Cranston Mayor allocates $600K in federal funds for city playgrounds

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The City of Cranston’s Mayor, Ken Hopkins, announced an ordinance Monday to commit $600,000 in ARPA funds to upgrade playground facilities across the city.

According to Mayor Hopkins, the funds will be split equally among the city’s six wards. Funds can be used to replace aging equipment and make other necessary upgrades to bring playgrounds up to code.

“Some of our playgrounds have been aged over many years beyond my tenure in office and merit attention,” Mayor Hopkins said. “These funds will allow us to update our facilities and equipment to be accessible and up to date with the latest safety standards and play trends.”

The ordinance will be referred to in an upcoming Finance Committee meeting, scheduled for October 2. The playgrounds that will receive the funding have not yet been determined.

The mayor further said that maintaining and improving green spaces, playgrounds and sports fields including the new Itri Park in Knightsville is essential to city neighborhoods and contributes to each ward’s sense of identity.

“With this initiative we will make sure Cranston children and families have clean and safe playgrounds to enjoy the outdoors,” Mayor Hopkins concluded.

The city of Cranston has 33 recreational playgrounds across the city with equipment for toddlers and elementary school-aged children.