Stephen Kelleher Architects, Inc. and the Design Team worked alongside the Swansea Waterfront Revitalization Committee (WRC), the Town Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and state and federal agencies to complete Phase One of the master plan for the resuscitation of its Town Beach. The first phase included the construction of a Lifeguard’s Bathhouse with outdoor showers and a spacious deck, a new playground, improvements to its parking lot, and 25,000 yards of new sand that was dredged from the Cole River Chanel. The Swansea Town Beach is only the second beach in the United States to be approved by the Army Corp. of Engineers to allow a “Dutch” style 2,500 cu. yd. per year “feeder beach” to stabilize the newly dredged and nourished beach saving millions of dollars of re-dredging every 10 to 20 years.
The Swansea Waterfront Revitalization project received a $1-million grant from the state’s Seaport Economic Council to help fund and complete the new amenities included in Phase One. Phase One is the first step in a multi-phase master plan that includes adding a 5,500-square foot, open-air pavilion to attract music and entertainment, as well as hosting events such as weddings. There are plans for a concession stand, a shade shelter, a half-mile of boardwalks, and continued upgrades of the parking lots.
Completing the remaining phases of the project will require additional grants and town funding to further the presently completed work. However, the future construction at the Mt. Hope Bay location is expected to generate positive income for the town, therefore the town anticipates seeing returns on its investments of the time and money.