Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick

Happy fall! I hope you have been enjoying the slightly cooler weather and the change of seasons. After the hot and humid weather this summer brought the Ocean State, I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m looking forward to the crispness that October brings with it.

As we head into arguably the busiest time of the year, I would be remiss if I did not recap so many of the good things that have been happening throughout the city. Everywhere you go, you are guaranteed to see some kind of change. From new roadways, to new businesses, Warwick certainly isn’t lacking change.

The Apponaug Circulator project continues to move full steam ahead. With two roundabouts open, and the Veterans Memorial Drive Extension just weeks away from opening, the years-old traffic problems that the village has endured are finally going to be a thing of the past. As more changes take place over the coming weeks and months, it’s exciting to finally see the hard work pay off. The project is currently ahead of schedule and on budget.

Rocky Point also reached another milestone. The iconic arch that stood for many years as the park’s entrance and exit was restored its former glory. As one of the only four remaining, “Peace Through Understanding” arches from New York’s World Fair, after the park closed more than 20 years ago, the arch fell into disrepair. However, thanks to a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, with help from the the Rocky Point Foundation, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, the city of Warwick Public Works Department and Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce the arch was scraped of rust, sanded and repainted.

Warwick also welcomed some new businesses last month. Burlington celebrated its grand opening with a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony. The addition of the store at Rhode Island mall is certainly a welcomed one. Additionally, the city also welcomed DIF Design, as well as the first-ever Veterans Affairs office.

We also had our second Food Trucks Nights at the beginning of the month. With numerous mobile vendors, live music, raffles and a lot of family fun, the mobile dining experience is definitely one that will be back in the spring.

As the last of the warm weather slips away into the cool shades of red, gold and orange, there is no lack of fall-inspired activities for people of every age to enjoy. From horseback riding through Goddard Park, to apple and pumpkin picking, the corn maze at Morris Farms, cheering on our city’s sports teams, holiday bazaars and there’s no shortage of autumn inspired activities to do in Warwick!

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.