What happened – and what’s happening at Cranston’s Knightsville gazebo

A few days ago pictures went around on social media of the taking down of the iconic Knightsville gazebo. The photo received over 245 comments, many of which were negative and questioning of what was happening.

Cranston has announced what the plans were for the area, repeatedly, over the last two years. The rotting gazebo had to be removed, but the revitalization of the Knightsville area and the gazebo condition dovetailed towards a positive outcome.

Councilman Chris Paplauskas, head of the Cranston City Council, posted the full explanation and photos of what is planned on his Facebook page, and we repost it here. Maybe some flyers would have been helpful of even a ceremony to say the community’s good-byes to such an iconic structure. But as is said, “Hindsight is the ability to learn from the past. Insight is the ability to interpret and respond to the present and foresight is the ability to predict and prepare for the future.“

Here is Paplauskas’ post:

“Yesterday was bittersweet as our beloved gazebo was removed as site work for the new Knightsville park began. I will miss it greatly. It is where we started our neighborhood gazebo Christmas tree lighting, a tradition I plan to continue for many years to come. The gazebo served us well for many years but like everything-time was not kind. Just like a deck on your house eventually it will reach end of life, had suffered termite damage and was not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To give some background let’s flashback to 2019. At the time I proposed a resolution to the City Council with the idea of building a park in Knightsville and also put forth an ordinance to rezone the City land behind the gazebo to open space. Both passed unanimously by the City Council and Planning Commission with positive recommendations by all. Fast forward to today as Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has made it a priority to see this project through. This will be the biggest investment in Knightsville in many decades.

The centerpiece of the new park will be a new gazebo. Funding for the gazebo has been made possible through numerous state and federal grants and will also be in compliance with the American with disabilities act. The new park with its additional amenities will be a great place to celebrate many outdoor activities like farmers markets, art shows, music, the feast, and so much more. Knightsville is a historic place filled with tradition, and the park will enhance and pay tribute to an area loved by us all. I am confident the new park will serve Cranston and Knightsville for many many years to come. More details will be coming soon. Thank you and have a great weekend.”