Woonsocket Radio News Room

Senator Pearson announces grant funding for improvements to Diamond Hill park pump track

 

STATE HOUSE — Sen. Ryan W. Pearson (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) announced today that the town of Cumberland will receive a $100,000 small development grant from the Department of Environmental Management for improvements to the Diamond Hill Pump Track.

“Diamond Hill Park is a treasured recreation area in Cumberland, and this grant will improve a heavily utilized mountain biking pump track that was built by volunteers to allow for skill development before hitting the more advanced trails in the park,” said Senator Pearson. “Over the years, the pump track has suffered from general wear and tear and is in desperate need of rehabilitation. I am extremely gratified that the DEM awarded this grant to Cumberland to improve a facility that is enjoyed by so many.”

The project will include the design of a new dirt course and pump track facility. A portion of the facility will be within the footprint of the existing course with a slight expansion to the east. It will include grading to the area to create berms, jumps and rolls suitable for all ages.

The funding is part of $4.1 million in matching grants to 13 municipalities to develop or renovate recreational facilities in their communities.

“The COVID-19 public health crisis has put an even sharper focus on the importance of public recreation areas and open spaces,” said DEM Director Terrence Gray. “We all cherish local parks, places to stroll, courts and fields on which to play sports, and inviting outdoor havens where families and friends can recreate and relax. DEM is very pleased to support communities in meeting their priorities for local outdoor recreation.”

 

The Supreme Court is considering whether Donald Trump may claim presidential immunity in his federal election subversion case. Special counsel Jack Smith's attorney Michael Dreeben argued nothing in the nation's history or law suggests a former president should have immunity from prosecution. Trump's lawyers argue the former president's efforts to overturn the 2020 election were official acts taken in office and he should not be prosecuted.        Former President Trump is back in court this morning for his criminal hush money trial. Jurors will again hear testimony from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker who has explained this week how he protected Trump from negative stories leading up to the 2016 presidential election while smearing Trump's opponents. Trump faces felony charges of falsifying business records to cover up payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair.       Stocks are tanking after new economic data is showing a sharp slowdown in growth. Gross domestic product rose by one-point-six-percent in the first quarter, against expectations of two-point-four-percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has been down more than 650 points at times in today's session. The Nasdaq has been down over 200 points at times as well.       Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's conviction for sex crimes in New York has been overturned. The New York Court of Appeals ruled Weinstein did not receive a fair trial. The court found the judge in his trial made an error allowing women to testify about alleged sexual assaults committed by Weinstein that were not part of the charges against him. Weinstein was also sentenced in Los Angeles in February of last year to 16 years in prison after he was convicted of rape and that conviction still stands.        Seattle Children's Hospital has agreed to stop doing business in Texas. It was providing gender transition intervention for Texas children at its main campus in Seattle, Washington. They were battling in court over the Texas attorney general's demands about information being given to Texas families who were seeking healthcare for their transgender children. Rather than complying with the A-G's demand, the Seattle hospital agreed to withdraw its registration to do business in the Lone Star State.        The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival starts today and runs through Sunday. More than 100 acts will take the stage, including the Rolling Stones, Queen Latifah, Big Freedia [[ free-da ]] and Trombone Shorty. Founded in 1970, the Jazz Fest as it's known is one of the longest running music festivals in the U.S.       

Old News Archives