Neutoconkanut

Neutoconkanut, or “home of the squirrels,” is where Neutoconkanut Hill is located. This hill was once inhabited by the Narragansett Tribe before the King family purchased 200 acres of the Neutaconkanut Hill land, but the land is now inhabited only by a multitude of small woodland animals including deer, fox, wild turkey, and a lot of squirrels. There is currently an effort, started by the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy Inc., to preserve the land of Neutaconkanut Hill. From about 2009-2013, students from Providence College participated in groups called Urban Action and Building Bridges helped restore hiking and walking trails, cleared brush, painted and repaired small bridges, installed water bars to protect against erosion, and cleared an overgrown 18th-century cemetery. There are hiking trails scattered throughout the hill and guided tours/hikes along them.

At the base of the hill are playing fields, a swimming pool, a skate park, and a water park. The surrounding area consists of the town Silver Lake. Silver Lake has a very diverse population of 12,349, and the people tend to be liberal. The population is 56% hispanic, 31% white, 6% African American, and 4% Asian. There’s an urban suburban mix feel with most residents renting. The people here celebrate the Feast of Saint Bartholomew, a church feast which includes a solemn procession, games, rides, and foods from both Italian-American and Hispanic cuisines. It lasts three days and is held every year in August.