As we continue to celebrate June as Sports and Sustainability month here at RNN, we would be remiss not to spend a bit of time focusing on our host venue, Button Hole Golf Course, and how they were a result of 
one man’s vision and a very successful Rhode Island DEM program. But before we look at how the course came to be, let's go back in history and get a sense of how it all began.
From its earliest days as the site of the Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island has a long and storied history of the growth of many manufacturing industries that developed in populated areas around the many sources of water in the state. One of those sources was the Woonasquatucket River that flows through Providence and Johnston. Among the factories that thrived along this urban corridor was a shoe factory where buttons were used as shoe fasteners. In the days before strict environmental controls, refuse was often discharged into the river. The Woonasquatucket was no exception.
Caught by the current, the buttons were swept down the river until they were caught along the bank in a natural swimming hole. Local children, who often swam in the river, dubbed this special place Button Hole. Through over 100 years of history, the name has stuck. Those who grew up in the city remember swimming and playing ball at Button Hole, long before it became the blighted area that was rescued by a small group of visionaries and turned into the urban green space, home to Button Hole today.
one man’s vision and a very successful Rhode Island DEM program. But before we look at how the course came to be, let's go back in history and get a sense of how it all began.From its earliest days as the site of the Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island has a long and storied history of the growth of many manufacturing industries that developed in populated areas around the many sources of water in the state. One of those sources was the Woonasquatucket River that flows through Providence and Johnston. Among the factories that thrived along this urban corridor was a shoe factory where buttons were used as shoe fasteners. In the days before strict environmental controls, refuse was often discharged into the river. The Woonasquatucket was no exception.
Caught by the current, the buttons were swept down the river until they were caught along the bank in a natural swimming hole. Local children, who often swam in the river, dubbed this special place Button Hole. Through over 100 years of history, the name has stuck. Those who grew up in the city remember swimming and playing ball at Button Hole, long before it became the blighted area that was rescued by a small group of visionaries and turned into the urban green space, home to Button Hole today.
Before and After
That small group of visionaries was lead by Edmund Mauro. In 1997, when he began the task of creating Button Hole, Ed already had an impressive list of accomplishments - a successful entrepreneur and business man; he had also made his mark as an outstanding golfer. In 1965 he won the State Amateur and was among top contenders in that event and others for many years. Mauro began giving back to the game even as he played, serving the Rhode Island Golf Association in many ways, including as president. As an avid golfer, Mauro believed in the power of the game and its life lessons to help guide young people as they grow into adults and he recognized the particular benefit for inner city youth.
More than 25,000 disadvantaged children live within three miles of the gravel pit that Mauro, together with a board of committed supporters, worked tirelessly to turn into the Button Hole Short course and teaching center. When it opened in 2000, Button Hole's mission was simple- enrich the lives of young people by providing facilities and programs that develop strong character, teach life values and champion success through the game of golf. Youngsters who become "Button Hole Kids" use the facility for $1. PGA Tour stars Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade became active supporters. RIGA moved its office to the site.
From Ed's vision and drive, Button Hole has become one of the region's most successful community resources, nationally recognized for its programs and facility exposing over a thousand kids each year to the game of golf and its values.
This project couldn’t have happened without private citizens coming together with Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) who’s Brownfield incentive program helped to make this community resource a reality. As this article is being written the EPA is awarding a total of $1,220,000 in Brownfield Grant funding to Rhode Island DEM and the new RI Infrastructure Bank to hopefully continue to convert unused land into thriving resources similar to Button Hole.
More than 25,000 disadvantaged children live within three miles of the gravel pit that Mauro, together with a board of committed supporters, worked tirelessly to turn into the Button Hole Short course and teaching center. When it opened in 2000, Button Hole's mission was simple- enrich the lives of young people by providing facilities and programs that develop strong character, teach life values and champion success through the game of golf. Youngsters who become "Button Hole Kids" use the facility for $1. PGA Tour stars Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade became active supporters. RIGA moved its office to the site.
From Ed's vision and drive, Button Hole has become one of the region's most successful community resources, nationally recognized for its programs and facility exposing over a thousand kids each year to the game of golf and its values.
This project couldn’t have happened without private citizens coming together with Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) who’s Brownfield incentive program helped to make this community resource a reality. As this article is being written the EPA is awarding a total of $1,220,000 in Brownfield Grant funding to Rhode Island DEM and the new RI Infrastructure Bank to hopefully continue to convert unused land into thriving resources similar to Button Hole.
No comments:
Post a Comment