Grant Awarded For East Providence Spray Park

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — When the crowds are allowed to return to Pierce Memorial Field it will be a place to cool down, as well as hang out and play sports.

The state senators representing the city announced on Monday that the Department of Environmental Management has awarded a $100,000 matching grant to the city for a spray park at the field.

"A splash park will be such a welcome addition to Pierce Field, which is already a great recreational resource enjoyed by our community," said Sen. Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence). "This will make it an even better place for families, and provide an opportunity to cool off when it gets hot without making a trip the beach. So many Townies, including myself, have fond memories at Pierce Field, and the splash park is likely to become a highlight of summer and childhood in East Providence."

Spray parks have been increasingly popular additions to municipal parks in recent years because the maintenance and staffing costs are significantly less than a swimming pool.

"We are so happy to share the news about this exciting new project," Said Sen. Cynthia A. Coyne (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, East Providence, Bristol). "Splash parks are a safe and tremendously joyful way for kids to cool off, and we can't wait for the pleasure this will bring to the community."

While the park remains closed to group activities due to the state's stay-at-home regulations amid the new coronavirus health crisis, the hope is that a spray park could be part of the process of getting back to a greater sense of normal at the park when construction is completed and restrictions are relaxed.

"Particularly now, when we've been social distancing and staying at home for weeks on end, the news that this splash park is going to become a reality provides some welcome hope to our community," Sen. William J. Conley Jr. (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket). "We're all dreaming about getting outside and enjoying our neighborhoods again, and a new splash park is really something to look forward to."