Welcome to Knightsville’s new Itri Park!

Posted 7/12/23

Cranston celebrated the ongoing revitalization of the Knightsville area by holding an inaugural celebration for the opening of Itri Park on July 7. A formal speaking program and ribbon cutting …

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Welcome to Knightsville’s new Itri Park!

ONE CUT: Councilman Paplauskas (centaur right) is given the honor of cutting the inaugural ribbon beside Mayor Ken Hopkins (center left).

PIECE OF ITALY: Designed to be reminiscent of Itri, Italy, construction on the park has finally been completed as a jewel in the revitalization of the Knightsville area. (Photos by Steve Popiel)

STATE RECOGNITION: Senator Jack Reed (above) and Governor Dan McKee (below) attended the festivities to congratulate Cranston on the completion of its newest project.

HOSTING THE NIGHT: Gene Valicenti acts as the MC of the night's events from the park’s new gazeebo.

WORDS FROM A LOCAL: Eagle Scout Aiden Paplauskas takes a moment to address the crowd and say some words about how he feels about the new Itri Park.

THE FULL STORY: Councilman Chris Paplauskas shows a photo collage of the history of the area. Photos include the original town hall, the construction, a comparison of the old and new gazebo and the completed fountain.

PROUD OF THE PARK: Councilman Paplauskas, who has been working hard to make this park into a reality, takes a moment to address the crowd.

Posted Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12:00 am

Cranston celebrated the ongoing revitalization of the Knightsville area by holding an inaugural celebration for the opening of Itri Park on July 7. A formal speaking program and ribbon cutting kicked-off at 5 p.m. with guest speakers Governor Daniel McKee and Senator Jack Reed, which was followed by musical performances from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The park, located at the intersection of Phenix Avenue and Cranston Street, includes design and style choices to mimic the scenery of sister city Itri, in Italy, a beautiful fountain and a newly built gazebo.

With Channel 10’s Gene Valicenti acting as Master of Ceremonies, the celebration got underway. Speeches by Mayor Ken Hopkins, Senator Jack Reed, Governor Dan McKee, Eagle Scout Aiden Paplauskas and his father Councilman Chris Paplauskas, one of the park’s largest proponents, celebrated the opening of the park. (Photos by Steve Popiel)