Upcoming Town Meetings, Holidays and Closures | |
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The Town now uses 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.
Sign up for meeting notifications through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office. All non-emergency meetings must be posted to RI SOS no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting start time.
Receive email alerts when new meetings are scheduled for boards, commissions, committees, and other public bodies.
RI SOS Open Meeting Notification Sign Up
| | Reporting non-emergency concerns is now easier than ever! | |
South Kingstown has launched its new 311 Citizen Service Request System!
Available 24/7, the new 311 portal makes it easy to report non-emergency concerns, track the status of your requests, and receive updates as they are addressed.
From potholes and sidewalk repairs to park maintenance, drainage issues, tree concerns, parking enforcement, animal control, and more, 311 connects you directly with the appropriate Town department for faster service and better communication.
Scan the QR Code or
Click HERE
Please remember: Immediate safety or utility hazards should still be reported to the South Kingstown Police Department Dispatch at
(401) 783-3321, or call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
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South Kingstown
Project Updates!
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South Kingstown High School Project Update
Construction on the new South Kingstown High School continues to move forward on time and on budget. The gymnasium and auditorium shells are nearly complete, cafeteria framing has begun, while sheetrock installation and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work are progressing throughout the building. The exterior vapor barrier is nearing completion, and exterior brick masonry has begun.
With each new phase of construction, the project is starting to look more and more like the architectural drawings residents have seen. The new high school continues to take shape, bringing the vision for this important community investment closer to reality.
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The Town of South Kingstown celebrated the completion of the Peace Dale Community Learning Center with a well-attended ribbon-cutting ceremony bringing together local, state, and federal officials, community members, and project partners.
The celebration featured remarks from Governor Dan McKee, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, and Congressman Seth Magaziner, about the importance of the Community Learning Center and the opportunities it will provide for residents.
The Community Learning Center was designed around three key objectives: education, workforce development, and community health monitoring. The Community Learning Center will provide expanded opportunities for lifelong learning and community engagement, while also promoting the health, wellness, and overall well-being of community members.
The $3,593,891 project was funded through $2,893,891 in ARPA and Governor’s CLC Municipal Grant programming, along with $700,000 in HUD funding. These investments have helped transform the facility into a modern, welcoming community resource while preserving the character and history of the Peace Dale neighborhood.
The ribbon cutting was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only the completion of the project, but the community partnerships and shared vision that made the Community Learning Center possible. The Town looks forward to seeing the many ways this new space will serve South Kingstown residents for years to come.
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Peace Dale Library Improvements
As part of the Community Learning Center project, the Peace Dale Library has received a number of improvements that enhance both the beauty and functionality of this historic community space.
The project included the installation of new architectural uplighting, adding warmth and highlighting the character of the historic building. The portrait of Mr. Hazard was carefully restored, preserving an important piece of the library’s history. A new second-floor restroom was also added, providing improved amenities for library patrons and program participants. On the exterior, a new east entrance was also added, providing improved access to the library while parking lot improvements enhance safety, accessibility, and convenience for visitors.
These improvements, along with the broader Community Learning Center renovations, help preserve the library’s historic character while creating a more welcoming, accessible, and functional space for residents and visitors for years to come.
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Explore the Hazard Memorial Garden
Tucked beside the Community Learning Center, the Hazard Memorial Garden offers a peaceful place to pause.
The ¾-acre garden was created by Mrs. Roland Hazard in the 1920s as part of the Hazard estate. Originally designed as a rock garden, it included a goldfish pond and provided a tranquil retreat within the estate grounds. In 1993, the garden was donated to the Town of South Kingstown.
As part of the Community Learning Center project, the garden—after years of falling into disrepair—has been groomed and refreshed. Five new benches are being installed throughout the garden, each featuring a special literary quote.
Next time you visit the Community Learning Center, take a moment to wander through the garden, find a bench, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Which spot will become your favorite?
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Old Mountain Field Project Update
The Old Mountain Field restroom and concession pavilion is moving right along! Construction is progressing steadily, with the concrete steps and accessible ramp being installed, roofing underway, and the building now wrapped in Typar.
