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Cranston DPW committee: Budlong Pool delayed past 2025 season; Doric splash pad and Broad Street sidewalk move toward summer work
Summary
At the April 17 Department of Public Works committee meeting, staff reported Budlong Pool will not open for the 2025 season because of an unexpected aqueduct/vault issue; the Doric Park splash pad and a Broad Street sidewalk repair are moving toward bidding and construction with summer timelines.
At the April 17 Department of Public Works committee meeting, Director Moretti and staff reported that repairs at Budlong Pool revealed an undocumented vault/aqueduct that prevents completion in time for the 2025 swim season. Committee members were told the pool likely will not open this year and that full completion may not occur until October 2025.
Director Moretti described the vault as roughly 4 feet by 4 feet where an aqueduct or pipe discharges and said the likely remedy is to drain the vault, place sandbags, cap or isolate the aqueduct, and pour concrete. Moretti said the city will seek quotes for that work. He told the committee some pool-house work is progressing but that the pool itself cannot be readied this season because of the water issue and the time needed to address it.
Committee members asked for formal documentation from engineers. Councilman Bonanno and others pressed for a written recommendation from the contractor’s professional engineer to the city’s engineer so the administration and council have a clear, documented scope and analysis before bids are issued. Moretti said the engineers’ observations will be included in the bid documents and that the administration will provide documentation to the council.
On the Doric Park splash pad, Moretti said the city has contracted O’Brien and Sons (with Megan O’Brien working on the project) and that play equipment has been ordered with an estimated lead time of 8–10 weeks. Plans for electricity and water connections are pending; staff expects to solicit bids under the state MPA (master price agreement) once design documents are complete. Construction was described as possible in June with a realistic target of early July 1 and a latest estimate of Aug. 1, depending primarily on equipment delivery.
On Broad Street (Patuxent Village), Moretti said bids were expected back soon to repair stamped-concrete sidewalks destabilized after removal of an older tree. The work described includes regrading the tree pit, adding compacted base material, and pouring new stamped concrete to match surrounding sidewalks; staff estimated completion by May or earlier if contractors can schedule the work.
Why it matters: Budlong Pool’s delayed opening affects neighborhood recreational access and planned seasonal programming; the splash pad and sidewalk repairs are capital maintenance projects with summer use implications.
Committee directions and next steps: The committee requested written engineer recommendations on the Budlong vault/aqueduct repair for the city’s engineer to review and to include those specifications in forthcoming bid documents. Staff will follow up on Doric Park electrical/water plans and equipment lead times and will report back when bids are ready. Broad Street sidewalk work will proceed to contract award after bid returns.
