The new high school, spanning more than 154,000 square feet, will accommodate approximately 725 students.

The Topping Out ceremony itself is steeped in centuries of tradition, dating back more than 1,300 years. Originating in Scandinavia, early builders placed sheaves of grain atop new structures as an offering for good fortune and prosperity. Over time, this custom evolved into the placement of an evergreen tree at the highest point of the building. The tradition made its way to the United States in the late 19th century, where it became a meaningful ritual in the construction industry.

Today, the evergreen tree placed atop South Kingstown High School stands as a symbol of hope and endurance, representing the strength of the structure and the bright future it will help shape. Alongside it, the American flag flies proudly—honoring the dedication, craftsmanship, and teamwork of the many professionals, tradespeople, and partners who have brought the project to this milestone.

The Peace Dale Library reopened to the public on Monday, April 13, following a temporary closure for construction of the Community Learning Center. While work is still ongoing, the community has been thrilled to return to this beloved space and see the progress firsthand.

Significant restoration efforts have already enhanced the historic character of the building. In the Old Main Reading Room, fire protection pipes are being carefully painted to blend seamlessly with the room’s beautiful architecture. Above the Circulation Desk, the original ceiling has been reinstalled and complemented with new lighting, bringing renewed warmth and brightness to the space. Additionally, the original balcony flooring has been restored and reinstalled, showcasing its breathtaking beauty and craftsmanship. At the Peace Dale Library, roof replacement work began on April 28. The building will remain open, and entrances will be accessible as usual during construction.

We look forward to sharing more updates as construction continues and appreciate the community’s patience and excitement during this transformation.

Old Mountain Field Project Update

The Old Mountain Field construction project continues to move along nicely, with several key updates to share. The old restroom and concessions building has been fully demolished, clearing the way for the next phase of improvements. Work is also underway on important electrical upgrades, including the installation of a new conduit and transformer to support the future needs of the facility.

To keep the baseball field operational during construction, a temporary generator has been installed. This ensures that the field lights, scoreboard, and press box all remain powered, allowing games and activities to continue without interruption.



Overall, the project is progressing as planned, and these upgrades will help create a more modern, reliable, and user-friendly space for the community to enjoy.

Come take a stroll through Saugatucket Park!

We’re happy to share that 8 new benches and 3 trash receptacles have been installed, making it even easier for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy this treasured community space.

These improvements are part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to implement the revised park master plan, which honors the original Olmsted Brothers design and vision for the park.

A sincere thank you to our Parks Division for their hard work on site preparation, to Pivotal Concrete for the installation, and to the South Kingstown Town Council for supporting this project which was made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA).



We look forward to seeing the community enjoy these new additions — and there’s more to come, with period-style lighting improvements on the way!

Small Vessel Storage Racks Now Available at Lake Avenue & Washington Street Rights-of-Way

Facilities staff is currently constructing a new kayak storage rack. Once complete, this system will provide an organized and convenient space for residents to store small vessels and access the water.

A limited number of storage spaces are now available for dinghies and paddle craft at the Lake Avenue and Washington Street rights-of-way.



Storage is available by permit only and is restricted to assigned racks, in accordance with South Kingstown Town Ordinance 4-41. The rack permit application can be found here: Permit Application

Please note:

• Storage is permitted only within designated racks at these two locations.
• A Town-issued permit sticker must be displayed on the side of each vessel.

If applications exceed the number of available rack spaces, a lottery will be held on May 14 to assign racks and establish a waitlist. Applications received after that date will be added to the waitlist in the order they are received. Applicants must renew their waitlist application annually to maintain their position.

The photo above shows the Lake Avenue right-of-way prepared for installation of the new storage system.

Once completed, the rack will enhance access to the shoreline, improve organization, and support recreational opportunities for the community.

South Kingstown

Community Highlights & Events

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.

Vacancies and Descriptions

Application

Boards and Commissions General Information

2026 South Kingstown Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Review

The Town of South Kingstown has posted a draft update of its Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) for public review. The HMP, last adopted in 2019, is required by state and federal agencies to be updated every 5 years in order for South Kingstown to be eligible for certain types of mitigation funding to reduce hazard risk.

This HMP Update was developed over the past year by the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee with consultant support. The purpose of the planning effort is to assess the risks faced from natural hazards, identify action steps that can be taken to prevent damage to property and loss of life, and prioritize funding for mitigation efforts for the next five years.

