THE COVENTRY GREENWAY

On the Coventry Greenway you might find yourself hiking through the historic mill village of Anthony, cycling over the Pawtuxet River with its panoramic view of the river banks or trout fishing along the Moosup River or many more opportunities for our residents, as it will provide linkage to parks, schools, government centers, historic sites, and commercial areas.  The fifteen mile stretch of abandoned rail corridor, now under ownership of the Town of Coventry and DEM, extends from West Warwick to the Connecticut State border.
Support for the Coventry Greenway initiatives, coordinated by the National Guard, local scout troops, and student groups, as well as other civic organizations and area businesses.  Without a Parks Department budget appropriation, funding has come from the Symms Trail Program, railroad demolition/salvage fees, legislative appropriations, fines, and donations.  The Coventry Public Works Department was instrumental in completing drainage work, grading and bridge reconstruction utilizing a grant from the US Forest Service Timber Bridge Demonstration Project.  The first 1.5 mile paved section was opened to the public in September of 1998.

In October 1998, Coventry received a Singular National Honor when the Rails to Trails Conservancy recognized our trail as the 1,000th US rail/trail conversion and dedicated the 10,000th mile in the village of Greene.

In June of 1999 the Town of Coventry opened an additional 1.2 miles with a new parking lot at Station Street at the eastern terminus of the paved portion.

      Both the Town of Coventry and the RI DEM are presently under contract with consulting firms to complete the design of their respective portions of the trail.  Construction will continue from 2009-2012 when the entire trail through Coventry is scheduled to be completed.

      The entire trail through Coventry has been identified on the official route of the ECG (East Coast Greenway) with the Town's paved portion having already received "official designation" as a Class 1 bike route.

      To learn more about this exciting project contact the Coventry Parks & Recreation Department at 822-9107.  You may also wish to join the 'Friends of the Coventry Greenway', a citizens group organized to promote trail development.