Oak Street splash pad open; Doric Avenue project delayed after two failed bids, equipment staged at stadium

Public works staff told the committee on July 17 that the Oak Street splash pad is operating and drawing steady daily attendance, while a separate Doric Avenue splash pad project failed to attract bids and will be rescheduled with more outreach.

The director reported that Oak Street's splash pad opened about two and a half weeks early due to a heat wave and has averaged roughly 50 to 75 visitors per day. "We opened it 2 and a half weeks early because of the, the heat wave," the director said, and the facility has been operated on a 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekday schedule and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

On Doric Avenue, the administration said the project went to bid twice and received no responsive proposals. Staff explained the likely reason was an aggressive timeline: many specialty contractors are booked months in advance. The director told council members that all purchased equipment and fabricated apparatuses are on site at Cranston Stadium and that existing designs can be adapted if an alternative city location is selected.

Council members asked whether equipment could be used at another location and whether the administration would solicit input from the public and council on siting. The director confirmed the equipment is transferable if a suitable city parcel, water source and restroom access are available, and said the administration will convene a public workshop or advertise public input opportunities; options discussed included siting a splash pad adjacent to Budlong Pool or at Carberry Field.

Council members also discussed timing for rebidding and the need to plan earlier to avoid contractor scheduling conflicts. The administration said it will begin the planning and bidding process sooner and will provide council members with design correspondence and bid timelines.