‘Unfortunately, in this time of social distancing, Parks and Recreation would not be able to put together

programming that encourages those attributes in anyway close to what we have been able to do in the past.’

Parks and Recreation Director Tony Liberatore

The city will not offer its traditional summer recreation programs this year, Mayor Allan Fung and Parks and Recreation Director Tony Liberatore announced Thursday.

“The decision to not offer the existing Playground, Arts and Crafts, Tennis and Living Arts programs came after an examination of whether these and other possible options could fit within the lens of the Rhode Island Department of Health and Human Services guidelines on summer camps,” reads a joint statement from the mayor’s office and the Parks and Recreation Department. “Unfortunately, we determined that the city could not run our programs to the quality that our residents have come to expect and deserve.”

The decision comes following an earlier decision, outlined in a June 1 executive order from Fung, to keep the Budlong Pool closed for the season. The mayor’s budget plan had included funding for a shortened pool season of roughly four weeks, but as with the summer programming, it was determined social distancing requirements made the facility’s opening unfeasible.

Thursday’s joint statement points to limitations on group sizes and concerns over a number of logistical issues as having led to the decision not to offer the seasonal programs this year.

“Parks and Recreation camps would not be allowed to operate as they have in the past as group sizes would be reduced to 15, which included staff,” the statement reads. “Plus, there would be no field trips, no Budlong Pool access, and other hallmarks that have drawn children to the programs. Additionally, the health and safety of our campers and counselors was of concern. The department found it especially difficult to hold camp during inclement weather or air quality alert days without access to the venues typically used for relief.”

“Summer is a time to make new friends and have new experiences,” Liberatore said in the statement. “Unfortunately, in this time of social distancing, Parks and Recreation would not be able to put together programming that encourages those attributes in anyway close to what we have been able to do in the past.”

“Many children, parents, and staff members look forward to the summer that is spent with friends, old and new, and engaged in new experiences each day,” Fung said in the statement. “It is heartbreaking to not be able gather in the ways we have previously and hope to be able to offer these programs again next summer.”

Departments move to new Sockanosset Cross Road location

The city offices formerly housed at the Hamilton Building on Cranston Street – building inspections, engineering and community development – have moved into a new home on Sockanosset Cross Road.

An announcement from the city last week indicated the three offices would be in place at 35 Sockanosset Cross Road, rear unit four, starting Monday, June 15.

“The phone numbers have not changed; however there may be some minor disruptions or delays while we are transitioning. We apologize for any inconvenience,” the city’s announcement reads.

The city’s lease for the Hamilton Building space, which is owned by CCAP, had been set to expire this fall, but the need to find a new home for the three departments took on added urgency with the opening of a COVID-19 testing site at the location in May.

An initial lease agreement with Renaissance Development Corp., owner of the Sockanosset Cross Road site, fell short of the needed support from the City Council, but a revised agreement later received the body’s approval. The lease is for three years with an annual rental cost of roughly $70,000. It includes two one-year extension options.

Libraries reopen on limited basis

The Cranston Public Library’s various branches reopening on a limited basis Monday, and Director Ed Garcia said the day “went really well” with no major issues.

In a message to the community last week, Garcia asked for “patience and understanding” from patrons as the library system reopens its doors as part of phase two of Rhode Island’s reopening plan.

“There will be a limit on how many people we can have in our buildings at a time and all those who enter must wear a mask,” Garcia wrote. “Unfortunately some areas of the library will not be available for use. Our stack areas will be closed, although we will have limited browsing of new materials in all locations. Also we have had to close all of our seating and study areas and have had to remove our newspapers. At the Central Library, the C-Lab, Teen Room and Children's Room and the children's space are closed and at the Auburn branch is also closed.”

The Arlington Branch, located inside the Cranston Enrichment Center on Cranston Street, also remains closed for the time being. Additionally, public computer access will be available by reservation only and limited to one hour of use per visitor.

For more information about the library system’s reopening rules and hours, visit www.cranstonlibrary.org.