When most people think of Quonset Business Park - they think of it as a key driver of job creation and economic growth in Rhode Island. It is now home to nearly 200 great Rhode Island companies and more than 10,000 full-time and part-time jobs. Its Port of Davisville is one of the Top Ten auto-importers in North America. What is driving so many companies to come here? Modernized infrastructure, a predictable development process, and smart lease incentives are at the top of the list. But Quonset also boasts some of the best amenities any business park in New England can offer. And this time of year is the perfect time to come see them. For example:
* North Kingstown Golf Course: North Kingstown Golf Course is one of the finest public golf facilities in the state. Its classic layout was designed by Walter Johnson, an associate of Donald Ross. It has been recognized as one of the finest former military golf courses in the country.
* The Quonset Bike Path: Built by the Quonset Development Corp. and Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the paved path extends 2.5 miles from Post Rd. (Rte. 1) to the Calf Pasture Point nature area in North Kingstown.
* North Kingstown Bike Path: Beginning just steps from the end of the Quonset Bike Path on Marine Rd.; this paved path extends just over 1.3 miles and takes riders through the Calf Pasture Point nature area ending at Calf Pasture Point Beach.
* Blue Beach: One of the most remote at Quonset, it is a small beach with sand dunes to the south and a densely wooded fringe to the north and east. It is connected to a residential area and the Kiefer Wetland to the west. It features scenic views down the West Passage and has a beautiful 1,000-foot stone-dust walking path which leads from the new parking area to the beach.
* Compass Rose Beach: A small sandy strip located off Roger Williams Way, the beach is owned by the state Department of Transportation and managed by the QDC. It too, looks down the West Passage of Narragansett Bay to the Atlantic.
* Spink's Neck Beach: A narrow, sandy strip located off Patrol Rd. not far from the North Kingstown Marina. The Little Allen Harbor area is an active working waterfront with several marine related businesses. The beach area features views of Narragansett Bay from Warwick Neck and Patience Island south to Jamestown.
* Calf Pasture Point Beach: Managed by the town of North Kingstown since 2001, this beach is a natural habitat that is home to many species of wildlife, sea-life, and waterfowl. Adjacent to the Mount View neighborhood, it sits along the Quonset/North Kingstown Bike Path and features views from East Providence to Warwick Neck to Jamestown.
* History at your fingertips: Within the Park there are several historical and cultural venues, including the Seabee Memorial Park and the Allen Madison House. And the stone for the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. was cut right here at Quonset!
* Rhode Island Fast Ferry: Whether you are headed to Martha's Vineyard or want to get an up-close look at the lighthouses on Narragansett Bay, there is no better way to do it then heading out from the Rhode Island Fast Ferry location at the end of Roger Williams Way.
* A place to rest your head: Opening in April 2011, the TownePlace Suites by Marriott is one of Rhode Island's newest hotels. The 104-key extended stay hotel, is the first LEED certified hotel in the state. The hotel offers moderately priced accommodations and on-site amenities include a breakfast buffet area, indoor pool, fitness room, outdoor patio and guest laundry.
The best part? Getting to Quonset couldn't be easier! Quonset Business Park offers direct access to RI Route 4 and I-95 from the new four lane highway, Rte. 403. These are just a few of the great amenities Quonset has to offer. You can also learn more at www.Quonset.com. Come visit us this summer, and see how much we have to offer your growing business!
Steven King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown.