City of Warwick stitched together by 30 villages giving neighborhood feel - by mayor Frank Picozzi

With a population of over 82,000, the city of Warwick is one of Rhode Island’s largest municipalities, but has the feeling of a much smaller, close-knit community, thanks to the collection of more than 30 villages that comprise the city. Whether you visit Pawtuxet or East Natick, Apponaug or Norwood, you’ll find that each village has its own special characteristics and a unique place in the city’s history.

Conimicut Village is one of them. A family-oriented, pet-friendly, seaside neighborhood located in the eastern part of the city, Conimicut can trace its history back to Warwick’s founding in 1643. It’s home to places of worship as well as several non-profit agencies, including the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center, which offers statewide services to those affected by domestic violence, and Friend’s Way, Rhode Island’s only bereavement center serving children up to age 18 and their families. In the spring, West Shore Rd. – the main thoroughfare through the village – comes to life as flowering pear trees lining the road along quaint storefronts begin to bloom. And, at any time of year, locals and out-of-town guests alike flock to Conimicut Point Park to enjoy the on-site playground, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and the stunning views of our breathtaking Narragansett Bay and the iconic Conimicut Shoals Lighthouse, which has provided mariners safe passage since 1883.

For nearly 40 years, Conimicut Village has also been fortunate to have an active and dedicated neighborhood association, whose members work diligently to plan annual events such as a community Easter egg hunt, Earth Day cleanups, an autumn yard sale and block party, a “spooktacular” event in October, holiday tree lighting, and more.

The association also works hard to bolster the local economy, and has recently identified a number of small businesses they believe would thrive in the neighborhood. Association members are presently looking for businesses such as a coffee shop, ice cream parlor, hair and nail salon, yoga studio, clothing stores, restaurants, antique shops and galleries – the types of businesses that the public can visit and explore and enjoy – that would like to call Conimicut home. Since the village is just a stone’s throw away from the perennially popular Rocky Point State Park and the seaside Oakland Beach neighborhood, there’s certainly plenty of folks who would be interested in stopping by the village for a bite to eat or to shop after spending a day in the great outdoors.

The association will be hosting an open house for business owners who would like to see some of the available space and properties offered in Conimicut. It will be held April 21^st from 5 to 7 p.m. at Grainsley’s Kitchen + Drinks, 745 West Shore Rd. Grainsley’s itself is a relative newcomer to the village and has been enjoying great success, especially considering they opened their doors in October 2020.

For more information about Conimicut, visit conimicut.org or warwickri.gov. If you can’t make the open house but are interested in learning more about how your business can thrive here in Warwick, please contact the Dept. of Economic Development at (401) 738-2014 or econ.dir@warwickri.com.

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.