BETA Group, Inc. Celebrates ACEC-RI Engineering Excellence Awards

BETA Group, Inc. (BETA) is proud to announce that two of its projects have been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Rhode Island (ACEC-RI) through its annual Engineering Excellence Awards program. The Wickford Waterfront Improvements project received first place in the Under $10 Million Category, and the Warwick City Hall Plaza project earned third place.

Completed for the Town of North Kingstown, the Wickford Waterfront Improvements project strengthens connections between historic Wickford Village and Wickford Harbor while enhancing accessibility, safety, and long-term resilience along one of Rhode Island’s most iconic waterfront districts. The project improves pedestrian access through ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, and crossings, while upgrades to lighting, signage, and public amenities create a more welcoming and accessible experience for residents and visitors alike.

The project also addresses critical infrastructure and coastal resilience needs through a combination of stormwater improvements, flood mitigation measures, and green infrastructure. The design strategically combines traditional hard infrastructure, including a new masonry seawall supported by deep foundations and driven piles, with adaptable, nature-based solutions such as bioretention systems and permeable pavers. By integrating traditional engineering solutions with sustainable design practices, the project helps protect the waterfront from future flooding impacts while supporting local businesses, tourism, and year-round community use.

Delivering these improvements required extensive coordination among regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the local community while maintaining access throughout construction. The result is a resilient and vibrant public space that preserves the character of historic Wickford while positioning the waterfront to meet future environmental and economic challenges.

Completed for the City of Warwick, the City Hall Plaza project transforms a long-underutilized municipal site behind historic City Hall into a vibrant,  all-seasons civic destination and anchor for downtown revitalization. The $6.52 million redevelopment features a covered boutique skating rink, open-air pavilion, support facilities, improved circulation and parking, and sustainable stormwater management elements.  The plaza provides a flexible space for skating, events, and public gatherings while strengthening Warwick’s civic identity and supporting economic activity throughout the surrounding downtown area.

The ACEC-RI Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that demonstrate a high degree of merit, ingenuity, and technical expertise. BETA is honored to receive this recognition and congratulates both the Town of North Kingstown and the City of Warwick on these achievements. We are proud to partner with communities across Rhode Island to deliver projects that enhance quality of life, support economic vitality, and strengthen resilience for generations to come.