#MiddletownRI apologizes for delays in the Linden and Howland parks playground projects. Work restarted today on the Linden project, with work at Howland Park expected a short time later. We appreciate everyone's patience to get to this point.
PLAYGROUND UPGRADES RESTARTING
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JUNE 16, 2025) – Sometimes, projects don’t go exactly as planned.
Anyone who owns or rents a house knows exactly how there are times when despite the best laid intentions, things go sideways through no fault of your own.
Town Operations & Facility Manager Will Cronin said this was definitely the case with a project to replace the playground equipment at Howland and Linden parks.
Work restarted this week to replace the playset at Linden Park at 141 West Main Road. Once that project wraps up in two weeks, the playground at Howland Park at 10 Third Beach Road will be installed. While the work is happening, Cronin said each play area will be off limits to the public.
“First off, I personally want to apologize to all the families and kids out there who we might have let down because of the unforeseen delays,” Cronin said. “When we first announced this project in mid-March, we had every intention of having the work done within a month or so. That obviously didn’t happen and we’re going to work hard next time to make sure we never have an experience like this again.”
Specifically, Cronin said part of a concrete foundation was found buried unexpectedly in Howland Park where footings for the new playground were going to be placed. As a result, the company contracted to do the playground work moved onto the next job and were returning now to Middletown.
“It’s one of those things we couldn’t have anticipated,” Cronin said. “Still, it’s definitely a learning experience for me and everyone else involved with the project and I appreciate everyone’s patience while we’ve worked through this.”
When the projects are both done, Middletown will have two of the newest playgrounds on Aquidneck Island.
The designs were chosen to guarantee the maximum amount of use for the widest age range.
To check out renderings of the new Howland Park playground, go to https://mdl.town/Howland-Playground online. For designs of the Linden Park playset, visit https://mdl.town/Linden-Playground online.
The Town Council awarded a contract for the playground work in December 2024 paying for the project with about $240,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. That means town tax dollars will not be used for the work.
“We work hard to make sure the Town of Middletown is family friendly and these new playgrounds will go a long way to helping us accomplish that goal,” Cronin said. “It’s an exciting project and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the new playsets.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Restart
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov