RI is planning to build more Giant trolls, adding to South County’s ‘Troll Trail[‘

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RI is planning to build more Giant trolls, adding to South County’s ‘Troll Trail[‘

CHARLESTOWN ‒ Plans to expand the South County Troll Trail took two big steps forward last week when the state awarded grants to the

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and the

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to develop two more

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trolls.

Danish recycle artist Dambo started the trail with two giant trolls in Charlestown’s Ninigret Park last May, and they’ve proven popular, drawing thousands of visitors to the park and town, according to Louise Bishop, president of the South County Tourism Council.

Now the trail is set to extend north with a troll in either Exeter or Richmond and then another in North Kingstown, according to Bishop. To help pay for the new trolls,

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last week awarded both the tourism council and North Kingstown $107,500 Place Making Initiative grants.

One of two wooden trolls by Danish artist Thomas Dambo at Ninigret Park in Charlestown.

“We are thrilled and grateful for this award to help fund the expansion of the Thomas Dambo Troll Trail,” Bishop said in a press release. “The trolls have proven to be a huge draw for visitors to the state and we’re excited to grow this attraction.”

Chelsey Dumas-Gibbs, recreation director in North Kingstown, said, “It’s going to be great for the community. I think it will be a lot of fun for all generations.”

Dumas-Gibbs followed the development of the trolls in Ninigret Park and met Dambo. “He’s an amazing guy. He definitely brings light to darkness,” she said.

Dambo is the world’s leading recycle artist, according to the South County Tourism Council. He has built trolls, some 35 feet tall, in more than 20 countries to help spread the message of conservation.

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Danish artist Thomas Dambo wants to build several more trolls in Rhode Island, for a Rhode Island troll trail.

“I make trolls because, in my stories, trolls are the unspoken voice of the animals and the plants,” Dambo said when he was in Rhode Island last year to build Erik Rock and Greta Granite. “My stories are about the conflict between humanity and nature.”

“Somebody has to fight for nature, the plants and animals. That’s what my trolls do,” he said.

How will Rhode Island choose the next home for the trolls?

Like Bishop, Dumas-Gibbs hasn’t yet zeroed in on a specific spot for North Kingstown’s troll. She says there are a lot of parks in town that could accommodate a troll, but she wants to make sure the location doesn’t cause traffic problems for neighbors. The location will require the town council’s approval.

Dambo will also have to scout out the potential locations ahead of time to ensure they fit his vision and storytelling. Before doing the Charlestown project, Dambo was flown in a helicopter above Ninigret Park, so he could get a better feel for the location, according to Bishop.

Bishop hopes Dambo can visit this spring to check out the potential locations. After that, Dambo’s schedule would determine when he could return and build the trolls. Dumas-Gibbs hopes North Kingstown’s troll will be in place by the spring of 2026.

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grants focus on ‘placemaking initiative’ that supports tourism

The troll grants were among 26 grants for a total of $2 million that Gov. Dan McKee and Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner announced last week.

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is a statewide effort to support businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries, according to Commerce RI. The grants support outdoor and public space capital improvement projects and event programming across Rhode Island.

McKee said, “We’re building on Rhode Island’s momentum by making strategic investments in the tourism, hospitality and events sectors by supporting projects that draw visitors to our communities.”

Tanner said, “These awards reflect our commitment to supporting local businesses and organizations, and boosting economic activity. By investing in these projects, we are making our communities more vibrant and welcoming to visitors.”

The $107,500 grants will cover about half the cost of the trolls. Bishop estimated the full price at about $225,000 each.

While the trolls should help support the economy by drawing visitors, Dumas-Gibbs believes the troll will also be good for building community since Dambo relies on help from local volunteers to construct the trolls. She also envisions recreation department programs like hikes and artwork involving the troll for the town’s children.

Bishop says the troll trail could someday extend beyond South County. Blackstone Valley has shown interest. When he was in Rhode Island last year, Dambo said he would like to build more trolls here. He also scouted potential locations in East Providence and Block Island.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal:

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#planning #build #Giant #trolls #adding #South #Countys #Troll #Trail

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