A Crosswalk for Casey Farm: Making Our Sites Safer and More Accessible

Nestled along a picturesque stretch of Route 1A, Casey Farm in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is one of Historic New England’s most-visited properties, welcoming families, school groups, and nature lovers year-round. But for many visitors, especially those arriving by foot, bike, or public transit, a major challenge loomed: safely crossing the busy Boston Neck Road. Jane Hennedy, Site Manager for Southern Rhode Island, recently shared the story behind a transformative infrastructure improvement a decade in the making: the installation of a new crosswalk and bus stop, which has increased safety and accessibility for all visitors.

Casey Farm stretches from the west side of Route 1A to Narragansett Bay, where its preserved farmland and coastline support both agricultural activities and educational programs. For years, children on school trips or attending the farm’s summer camps would cross Boston Neck Road to explore marine life at the shore, a short but fraught journey due to heavy beach traffic. Staff took extra precautions, wearing high-visibility clothing and using stop signs to ensure the kids’ safety, but crossing the street was stressful and dangerous.

Recognizing the need for change, Casey Farm staff members launched a campaign to improve pedestrian safety more than a decade ago. Because Route 1A is a state-maintained road, the project involved multiple layers of coordination between the state of Rhode Island, the town of North Kingstown, local officials, and Historic New England’s Property Care team. Neighbors and community partners contributed persuasive letters of support.

Perseverance paid off. Now, the farm boasts a clearly marked crosswalk with curb cuts for accessibility and solar-powered flashing signs to alert drivers. A newly-installed bus stop expands access to Casey Farm and its popular—and free—hiking trails and farmers market for visitors who rely on public transportation. These infrastructure improvements also meet goals in Casey Farm’s Climate Action Plan, making the farm more sustainable as well as safer.

The new crosswalk and bus stop demonstrate Historic New England’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and visitor safety. This particular story also highlights the dedication (and tenacity!) of staff members like Hennedy, who work tirelessly to ensure our properties remain meaningful for and accessible to their local communities.

Hiking maps and more information about the farm are available in Casey Farm’s virtual tour.

This project was supported by an anonymous charitable foundation and donations from twenty friends of Casey Farm through 401Gives, a statewide giving day held on April 1 each year in Rhode Island.