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Council gives advice and consent to appoint Steve Piscopello as Cranston parks director
Summary
The Cranston City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to give advice and consent to Mayor Hopkins’ nomination of Steve Piscopello as director of Parks and Recreation. The council and administration said Piscopello will begin in mid-January and will oversee planned ARPA-funded parks work.
The Cranston City Council gave its advice and consent to Mayor Michael Hopkins’ nomination of Steve Piscopello to be director of Parks and Recreation during its Dec. 16 meeting, approving the appointment by unanimous roll call. The administration said Piscopello’s targeted start date is Jan. 13, 2025.
The nomination was presented to the council during a special meeting of the finance committee earlier the same evening and again at the full council meeting. Director Moretti introduced Piscopello, summarizing his career in recreation management in Providence and at Rhode Island College and citing his long volunteer service as president of Cranston West Little League.
"It's no better place to do it than to do it at home, and I look forward to the opportunity," Piscopello told the committee when given the chance to speak. He described himself as ‘‘a pretty humble guy’’ who wants to bring his three decades of experience in Providence back to Cranston.
Council members who spoke during the committee and full-council consideration praised Piscopello's experience and civic involvement. Councilman Papalasquez said he has seen Piscopello’s dedication firsthand in Providence. Councilman Campopiano called him ‘‘a true civic leader.’’ Council Vice President Vargas and Council President Marino noted the city recently allocated a significant portion of American Rescue Plan Act funds to parks and recreation and said they expect Piscopello to help execute those projects.
The council did not record a named mover and seconder for the advice-and-consent motion in the transcript; the clerk then called the roll. The recorded vote at the full council meeting was unanimous in favor: Councilman Ferry (yes); Councilwoman Renzulli (yes); Councilwoman Horayan (yes); Councilman Donnegan (yes); Councilman Campopiano (yes); Councilman Papalasquez (yes); Councilman Wall (yes); Council Vice President Vargas (yes); Council President Marino (yes).
Administration officials said the outgoing director, Joseph Tisaglia, will retire the week before Piscopello’s start date. Council members repeatedly told Piscopello they expect attention to playground maintenance, summer programming and other city assets, and some asked that he prioritize high-use facilities such as the city bike path.
Piscopello told the council he plans to inspect department assets, pursue certifications where appropriate, and work with community groups and sports organizations to find outside funding and volunteer support.
The council's advice-and-consent vote completes the municipal step; the administration will proceed with onboarding the new director for the Jan. 13 target start date.
