Yes, the Cranston pool will reopen. No, it won’t be this summer. And it won’t be the same.

by Nancy Thomas

A press conference was held today – after this article was posted. Statement of the mayor, in RED, below

Regardless of early morning reports that the Budlong Pool in Cranston will reopen this summer, it won’t. With repairs and maintenance not having been done since at least 2020, the pool is facing a reconstruct. And when that happens, national guidelines change everything. Budgets only grow higher in terms of labor, construction costs, and materials. Product availability may be even more of a challenge. The delays in addressing the Budlong Pool, and the lack of regular maintenance “due to the pandemic” are inexcusable, with blame for the delays squarely in the arena of party politics.

It is expected Mayor Hopkins will announce the use of the Park View Pool and the YMCA pool as alternatives for the community until repairs are completed and the Budlong Pool is opened.

As with the Davey Lopes Pool in Providence, the pool will have to comply with federal safety regs and ADA regs that require in some cases the depth to be decreased, and a sloping entrance from one end to the other to be created, as well as definite “defines” where the shallow end ends, removal of slides and diving boards, etc. Final changes are not yet determined.

Plans to make the 350 foot pool considerably smaller to accommodate more outdoor features have not been finalized, but are expected to be announced at a press conference today called by Mayor Ken Hopkins. The plans may also include a splash pad, a sitting and picnic area, and a new poolhouse, which will be constructed first.

Budlong Pool – 2021

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Over 3 years or more of the reconstruction of the Davey Lopes Pool in Providence, much was learned about pool guidelines, construction, supplies and timing. When it was finally reconstructed, public art was added.

Davey Lopes Pool – 2020

A water park, alone, doesn’t allow children to swim, or families to spend a lackadaisical day at the Budlong Pool that has created so many rich, generational memories. But a splash-pad type water feature with a park area, sitting area by the pool, and bright colorful features can be an enrichment to a pool, or a quick relief when time doesn’t allow a more leisurely day.

Cranston summer camps run by the city also include a stop for swimming most days, and this should continue.

“About 70 percent of African–Americans cannot swim. 90 percent of white folks can swim. And you get in the water, and you’re a teenager, and you’re silly, down you go, and that’s it. This will save lives,” said Ray Rickman of Swim Empowerment said at the opening of the Lopes Pool in Providence.

Three proposals are detailed in the Budlong Pool Feasibility Study

Proposal 1 – One would repair the pool and poolhouse as they are presently configured with a budget in the high $2 million range.

Proposal 2 -The second proposal would change the size of the pool to an extended wading pool with a 5′ end. It would add a splash pad, dog park, playground, and an outdoor fitness area for seniors. Price tag? High $3 million range.

Proposal 3 -The third proposal would keep the renovations in the second proposal but add a recreation center onto the pool house, which could also be used year-round. Costs were not estimated, but would be the highest cost – with the best ROI, in the opinion of the consultants.

Of course the more detailed the project, the longer it will take to do. 2024 is out. 2025 may be as well, if other pool projects are any measure.

Cranston City Councilor Aniece Germain who has been vocal about keeping the pool reconstruction simple and just reopening the pool, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

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Budlong Pool Feasibility Study

Here is the study commissioned by the City of Cranston, Parks & Recreations Department with the
goal of examining the pool and the overall site to determine the best course of action with respect to
maintaining the existing facilities. This also incorporates the exploration of the campus as a whole to
modernize the facilities and potentially introduce new facilities / attractions.

https://rinewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BFR-042222-1.pdf

Press Conference update with Mayor Hopkins & Cranston department heads:

The Budlong Pool is targeted for opening summer of 2024.

The Mayor announced a multi-phase plan to renovate and reopen the pool. Phase one is a scaled down version of a new, zero-entry handicap accessible pool and a renovated bath house for the 2024 season. Later phases will include the addition of a splash pad, and possibly pickleball courts or other neighborhood amenities.

Hopkins noted the pool was built as a WPA (Works Progress Administration) project for relief for unemployed Americans and those seriously impacted by the depression. It opened in 1940.

“Over the course of eight decades, this pool has seen some good years,” Hopkins said. “However, there have also been many years with physical and mechanical challenges to annually open it for community enjoyment. No public structure lasts forever. Today this facility stands in need of a major overhaul – not just another band0aid approach where we spent good money for limited short term repairs.”

The last major overhaul of the pool was in 1997.

While more and more residents have access to their own pools and beaches than did 80 years ago, Hopkins said he “still believes that this facility should remain a community resource for family summer and recreational enjoyment.”

Hopkins will introduce an ordinance to the City Council to utilize up to $350K from the ARPA funds to engage a design professional to prepare the construction documents to seek formal bids for the work. The first phase will include a rehabilitated bath house and a scaled down functioning pool for $3.5 million.” In the city’s budget there will be sufficient funding for this phase of the project. The Planning Commission approved those funds in the city’s 5-year capital budget plan. The finance Committee and the full City Council will also need to approve that funding. Hopkins said the city is also still considering the use of additional ARPA funds instead of bond funds, and the city will determine this with collaboration with the City Council through the budget process. With the help of congressional leaders the city also has secured a $750,000 grant for the pool upgrade. Other pools in the city will be contacted to assemble an alternative program for this summer.

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Pool openings

While delays have happened and Cranston party politics has been alive and well over the past two years, the opening of community pools have always been a celebratory event for community leaders – and politicians – two of the most memorable were Gov. Raimondo at one of the pool renovation openings at the Davey Lopes Pool and Mayor Allen Fung at the Budlong Pool opening.

Other Pools:

Meanwhile, Warwick did a quick repair to their pool and opened in the same year:

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In Pawtucket, the Fairlawn Pool has not had the structural problems as other community pools have had. Their problems trend to staffing. They creatively approached both the fire and police departments, had several officers and staff lifeguard certified and what became a desperate call for help is now a community liaison opportunity for the community to interact with members of public safety.