Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. today ensured the opening of the water park at Chad Brown before its originally scheduled opening of July 2, 2018. The water park will be open today and tomorrow (Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30) from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Yesterday, the city announced the early opening of several water parks across the city, but Chad Brown was not on the list. With help from Director Mike Stephens from the Providence Recreation Department and Executive Director Melissa Sanzaro of the Providence Housing Authority – Councilman Narducci was able to add this location to the city’s portfolio of operational water parks.
“I’m very pleased that I was able to ensure the early opening of the Chad Brown water park for today and tomorrow,” stated Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “I’m grateful for the assistance of Melissa Sanzaro and Mike Stephens in making sure that the community in Chad Brown was being served. With high temperatures called for all weekend, I wanted to ensure that North End residents were being served like other neighborhoods.”
Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announces several completed community park projects in her Ward, and several more about to begin. These projects range from building concession stands, to improving current park landscapes.
“I believe that recreation and access to green spaces are paramount to the quality of life in our neighborhood,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Sabina Matos. “Over the past year, I have worked with the Providence Parks Department to improve and redevelop many of our green spaces. This has been an exciting year, and I can’t wait to see all these projects come to fruition.”
Much of the funding for these projects has come from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), City Council Neighborhood Infrastructure Funds, Eagle Square TIF funds, and other grants.
Breakdown of Community Park Projects
Joslin Playground:
Completed: Installation of shade sail, new fitness equipment, Water Park, soccer field, and landscaping.
In Progress: New entrance to be located on the Kossuth side parking lot.
James Ahern Park:
In Progress: Backstop and fence repairs, foul line pole, updated players’ area that includes benches and dugouts, infield renovations, and new signage.
Clarence Street Playground:
Completed: Outdoor classroom and new higher quality benches have been installed.
In Progress: Installation of additional play piece, fence repair, and replacement.
Riverside Park:
In Progress: Construction of parking lot, landscaping, repairs to the swale, renovations to the bike path, and signage.
Donigian Park:
Completed: Areas near Barstow Street received new seating from Downcity Designs and fitness equipment fabricated by the Steelyard and a soccer field.
In Progress: Construction of new concession stand, restroom facilities, turf and irrigation improvements. (Community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 at 6:30 pm in the park.)
For more information on Providence Parks, visit www.providnceri.gov/providence-parks, or call the City Council Office at 401-521-7477.
An Event to Promote Police-Community Partnerships & Neighborhood Camaraderie
On Tuesday, August 7, Councilman Michael J. Correia (Ward 6) will host the 35thAnnual National Night Out Celebration at George J. West Park located at 1279 Chalkstone Avenue. The event runs from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and all are invited to attend.
National Night Out is a nationwide event that brings residents together with community leaders and public safety officials to build trusting relationships and bolster neighborhood pride.
”I invite all residents of Providence and the surrounding area to come and support this great cause,” said Councilman Michael Correia. “Getting to know our elected officials and public safety personnel is crucial to improving many of the quality of life issues that affect us daily. I especially encourage parents to bring their children and introduce them to our fire, police and emergency personnel, in case their assistance is ever needed.”
This year’s event also features music, a bounce house, a giant slide, complimentary food provided by Aramark-Sodexo, and more. In addition, Councilman Correia is also pleased to announce a backpack giveaway for the first 120 students who attend. The event is free, family friendly, and open to the public.
After more than three years on the job, one would think the mayor and his administration would have a more comprehensive understanding of how the budget works. If this year’s budget isn’t approved, then the previous year’s budget goes into effect.
It is my hope that the administration will engage in a constructive dialogue with the Council to responsibly manage the budget. Fortunately, there are checks and balances in place so that both branches of government uphold their fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.
Once passes Providence will join 280 other North American jurisdictions
to ban the commercial sale of dogs and cats
Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. tonight introduced an ordinance that would make it illegal for the commercial sale of dogs and cats. It should be noted that the ordinance specifically allows for commercial pet stores to keep and facilitate the adoption of dogs and cats from animal shelters, humane societies, and non-profit rescue organizations.
“We’ve all seen and read of the horrors of puppy mills in the United States,” stated City Council Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. “For the better part of a year I have worked on this ordinance, and I am very proud to have it passed for the first time tonight. As a pet lover, and as an advocate and board member of Friends of Providence Animal Control I felt a responsibility to ensure the safety and humane treatment of our four-legged friends.”
The ordinance aligns with State standards and establishes exceptions to the spay/neuter law for thoroughbred dogs and dogs with health concerns (letter from veterinarian required). It also creates an additional Dog Permit allowing the owner to keep 4+ dogs, so long as certain health and safety standards have been met.
In passing this ordinance, Providence will join 280 other jurisdictions across the US and Canada to ban the commercial sale of dogs and cats. There is a growing consensus that the best way to stop the proliferation of puppy mills is to cut the demand for them by prohibiting commercial sales. Albuquerque, NM became the first US jurisdiction to ban commercial sales of dog and cats in 2006. In Rhode Island, both East Providence (2014) and Warwick (2017) have also passed bans on the commercial sale of dogs and cats. Other Jurisdictions with such a ban include: Austin, TX (2010), Boston, MA (2016), Cambridge, MA (2017), California (statewide ban, 2017), Philadelphia (2016) and Pittsburgh (2015).
The ordinance was written in close consultation with the Friends of Providence Animal Control and the Rhode Island SPCA.
