As I spread my blanket out and positioned my basket filled with cheese, hummus and vegetables, I began thinking about the days when people traveled for miles to enjoy a picnic -- a simple time spent with family and friends enjoying conversation and food. Yes, food is the main component of what many may call a successful picnic, but the surroundings matter almost as much as what’s in the basket. Breathing fresh air, listening to chirping birds, or viewing the ocean waves amidst the weather sets the tone for the hours spent outdoors.

Thinking about a memory an elderly neighbor shared with me recently about life in early Rhode Island made me envious. She reflected on the early 1900’s, and how a man named Frank Johnson made his home on the shores of Narragansett Bay. In his spare time, he perfected what would soon be known as the Rhode Island clambake. People described him as a “man with a hobby”. Attracting farmers from the back country for family reunions, people soon got word that Johnson’s clambakes were worth the trip. Later civic groups, business and labor organizations traveled far and wide by buggy, bicycle, or bloomer cars with brass bands and platforms.

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Johnson soon built an area where people could enjoy their clam chowder under shelter consisting of a roof supported by cedar posts over long benches and tables. The area became known as “ Hummocks” on a narrow strip of land separating Bissel Cove from Narragansett Bay. People used to drive their cars over only to become stuck in the mud during low tide. Constant use of this land eventually led to erosion, and people would then maneuver small boats in the area. Johnson later expanded his operations to other areas in the state.

If only life could be that way again, even for a few moments, I thought. Today, in North Kingstown, the natural beauty of the following sites provided perfect settings for picnics: Richard Smith Grove, Central Park, Walmsley Lane Park, Allen Harbor Marina, Exeter Grove, and Matantuck Grove, and Town Beach. Some of these areas have been developed or are next to recently developed land. There is definitely little room for families to lay blankets down and enjoy a picnic or watch fireworks.

These precious areas of beauty where people can relax, exchange pleasantries and food will become extinct as the dinsosaurs if we are not aware of what is becoming of them. Many people appreciate the bike paths and trails in Rhode Island parks, but often miss the garbage can when tossing their paper trash from the nearest mart.

In the 1980's and in some areas of the state, two percent of the population was estimated as picnic goers. The Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee developed quantitative standards for picnic areas, which consist mostly of parks and groves. Six to twelve units were allotted per acre with one parking space per unit. The idea was to preserve the surroundings and provide areas where people could leisurely spend time outdoors, with a few of the amenities.

What would the percentage of picnic enthusiasts be today? Does someone from the review committee, if it still exists, drive around on a sunny weekend afternoon and count the number of people sharing food on a blanket? Does it matter if the food is in a printed bag from a local fast food restaurant or prepared from home?

As I gather my belongings and walk to my car, I look over the cobblestone lot and open spaces. Trees must have filled the area where animals romped and hid tree nuts.

I’m due for another chat over tea with my neighbor. Enjoy the picnic season!

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