The new pavilion will provide a modern, ADA-compliant facility for residents and visitors to enjoy. The project remains on track for an anticipated opening by the end of October.
We’re excited to see this project taking shape and look forward to welcoming everyone to the new facility this fall!
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After several months of work, Dubon Masonry and Construction have completed the Neighborhood Guild Exterior Restoration project. The front entry has been completely rebuilt using water resistant products, new doors, windows and interior improvements.
With the restoration now complete, the Neighborhood Guild is ready to welcome everyone through its newly improved front entrance for years to come.
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The South Kingstown Senior Center parking lot reconstruction project is moving along on schedule and remains on budget. The improvements are taking shape, and the project is nearing completion.
A big “Thank You” to Hartford Paving for all of their hard work throughout the summer and for helping keep the project on track.
In addition to the parking lot improvements, the project includes a new sidewalk along the south side of the Annex Building and new wood rails in the parking lot, adding to the safety, accessibility, and overall appearance of the site.
Final paving is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 28, 2026. Once paving is complete, the remaining work will include landscaping and tree planting, which will be the final steps in completing the project.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during construction and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the newly improved Senior Center parking lot!
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South Kingstown Christens New Harbor Patrol Vessel
The Town of South Kingstown proudly celebrated the christening and launch of its new Harbor Patrol vessel at Marina Park, marking a significant investment in public safety and emergency response on the Town’s waterways.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined South Kingstown officials, first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard, and community partners for the event, which highlighted the Town’s continued commitment to marine safety and emergency preparedness.
The vessel, a SAFE 27 T-Top, powered by 600 horsepower, is designed specifically for emergency response, search and rescue, and marine safety operations. The state-of-the-art vessel provides the Town’s Harbor Patrol with enhanced capabilities to respond to incidents throughout Point Judith Pond and surrounding waters while strengthening coordination among the Town’s Harbor Patrol, Police, Fire, EMS, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The $502,712 vessel was funded almost entirely through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, including $500,000 in federal funding secured with the assistance of Senator Reed. The investment provides South Kingstown with an important new resource for protecting residents, visitors, boaters, and the Town’s coastal waterways.
Following the speaking program and christening, Senator Reed, Town officials, and members of the media had an opportunity to join the Harbor Patrol crew for a brief demonstration ride on Point Judith Pond, showcasing the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, and emergency response capabilities.
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South Kingstown
Community News & Events
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South Kingstown 8–10 Year Old Girls Softball Team Crowned State Champions
Congratulations to the South Kingstown 8–10 Year Old Girls Softball Team on becoming State Champions! Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork paid off, and the Town could not be prouder of their accomplishment.
The South Kingstown Town Council recognized the team’s outstanding achievement with a proclamation at the August 11th Town Council meeting. Congratulations to all of the players, coaches, families, and supporters on an incredible season!
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The 2026 Primary Election is Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Early voting is available through Tuesday, September 8. If you plan to vote in the Primary, be sure to make your voting plan and check your polling information in advance.
Looking ahead, the 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The deadline to register to vote for the General Election is October 4, 2026.
Voters can find important election information, including their voting district, polling location, sample ballots, and other voter resources, through visiting the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office or call the Town Clerk's Office at 401-789-9331 x 1231.
Please note: Voting district polling locations may be different for the General Election, so be sure to check your polling location before Election Day.
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The South Kingstown Town Council will hold a public hearing on a major revision
to the zoning ordinance governing its primary commercial corridor in Wakefield.
Date: September 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Council Chambers, 180 High Street
The proposed ordinance, The Old Tower Hill Road Neighborhood Plan,
- Will double the building density from 30% to 60%,
- Increase the building height limit from 1 to 3.5 stories,
- Allow for mixed commercial AND residential uses.
