Rain delays Budlong Pool opening — Cranston adds free days, extends season

Cranston families waiting for the long-anticipated opening of the new Budlong Pool – now known as the Budlong Aquatic Center will have to wait one more week.

The City of Cranston announced that the opening, including the pool and splash pad, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12 noon.

The pool had been expected to open this week, but city officials said extreme weather and heavy rain forced a change in the final construction schedule.

Cranston released this statement Monday night:

City of Cranston Reschedules Budlong Aquatic Center Opening to July 15th

“The City of Cranston today announced that the opening of the new Budlong Aquatic Center, including its pool and splash pad, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The adjustment will allow the final phase of construction to be completed under the proper conditions and ensure the facility opens at the high standard residents expect.

With heavy rain forecast throughout the week, the project’s concrete subcontractor postponed the final concrete pours. Freshly placed concrete requires adequate time to cure, and rainfall before it has properly set can permanently compromise the finished surface. Rather than risk the long-term quality of the new pool and splash pad, the City chose to adjust the schedule and complete the work under the proper conditions.

This construction schedule also shifts several remaining finishing items, along with the inspections and state licensing required before the Aquatic Center can open to the public. To ensure residents receive the full benefit of the summer season, the City will extend operations by one week, with the Budlong Aquatic Center now remaining open through Saturday, August 22, 2026.

As a thank you for the community’s enthusiasm and patience, admission to the new pool and splash pad will be free for Cranston residents from Wednesday, July 15, 2026, through Saturday, July 18, 2026. These complimentary opening days will also serve as a soft opening, allowing the City’s newly trained aquatic staff to become fully acclimated to day-to-day operations while welcoming residents to the new facility.

The City looks forward to welcoming residents to the Budlong Aquatic Center on Wednesday, July 15, at 12:00 p.m. With the season extended through August 22 and complimentary admission during the opening period, Cranston families will have many opportunities to enjoy the City’s newest water recreation destination this summer.”

For Cranston, the postponement is a frustrating wait in a long road to the return of the hallmark Budlong Pool. The new opening date will fall during one of Cranston’s biggest summer weeks – the traditional St. Mary’s Feast beginning in Knightsville.

For many Cranston families, that means July 15 will now mark the start of a major mid-summer stretch — a long-awaited pool opening, free resident swim days, and one of the city’s signature neighborhood traditions.