Open space and peace of mind - we all need that today - by Steven King

It is well-known that Quonset Business Park provides tenants with world-class infrastructure including business logistics, retail options, and transportation solutions. But our neighbors and the people who work here also know that Quonset offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that are open to the public. With access to scenic ocean views, well-groomed trails, and green spaces, Quonset offers plenty of opportunities for the community to enjoy the peace of the outdoors. The importance of open space is more important than ever as Rhode Islanders continue to practice social distancing to stay healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Quonset hosts a 2.5 mile bike path that runs from Rte. 1 (Post Rd.) along the northern perimeter of the Business Park before connecting with the North Kingstown Town Bike Path. The town path runs to the northeast through the Calf Pasture Point nature area with views of Allen Harbor. The nature preserve was once a practice area for Seabee bulldozers, but today it is a beautiful open space with paths and a wide array of wildlife: wild otters, orioles, yellow warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks and snowy owls. The paved route is ideal for biking, walking, and inline skating. 

Visitors can embrace the breathtaking beauty of the Ocean State at the end of the North Kingstown section of the bike path, with a panoramic view of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay. To the east, you can catch a glimpse of Prudence Island and Hope Island (tagged by some as the most remote spot in Rhode Island). To the north is Warwick Neck, home to the iconic Warwick Country Club, and Patience Island, to the south, Jamestown and the Port of Davisville, with the Newport and Jamestown Bridges in the distance on the horizon.

Quonset’s infrastructure goes beyond directly supporting businesses’ logistics needs. The Business Park also serves the needs of Park employees and our larger community. Quonset is a place where someone can find a peaceful place to stop, pause and refresh – something we all could use these days. 

Steven King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Development Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.