Cranston mayor unveils plan to reopen Budlong Pool

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins unveiled his plan to reopen the Budlong Pool, one of the country’s largest outdoor pools.

The mayor said he will submit a budget Friday that will have “sufficient bond funds” designated for the project.

Hopkins added he has put aside $350,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA, funds to get the engineering design off the ground.

He noted he is open to using more ARPA funds and that the city has already secured $750,000 in federal grants and is pursuing more grant money.

Hopkins said the new plan won’t be a “band aid” fix but will be a completer overhaul.

He said he is looking to expand the entire property, including making the pool house handicap accessible and is considering adding other amenities, such as a splash pad and a pickleball court.

The mayor noted the pool, which would be brand new, would be smaller than the current pool.

The City Council will ultimately have to approve the funds that will have a total price tag in the millions.

If the funding gets approved, Hopkins said his goal is to have Budlong Pool open for the summer of 2024.

The pool has not opened since the 2019 season.