This new ordinance is the result of over 2 years of in-depth study involving hundreds of residents and business owners who provided input and review. The consulting firm Able City East worked with residents and town staff to develop an ordinance that transforms the Town’s 1970’s auto-centric strip development into a modern, attractive, pedestrian-friendly shopping and residential area based on five (5) principal ideas:
1. New development should create attractive places where people want to live, work and visit.
2. Plan a unique gateway experience into Wakefield and South Kingstown.
3. Design safe, comfortable and interesting streets in a walkable pedestrian setting.
4. Increase access to nature and sustainable landscapes.
5. Unlock development potential and create new housing opportunities including the integration of missing middle housing and mixed use residential spaces at varying levels of affordability for renters and prospective homeowners.
To view past work-sessions or for more information
please visit the links below:
Questions and/or comments should be directed to the
Planning Department at: jrabbitt@southkingstownri.gov
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On August 13th, the Town of South Kingstown and the South Kingstown 250th Committee welcomed historian and author Christian McBurney for an engaging presentation, "Why Did Americans Rebel Against the British Crown & Seek Independence in July 1776?"
The well-attended event drew a large audience eager to explore the historical events and motivations that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. McBurney's informative presentation provided fascinating insights into the political, social, and economic factors that inspired the American colonies to seek independence, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for this pivotal moment in our nation's history.
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September Events:
Meet John Adams - A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with historical portrayal by George Baker
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Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
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Time: 2:00 pm
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Location: Kingston Free Library, Potter Hall, 2605 Kingstown Road
National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Table of Remembrance.
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Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
- Table Locations:
- WWII Museum
- Peace Dale Library
- South Kingstown Town Hall
- Kingston Free Library
- URI Memorial Union
USA 250th Beach Party - Live Music, Artisans & Food Trucks
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Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
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Time: 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Location: South Kingstown Town Beach, 719 Matunuck Beach Road
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Fall Fun in South Kingstown
As summer comes to a close, South Kingstown Parks and Recreation wraps up another successful season filled with hundreds of programs and camps for people of all ages.
Looking for fun things to do this fall?
Save the date:
The Great Pumpkin Path & Trunk or Treat
Date: Friday, October 2
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: The Village Green,
325 Columbia Street
Parks and Rec offers something for everyone this fall! Sign up for a class at the Knapp School of Music, enroll your preschooler in one of the many programs at Historic Casey Farm, or explore a variety of art, fitness, and recreational programs for all ages. If time doesn't allow you to commit to a weekly class, try one of our numerous drop-in programs, including quilting, yoga, basketball and more.
For more fun ideas browse our Fall Brochure for a complete listing of programs, classes, and activities, and find something new to enjoy this season!
Program registration opens September 1, 2026
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Property Tax Appeal Period
for 2026 Tax Bill is OPEN!
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.
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Elderly Homeowner Exemptions
Over 65 Years of Age?
Late filers welcome to apply!
It's not too late to apply for an elderly exemption on real property for the 2026 Tax Bill!
To receive the exemption on your tax bill yearly you must submit a completed application by May 15th annually. All applications received after May 15th will receive a credit on your real estate account, usually within 30 days.
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
Questions
Call: 789-9331 prompt 3 or Visit the Assessor's Office M-F (8:30-4:30)
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Come Meet Our New Senior Center Manager!
Please join us on September 15 for an opportunity to meet Kristen Frady, South Kingstown’s new Senior Center Manager!
Kristen would love the chance to meet our Senior Center members and community. Stop by, say hello, and help us give her a warm welcome!
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 11am to 12pm
Location: The Center, 25 St Dominic Road
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Medicare Open Enrollment Tutorial
Dates: Fridays in September (4th, 11th, 18th and 25th)
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: The Center, 25 St Domenic Road
With Medicare Open Enrollment approaching, our Community Information Specialist Jill Cogean will offer weekly presentations in September on how to review and enroll in Medicare Part D.
Jill will walk you through the Medicare website and demonstrate how to find and compare plan information so you’ll be prepared to do your own research when Open Enrollment begins.
Please note this is a group presentation for information purposes; One-on-one Medicare counseling will not be available during these sessions.
You are welcome to bring your own laptop or tablet to follow along. The same presentation will be offered each Friday in September for you to attend whichever date works best for you.
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Save the Date
2nd Annual Member Art Show
Mark your calendars for the South Kingstown Senior Center’s 2nd Annual Member Art Show, taking place October 5–9!
Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our Senior Center members and enjoy a wonderful showcase of their artwork. We look forward to sharing their work with the community!
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Call 401-789-0268 x2 or visit the front desk at the Senior Center
for eligibility requirements, additional information and/or
to register for upcoming programs and events.
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Messy Art Challenge
Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Peace Dale Library
Kids in grades K–5 are invited to make a masterpiece without using a paintbrush! We’ll experiment with an assortment of objects and unconventional painting tools. Dress for a mess!
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Meet John Adams: A Witty and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President
Date: Saturday, September 12th
Time:2:00 PM
Location: Kingston Free Library
Historical interpreter George Baker brings John Adams to life in a humorous and inspiring look at the nation, history, and family life through the eyes of America’s second president.
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Teen Linocut Printmaking
Date:Wednesday, September 23 at
Time: 2:30 PM |
Location: Peace Dale Library
Teens in grades 6–12 can learn the basics of linoleum printmaking and create their own prints.
Registration is required.
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Tree I.D.
Date: Saturday, September 26th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Peace Dale Library
Learn how to identify trees in our area with retired Deputy State Forester and Scituate Tree Warden Paul Dolan. The illustrated presentation will include an introduction to using a dichotomous key, with an opportunity to identify trees on the library grounds if conditions allow. Open to adults and teens ages 14 and up.
Registration is required.
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Sorting it Out: Don't let the summer go to waste
As summer winds down, don’t send broken or unwanted outdoor items straight to the landfill. Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station (RHRTS) offers several free and low-cost recycling and disposal options for South Kingstown and Narragansett residents.
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Scrap metal: Grills, metal outdoor furniture, beach chairs, and umbrellas (remove non-metal parts).
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Rigid plastics: Plastic lawn furniture and broken plastic beach toys—free.
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Mattresses: Clean, dry mattresses are free; damaged, wet, or infested mattresses are $90.
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Air conditioners: $24 each.
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Propane tanks (20 lbs. or less): $10 each.
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Yard waste: $1.50 per paper yard bag.
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Household hazardous waste: Paint, lawn and garden chemicals, oils, filled propane tanks, and similar items can be taken to an Eco-Depot event.
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.
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The Gansett Days
Recycling Event
Date:September 19th
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Narragansett Town Beach North Lot.
For: South Kingstown and Narragansett Residents.
Free paper shredding, e-waste and textile collection will be available.
There will be NO household hazardous waste collection at this event!
There’s a 3-box limit of shredding per person.
To learn more about e-waste collection visit: Indiecycle and for textile collection visit: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island
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For recycling questions visit RIRRC or
contact SK's Recycling Coordinator at 401-789-9331 x 2259
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On August 3rd, more than 45 people joined us at Robert Beverly Hale Library for a special nature story time with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
Families learned about owls through a story and interactive activities and even met Acorn, an Eastern Screech-Owl.
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Also on August 3rd, families gathered at Peace Dale Library for a lively afternoon of Bingo and book prizes.
Winners had first choice of prize books, but no one went home empty-handed!
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On August 12th, Kingston Free Library was transformed for an afternoon of LED Mini Golf presented by One Up Games.
Families putted their way through glowing holes with colorful LED lights — complete with glow-in-the-dark golf balls!
| | Summer Concert Series Wraps Up on a Beautiful August Night | | |
South Kingstown Parks & Recreation
closed out its summer Concert Series on August 6 with an incredible performance by Guess Method at South Kingstown Town Beach.
With beautiful weather, a lively crowd dancing to the music, delicious food from local food trucks, and shopping with the Field of Artisans, it was the perfect way to end the summer series.
A big thank you to all of our performers, vendors, and community members who helped make this concert season such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
| | Community Resources & Support Services | |
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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.
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Jonnycake Center for Hope (401-789-1559) Providing food pantry services, financial assistance, and support programs for South Kingstown residents.
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SNAPsupport.ri.gov – An online hub for updates and resources, especially during the current federal SNAP shutdown.
| | | Town of South KIngstown | 180 High Street | Wakefield, RI 02879 US | | | | |
