Cranston Students, City Officials Celebrate New Playground Renovations
CRANSTON – Students are enjoying the features of a brand-new, accessible playground as the new school year gets into full-swing at Edgewood Highland Elementary School in Cranston.
Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, the Cranston Parks and Recreation Department, the City Council, the Cranston Public School Department, PTO members, and students alike gathered Wednesday morning to officially cut the ribbon on the school’s new playground at 160 Pawtuxet Avenue, Cranston.
“Investing in our children’s playgrounds is investing in their future. The renovated playgrounds, at Edgewood Highland and Smith Street, will provide our kids with a safe and engaging environment to learn, play, and grow,” Mayor Hopkins said to the crowd. “It’s not just about
play—it’s about fostering community, creativity, and healthy lifestyles. I am thrilled to see this project carried on, and I look forward to watching our children thrive in this wonderful space.
“Laughter filled the air as children explored the vibrant, revitalized playground Wednesday. Parents and teachers watched with smiles, appreciating the updated park as more than just a play area; but as a testament to the city's commitment to nurturing its youngest residents happiness and well-being.
“Cranston Public Schools is grateful to all our community members who helped to create a wonderful, accessible space at Edgewood Highland Elementary School for our students to play during their recess time, as well as before and after school and throughout the summer. Outdoor play is a critical part of children’s lives, and we commend everyone who contributed to this project which will allow our students to thrive for years to come,” members of the Cranston Public Schools Leadership Team said in a press statement.
The Edgewood Highland Playground renovations were supported with funding from a resolution, sponsored by Ward Councilwoman Lammis Vargas and City-wide Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli, which allocated $307,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the purpose of improving school playgrounds across the city. This resolution was enthusiastically supported by Mayor Hopkins’ office and received unanimous approval from the city council during a Dec. 18, 2023, meeting.
“Safe, inclusive, and modern playgrounds should be the standard for children in all areas of our city. I am grateful to the PTA and my City Council colleagues for their support and listening to not only my concerns, but of the community,” said Councilwoman Vargas. “I am very excited that as a result of my advocacy and of the community, we now have two brand new playgrounds in the area I represent of Ward 1, plus a few others throughout the city that will get a spruce. I look forward to the City of Cranston making the best effort to maintain and continue investing in our recreational spaces that are very much important for the development of our children.”
Between October and December of 2023, the Cranston Parks and Recreation Department conducted a survey of 17 playgrounds across the city. The provided the council results rated based on their degree of safety. From this list, the first playgrounds to undergo renovations were
selected based on their condition, proximity to schools, and other factors.
In addition to the playground renovations covered by the ARPA allocation, the Cranston Community Development Department directed its own CDBG COVID funds to renovate three additional playgrounds. This includes: $58,000 for the playground at Calise Field off Dyer
Avenue; $72,000 for the playground along Florida Avenue; and $81,000 for the playground along Smith Street. This work was completed concurrently with renovations at the Edgewood Highland Elementary School playground.
