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Budlong Pool project encounters peat layer, administration says pool and splash pad remain on track
Summary
Work on the Budlong Pool interior is nearly complete; crews found a peat layer at the deep end leading to change orders and additional excavation costs. Administration expects pool and splash pad to open together next summer but is still assessing final change-order funding.
Cranston officials told council committees on Sept. 11 that interior work at the Budlong Pool rehabilitation is nearly finished, but contractors uncovered a small peat layer at the pool’s deep end that requires additional excavation and material replacement.
Director of Public Works Frank Correo and project staff said interior work — including toilets, partitions, painting and flooring — should be complete by the end of the month. Excavation found a 4-to-8-inch peat layer located about 6½ to 7 feet below grade at the deep end. The city’s engineer engaged a geotechnical consultant, and project engineers recommended removing the peat, importing suitable fill and continuing construction. The contractor is preparing a pricing proposal for that additional scope.
Project officials said they remain on schedule to open outdoor facilities next summer and suggested the pool and a proposed splash pad could be in service by July 1. The pool’s exterior work is temperature-sensitive; plaster and tile require appropriate weather to be installed and cured.
Budget officials told the committee that the project has incurred change orders and that the project is roughly 8% over contract value; staff cited about $400,000 in cumulative change orders so far. Funding for Budlong Pool comes from a combination of ARPA funds ($4 million allocated) and a $750,000 federal congressional grant. City staff said ARPA funds must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026, and are reviewing options for covering additional costs if needed.
Council members asked for periodic updates as the project moves through excavation and the remaining exterior work. Administration staff emphasized it will report further detail on outstanding change-order costs and funding recommendations as the project progresses.
Separately, the administration reported that a public outreach meeting about a proposed splash pad at Budlong drew mostly favorable comments. Staff said fixtures and mechanical components for the splash pad — described at the meeting as a family-oriented amenity targeting children roughly ages 4–12 — have been purchased using ARPA funds and that constructing the splash pad adjacent to the pool leverages existing pool staffing and infrastructure, reducing incremental operating costs.
Officials said final bids and the contractor’s pricing for peat removal will determine whether additional funds are required to complete the project; staff will provide updated cost assessments to the finance office and the council as they become available.
