Not all wet in Cranston

The phrase “on the brink†means being at the edge of something, typically something significant. And year after year we can just feel that that is so. The days of being at the pool watching families enjoy the summer days – and stepping up the offerings at the Doric Park area, too!  Yet, hot summer days come and go and the challenge takes new forms.

Last year Cranston hustled to build a basic splash pad for the kiddos near Bain School – if you’ve been to it you’d see how much enjoyment water – all by itself – brings to young children. No whirligigs or features because it was means as an emergency cool off – and the kids don’t seem to mind its basic-ness.

After well over a dozen mandated meetings of a struggling City Council and neighborhood groups that had more politics in mind than really getting a pool open, 2025 was the year to do it – but! What was found underneath explained a lot as a huge drainage pipe not included on any drawings or plans anywhere was found. Construction stopped and plans were made on how to continue building while dealing with the pipe.

If you go by today you’ll see the work in progress – and well underway with the clubhouse – but no opening in 2025 – so, 2026 should be the time!  Splash pad – and pool – can we say yes, it’s a plan?

Here’s the update from the city:

Doric Ave Splash Pad Update

An update on the water features of Cranston:  The Cranston Parks and Recreation Department announced earlier this week that plans for a new splash pad planned for Doric Park will not be completed for this summer season. The reason?  An RFP was sent out for site work required for the feature – but no quotes were received.  As a result, the splash pad won’t be completed or open this season.

“We are disappointed by this result, but we remain committed to enhancing our recreational facilities,†Parks and Recreation Director Steven Piscopiello said.

Piscopiello said the city is committed to installing a new splash pad – but will take this opportunity to seek input from the city council and members of the public to determine whether to proceed with the project at the Doric Avenue site or another location.

Update on Budlong Pool

Photos:  Mayor Hopkins, posted to Facebook

Meanwhile, progress has continued for the construction of the new Budlong Pool complex. Earlier this summer the city announced excavation crews encountered an undocumented aqueduct causing groundwater to enter the pool excavation area.

This week, crews are installing a pump and redirection system to prevent water intrusion into the pool area allowing construction to resume.

Meanwhile, interior renovations of the pool house have continued without interruption.

Stay tuned to the Cranston City Council meetings – remember, folks, it’s about the pool, and the children, not about politics.

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It’s Cool in Cranston

Piscopiello reminded residents that Cranston’s Free Community Swim Program with the Cranston YMCA (1225 Park Ave.) has been open on; Mondays, 10 a.m. to Noon, Fridays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m.

The Oak Street Splash Pad located by Hugh B. Bain Middle School ​is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.