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Cranston Council Seeks Public Input on Splash Pad Location; No Decision Reached
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Summary
Council and staff reviewed three candidate sites for a new splash pad — Budlong Pool complex, Cranston Stadium near the tennis courts, and Doric Avenue near Francis Stadium — and heard public comment; funding of about $250,000 was noted but no site vote occurred.
Cranston City Council President Wahl convened a special meeting on Sept. 10 to gather council and public input on possible locations for a planned city splash pad. City staff said roughly $250,000 in approved operating funds is available for construction and that some water-park features have already been purchased with ARPA funds, but officials warned actual construction bids could exceed that amount.
The proposed splash pad, shown in a staff rendering, is designed to serve young children through early adolescents. Steve Piscopello, director of Parks and Recreation, presented three candidate locations: Doric Avenue; Cranston Stadium, particularly the area near the tennis courts; and the Budlong (sometimes referred to in materials as the Budlong/Balloon) complex. Piscopello stressed practical factors the city must weigh — on-site plumbing, parking, restrooms and changing rooms, and whether a freestanding pad would require separate staffing. "We'd like to have the general plumbing that's available on-site," he said, adding that standalone changing rooms and buildings would increase construction costs.
Why it matters: The location will affect operating costs, staffing needs and how families can use the new amenity. Staff noted equipment purchases funded with ARPA aid reduce upfront costs but do not remove the risk that bids could top the current funding allocation.
Council members expressed a clear preference for placing the splash pad at the Budlong Pool complex, citing existing facilities and the potential for a multiuse recreation site. Councilwoman Ryan said she favored Budlong, arguing the complex could accommodate a pool, splash pad and walking track and serve a wide age range. "I would like it at Budlong Pool Complex," she said. Councilman Ritz also noted Budlong offered the most options and asked whether changing rooms would be expected at the Doric/Francis site; staff said separate structures would likely be required there and would add cost.
Public comment largely mirrored council sentiment. Two young residents told the council they attend camp and recreation programs and wanted the splash pad at Budlong so camp participants and families could use both the pool and the pad. Kimberly Bogosian of Mountview Drive urged the city to reopen Budlong Pool rather than add a splash pad. "Cranston does not need a splash pad. Please open up the Budlong Pool," she said.
A former lifeguard, Justin McCarthy of Chestnut Avenue, told the council he holds Rhode Island lifeguard certifications and that locating the splash pad at Budlong would allow the city to use existing lifeguard staff, locker rooms and plumbing. "To be a lifeguard in Rhode Island, you essentially have three certifications," McCarthy said, noting that existing staff and facilities at Budlong could respond to injuries and medical emergencies and save on construction costs.
No formal vote on a location was taken. After closing public comment, Council President Wahl asked for a motion to adjourn; the body approved a voice vote and adjourned the meeting.
Next steps: Staff will take the input from council members and public comment under advisement as the administration continues site analysis and prepares for potential bidding. The council did not set or announce a date for a decision on the splash pad location.
