Friends of Hazard Castle

Time Line:

In late 2007 John Shaw, a concerned Narragansett resident was referred to Dr. Robert O'Neill as being the spokes person for Friends of Hazard Castle. This introduction began an open sharing of information with regards to the property located at 333 Ocean Road, Narragansett, better known as Our Lady of Peace. The neighborhood preservation watch group has been successful in gaining historic districting for the Ocean Road Neighborhood.

2008 with a conceptual respectful reuse preservation project in mind John began consulting with Chuck Carberry, Narragansett resident and landscape architect, owner of Ecotope A division of CleanScape, Inc. 

February 2008, John Shaw invites Mike Deluca, Director of the Department of Community Development to join him on his initial walk-through of the Hazard Castle Property. John, shared his conceptual respectful reuse for the property with Mike.  

This conceptual learning center considers the neighborhood, the community, south county small businesses, as well as local schools and universities. Workshops and Gardens for everyone to enjoy, plus a New England Style Spa & Resort that will generate enough revenue to sustain the property for future generations. All revenue streams go directly towards the upkeep of the property and continuous improvement and expansion of the programs offered. 

March/April 2008 after reading an article in the Narragansett Times about South County Post & Beam, John contacts Josh Bouvier and invites Josh to walk through the Castle for an iniital assessment of the cost to preserve the Castle. John and Josh met again Spring 2010 to discuss the conceptual site map.

John has the greastest respect for and is thankful to Dr. O'Neill for sharing his wealth of historical knowledge with regards to the Castle property and the impact Joseph Peace Hazard had on the development of the town of Narragansett and surrounding business community.

John has kept in constant contact Dr. O'Neil over the past 2 -3 years, updating FOHC of their progress. Up until now its been a wait and see game.

December 2009, John Shaw and Dr. Robert O'Neill finally meet for the first time at Hazard Castle. The purpose of this walk through was to develop a conceptual site map and get a current estimate of the cost involved. Other parties who were present for this walk through Chuck Carberry, Ecotope and Richmond Gardner Builder.

According to Valerie Talmage of Preserve Rhode Island, 333 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI (Our Lady of Peace) is on a watch list of about 10 properties in Rhode Island and Hazard Castle is one of two buildings that are on Preserve RI's watch list.  

February 27, 2010, John Shaw presented his concepts for the Hazard Castle Property at The Towers to  a group of concerned citizens. After the presentation, John consulted with Dr. O'Neill about incorporating as non-profit under the Friends of Hazard Castle Name so we could begin to accept donations and keep moving forward.

March 17, 2010 Incorporated as a Non-Profit, Friends of Hazard Castle is open to reviewing all proposals that would preserve the Castle and the grounds with a respectful use, provided the concept is sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood and financially sustainable for life. 501 (c) (3) application is in process, but will take 3 - 6 months for approval from the IRS.

We have an opportunity here to do the right thing and work together as a community to develop a venue that add value to the community through education, hospitality and wellness.

Narragansett was built on hospitality we should embrace our past and welcome others to share the beauty of the property for weddings, conventions and other events.

Why should you care? Because this is your town. What's in it for you? The pride of being able to tell your grandchildren I was involved with saving Hazard Castle and this was accomplished by our community working together on something larger than any one of us.

The baton has been passed and we have formed the inaugural board of directors and we are still looking for board members at large. Everyone with a true commitment to community and a desire to preserve Hazard Castle for the Community and future generations is welcome. A special invitation to those individuals involved with the neighborhood watch group, you have been so successful in your endeavors to "Save Hazard Castle" thus far, and we thank you.

Our Mission

For the purpose of preserving the historic landmark Hazard Castle and the botanical grounds for future generations. The development of an appropriate use for promoting and enjoying sports of every kind and the arts. We will create an educational hospitality, community and business learning center that cultivates an environment for reflection and social intercourse, stimulating a path to positive educational, economical, social and business solutions for our local community and the world.

Hospitality: Fun, Family & Friends

Who We Are

Board of Directors:

Special note and disclosure; It is our sincere wish to transition the entire neighborhood watch group to the incorporated non-profit. We asked Dr. O'Neill to join us in transitioning FOHC to a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization recognized by the Rhode Island Secretary of State, so we could raise money to purchase and preserve Hazard Castle for our community.

As a leading member in our community Dr. O'Neill is on the board of directors for a number of town committees, so he is unable to transition due to conflict of interest. So, he has respectfully declined. We welcome all residents previously involved with FOHC.

Application process for 501 (c) (3) is in process and takes 3 - 6 months for confirmation of approval.

John Shaw, Narragansett & Local Business Owner

Chuck Carberry, Narragansett & local business owner

Frank Blount, South County & Narragansett Business Owner

David Ousterhout, Narragansett, Community Leader, The Towers BOD

Nancy Richards, Narragansett

Richmond Gardner, South County & Local Builder

Sandy Sweet, South County & South County Community Tennis Assoc., Director 

YOU! Friendly, Passionate People Wanted! Anyone can join us. Voting & Non-Voting positions available. Have a voice.

STAND-UP MAKE A DIFFERENCE GET INVOLVED - Be a Member at Large, Volunteer, and dance.

"I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance" 

Lee Ann Womack ~ I Hope You Dance