Governor McKee Signs Legislation Dedicating 'The Christine Conrad Lane Memorial Dog Park'
Published on Saturday, May 23, 2026
BARRINGTON, RI — On Saturday, Governor Dan McKee signed legislation dedicating 'The Christine Conrad Lane Memorial Dog Park.'
Christine Conrad Lane, a Barrington resident, died in a midair crash over the Potomac River last year, along with her son Spencer.
“As we dedicate this dog park in Christine’s honor, we remember her kindness, her warmth, and the joy she brought to those around her,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m grateful to everyone who worked to make this tribute possible, and I hope this space serves as a lasting tribute to her memory and a place of comfort for her family, friends, and the Barrington community.”
The ceremony was attended by bill sponsors Representative Jennifer Boylan and Senator Pamela Lauria, Congressman Gabe Amo, Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey, and Laura Wilson, President of the Friends of Barrington Dog Park.
Also in attendance was Doug Lane, husband of Christine.
“Doug Lane was not always a dog person, but that changed when he met his wife, Christine. She loved dogs, volunteered at rescues, and fostered dogs herself. After Doug lost Christine and their son Spencer on January 9th, 2025, in the nation’s worst aviation disaster in decades, he wanted a place he could go to that was a place of joy, and that’s what this park has become. I am grateful to the Barrington Town Council, my Senate cosponsor Senator Lauria, all my colleagues in the General Assembly, and Governor McKee for allowing this special place to honor Christine’s memory as the Christine Conrad Lane Memorial Dog Park,” said Representative Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence).
“Our community is so fortunate to benefit from this great new space for people and pets. It’s truly a very fitting tribute to Christine Conrad Lane, a lifelong dog lover, volunteer, and advocate for homeless dogs. We are so grateful to her husband, Doug, for his generous work during his time of grief to improve and dedicate a space that will bring people and dogs together. The joyful sounds of dogs playing here will be a lasting and lovely honor to Christine’s memory,” said Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence).