Reimagining Camp Cronin for Providence’s Young and Old – Vincent Marzullo

by Vincent Marzullo, contributing writer

For too long, Camp Cronin in Narragansett has stood as a dormant reminder of a promise Providence once kept. Owned by the City of Providence and located at Point Judith, the camp gave older adults, nursing home residents, and inner-city youth something simple but powerful: a summer day by the ocean, fresh air, recreation, companionship, and dignity.

Today, when isolation, youth disconnection, and the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to strain families and neighborhoods, Providence should not abandon this asset. It should be refurbished. Camp Cronin can become a state-of-the-art intergenerational enrichment center, bringing together young people, older adults, community organizations, educators, health
providers, artists, and volunteers in a setting designed for learning, wellness, mentoring, and belonging.

The city need not do this alone. A thoughtful public-private partnership could invite corporate citizens, philanthropic foundations, sports organizations, universities, nonprofits, and civic leaders to invest in facilities and programming that serve disconnected individuals across generations. With clear governance, transparent accountability, and a mission rooted in public
benefit, private investment could help renovate buildings, improve accessibility, support transportation, create outdoor and indoor learning spaces, and fund year-round enrichment programs.

3 years ago community members met with Mayor Smiley & his Chief Operating Officer, Courtney Hawkins, to discuss options & support for Camp Cronin. To date there has been no community engagement or decision to reopen.

Imagine teenagers learning job skills from retirees, older adults receiving help with technology, youth and seniors sharing meals, stories, arts, environmental education, and service projects. Such a center would not merely reopen a camp; it would rebuild social connection. It would honor Providence’s history while meeting today’s urgent needs.

Selling Camp Cronin may look like an easy financial answer, but once this public waterfront resource is gone, it is gone forever. Providence should instead convene a serious planning process with neighborhood centers, aging advocates, youth-serving agencies, Narragansett officials, the RI Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and potential funders. The
goal should be bold but practical: restore Camp Cronin as a shared place of respite, purpose, and possibility.

Camp Cronin once brought Providence residents to the shore. With imagination and partnership, it can bring generations together again.

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Vincent Marzullo served for 31 years as a federal civil rights/social justice Director in Rhode Island with the Corporation for National & Community Service. Vin is a former volunteer President of AARP RI. He has served 3 Rhode Island Governors, 5 Presidents, & is the Founder of USA Compassion Corps.