June is here and so if the kickoff of another summer season in the Ocean State. The anticipation of a new season, especially summer, is always something that Rhode Islanders, and those who visit our beautiful state, enjoy.  With days spent at our beaches, sampling food and drinks at one of our award winning restaurants, visiting one of our vineyards or the many simple pleasures of living by the ocean, it is no wonder Warwick remains a top choice destination to live, work and visit.

As the temperatures continue to heat up, many projects in and around the city, also continue to sizzle. 

Leading the pact with exciting news is the Rhode Island Airport Corp. (RIAC). In recent weeks the team at RIAC continues to share more and more positive news. In recent weeks it has been announced that T.F. Green (PVD) will welcome a new airline carrier to Providence. Frontier Airlines will be coming to the state and offering nonstop flights to both Denver and Orlando. With low introductory rates, Frontier will provide travelers with new destination options all from the convenience of our own backyard. Additionally, Norwegian Airlines, who announced flights to Ireland and England back in March, have recently added more destinations to their flight plans. Now, interested travelers looking to mix French influence with sunshine and white sandy beaches, will be able to fly direct from PVD to Martinique and the Guadeloupe Islands. Flights to both destinations are slated to begin in October of this year. 

Along with the anticipation of new flights in and out of the airport, construction on Runway 5 also nears completion. The project, which broke ground last summer, will lengthen the airstrip by 1,500 feet. This will help enhance the overall efficiency and flying capabilities. The lengthening of Runway 5-23 falls into the category of an efficiency project.  The length of Runway 5 was originally inadequate to accommodate coast-to-coast and international flights.  Lengthening the runway will further enhance the efficiency of the New England Regional Airport System since studies have concluded that a runway length of 8,700 ft. will meet long-term business needs.  Program work began in July of 2013 and will continue through December of this year. 

Also making progress is the
ever-evolving Apponaug Circulator project. As we enter its final phases for substantial completion, the historic village has taken on a whole new look. The once congested roadway system has been revitalized into a drivable, seaside village complete with a series of roundabouts, walkways and a restored waterfront. The project, which has been ongoing since the summer of 2014, will be substantially completed fall of this year. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is now working on finalizing the final roundabout at Apponaug Four Corners. Once this portion of the project is complete reconstruction of Post Rd. in Apponaug village, Veteran Memorial Dr. to Williams Corner will become the focus of the final phases. 

As the physical changes of Warwick’s roadways continue to change and evolve, many summertime staples in the city remain the same. Food Truck Nights have begun and the ever-popular family friendly events continue to be a summertime favorite. Movies in the Park at Rocky Point will be kicking off this month. Families are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The new Rocky Point signs are also slated to be installed and unveiled this month. The Summer Concert Series kicked off this month with outdoor concerts being held across the city and Gaspee Days is right around the corner. 

With our 39 miles of beautiful coastline, exceptional recreational facilities and quality restaurants and stores, Warwick is a wonderful place to visit year round, but especially in the summer months. Because of its central location, Warwick is also only a short drive to any of Rhode Island’s other tourist destinations, such as the historic Newport mansions, South County’s beaches and the beauty of the northern part of our state. I hope anyone looking for a summer getaway considers Warwick to experience all that Rhode Island has to offer. 

Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.