Members of the public were previously invited to participate in the plan development via an online survey and a public meeting, and are now invited to review the complete draft, posted here: Hazard Mitigation 2026

The draft HMP Update will be posted for a 30-day public review period. Reviewers should send questions and comments to the Planning Department, at: jrabbitt@southkingstownri.gov

Good Energy Press Release

Town Council, April 13, 2023 Good Energy Testimony: YouTube Link

The South Kingstown Town Council met on April 13 with representatives from Good Energy to discuss the Town’s Community Aggregation Program.

During the meeting, representatives provided an overview of current and projected electricity rates, explaining how participation in the program can offer residents more stable and, in some cases, more competitive pricing compared to the standard utility supply rate. The discussion also included details on contract terms, including the length of agreements, pricing structures, and how rates may change over time.

Importantly, residents were reminded that participation in the Community Aggregation Program is voluntary. Information was shared on how individuals can opt out at any time without penalty, as well as how to rejoin the program in the future if desired.

The Town will continue to share updates and resources to help residents better understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their electricity supply.

For more information or to make a change, leave or join the program, use the form at Electricity.SouthkingstownRI.com or call the supplier, NextEra Energy Services at (888) 387-1085.

The Town Assessor's office is now accepting applications for

tax exemptions on real property for tax year 2026.

Veteran's, Widow of a Veteran and 100% Disabled Veteran

The deadline to apply is June 10, 2026.

To qualify:

1. South Kingstown must be the applicant's legal and primary residence.

2. Applicant must be Honorably Discharged.

3. Applicant must complete an application 5 days prior to the certification of the tax roll of any given year using information on the discharge papers, DD 214.

4. Applicant must supply the original DD 214 to the Assessment office in where a copy will be made. It is suggested that you record this document in the Town Clerk's office at no charge.

5. Applicant must meet specific qualifying dates.

Persons 65 years of age

and older

Application forms have been mailed to each person who qualified for the exemption in 2025.

To qualify:

1. You or your spouse must be 65 years of age or older as of December 31, 2025

2.You must be a full or partial owner of the premises you occupy and have owned and occupied property in South Kingstown for the last 5 years

3. Your total gross household income must not exceed $45,197

4. You must be legally domiciled in South Kingstown

You may obtain applications and/or a copy of the ordinance by calling the Assessor’s Office at (401) 789-9331, option 3.

You may also obtain the application from our website:

Application: Veteran Exemption

Application: Elderly Homeowner Tax Exemption

SK Annual Memorial Day Parade

Parade Route:

Starting: Holley Street

Route: length of Main Street

Ending: Saugatucket Park, High Street

Date: Monday, May 25th

Time: 10:00 am

A Memorial Ceremony and wreath laying will follow the parade at the Saugatucket Park Veterans Monument at 11am.

The community is encouraged to attend and recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day Parade Entry Form

The SK USA250 Speaker Series continued on April 8 with a well-attended presentation given by Renee Walker-Tuttle on "Revolutionary War-era clothing, exploring how garments were made, who wore them, and what they reveal about colonial life"

Upcoming Events:

• Speaker Series #5: "Gilbert Stuart's Washington Portraits: Picturing a New Nation" presented by Michelle Lee Leonard on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at SK High School Auditorium

• Speaker Series #6: "Step Back In Time with Roger Williams" presented by John McNiff on Thursday May 21, 2026 at The Contemporary Theatre

With Summer right around the corner the Parks and Recreation Department has a variety of facilities available for family outings, sports events, or special events. Listed below are the available facilities/locations to rent.

For more information or to reserve please visit the Parks and Rec Facility Reservations webpage.

The Parks and Rec Department will contact you within 48 hours with availability and cost information.

SK Town Beach Opens May 23rd

Save time at the gate and purchase your pass today.

Which option is best for you?

• Beach Sticker (1 per car)
• Perfect for when you have a designated car for the beach
• Transferable Pass (Transfers car to car)
• Perfect if you have multiple cars or folks visting for the summer. Two (2) passes with each purchase.
• Beach Storage Lockers
• Rent a beach locker for the summer and keep all your beach supplies at the beach! The beach locker lottery will be on May 17th! Submit your application today!

For More Information and On-line Applications: SK Town Beach

RIPTA Senior Reduced Fare Bus Pass Registration Event

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: SK Senior Center, 39 St. Dominic Way

Cost: Seniors age 65 and older may apply or renew their reduced fare bus pass. Please bring proof of age and payment:

• $10 cash for renewals
• $20 cash for new or replacement passes

The Senior Bus Pass is valid for two years and provides discounted fares on RIPTA services during off-peak hours.

Residents interested in a RIPTA Senior No Fare Pass may qualify based on income eligibility. Total income must not exceed 200% of Federal Poverty Level.

Applicants must provide one of the following documents for verification:

• SNAP card
• IRS Tax Return
• SSI Award Letter
• Medicaid Eligibility Letter
• Medicaid Card (2019 or newer)
• IRS Tax Account Transcript

The same fee structure applies:

• $10 cash for renewals
• $20 cash for new or replacement passes

For more information, please call 401-784-9500 ext. 2012 or visit RIPTA.com/ReducedFare.

All of these events were filled with smiles and laughter

bringing the community together.

Tackle Your Goals with The Four Tendencies

When: Friday, May 8th

Time: 9 am - 10 am

Location: SK Senior Center, 39 St. Dominic Road

Cost: No charge to members, participation is limited to members of the SK Senior Center

Do you ever wonder why habit change is easy for some, and challenging for others?

Do you need some help staying on track with your goals, or supporting a loved one through a change?

Join Lauren for a look at Gretchin Rubin's Four Tendencies framework to gain insights and strategies to help manage habit change.

Composting for Small Spaces

When: Friday, May 29th

Time: 10 am - 11 am

Location: SK Senior Center, 39 St. Dominic Road

Cost: No charge to members, participation is limited to members of the SK Senior Center

Composting food scraps is an easy way to reduce your garbage costs while helping the planet. Join Charlotte, South Kingstown Recycling Coordinator, for this workshop on how to compost food scraps at home, even in small spaces and apartments, no outdoor space required.

Call 401-789-0268 x2 or visit the front desk at the Senior Center

for more information or to register for upcoming programs/events.

The Kingston Free Library will host a Rhode Island Renunciation Day Celebration!

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Location: Kingston Free Library, 2605 Kingstown Road

The celebration will feature a history talk and a ceremonial ringing of the library’s bell in honor of the 250th anniversary of Rhode Island’s independence from Great Britain.

Did you know that the Kingston Free Library building

was once one of the State Houses of RI?

Author and television personality Ronny LeBlanc will present Interdimensional: Consciousness, Cryptids, and the Hidden Architecture of Reality, followed by a Q&A and book signing.

Date: Wednesday, May 13

Time: 6:00–7:30 PM

Location: Kingston Free Library, 2605 Kingstown Road

No Pre-registration required.

For more information on upcoming library events:

Event Calendar

Repair Fair

Do you have an item lying around that’s still usable with a little repair? Keep it out of the landfill and bring it to the South Kingstown Repair Fair on May 9th. Over 18 Volunteer fixers will be on hand to repair items such as clothing, bicycles, jewelry, small electronics, furniture, and other household items.

When: Saturday, May 9th

Time: 9am - 12pm

Location: 30 St. Dominic Road, SK Rec Center

If you would like to bring an item in, please sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/SKrepairfair

Sorting it Out: Treat everyday like its Earth Day!

April 22nd celebrated the 56th annual Earth Day. The holiday was established in 1970 in a time of severe air and water pollution.

Here are some more things you can do to celebrate and support the planet on Earth Day and every day:

• Join a local litter cleanup.
• Check Save the Bay, ORCA, and locally organized events on Facebook.
• Keep your items out of the landfill by bringing them to the Repair Fair on May 9th at the South Kingstown Recreation Center.
• Start composting your food waste at home.
• Perform a waste audit at home to see how much your household throws away weekly and make a plan to reduce it.
• Reach out to your local town council and state legislators to encourage legislation that supports sustainability efforts.
• Take a walk at a local land trust property to appreciate why we need to make these efforts to protect the planet.

For questions about disposing of specific items, visit RIRRC or contact the 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.

The Parks & Rec Department hosted two successful Easter egg hunts. The flashlight hunt added a fun twist, with participants searching in the dark, while the daytime event offered a classic egg hunt experience for families.

Peace Dale, Kingston and Hale Libraries celebrated National Library Week with book bag raffles, with winners selected on April 24.

Kingston Free Library hosted a well-attended and successful koi watercolor class for the community.

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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