Another Pare project that won an ACEC Rhode Island Award for Projects With Construction Costs Less Than $10 Million is Bristol Independence Park!

Independence Park is a unique waterfront recreation area located in downtown Bristol, RI. The park is an integral part of the Bristol Historic District, as it hosts numerous public events and serves as the terminus of the Pare-designed East Bay Bike Path. Runoff from the existing parking area discharged into the harbor untreated. The Town of Bristol, RI Government recognized the value of implementing stormwater management practices to manage and treat runoff. The site layout was redesigned to improve vehicular pedestrian and bicycle activity, and site features within the park were upgraded to improve coastal resiliency.

The Town required a dock and ramp system that would remain functional during all tidal conditions and provide sufficient length and water depth to accommodate launching vessels at any time. Pare’s design protects the area from flooding and wave action during major storm events using heavier materials and a reinforced pavement edge, reducing erosion and long-term maintenance needs. Through the project’s resiliency and site improvements, contamination concerns were also successfully addressed and mitigated.

Pare’s Site and Waterfront Engineering groups teamed to prepare a coordinated set of permitting and construction documents to deliver a new boat ramp, docks, integrated parking lot improvements, stormwater best management practices, new shoreline protection measures, and resiliency.

Thanks to Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank for funding through a Municipal Resilience Program Action Grant. Another great design by the Pare team!