Cranston’s Budlong Pool Further Delayed, Mayor Hopkins Gets Defensive

Cranston’s Budlong Pool Further Delayed, Mayor Hopkins Gets Defensive

Cranston’s Budlong pool has been closed since 2019, and now Mayor Ken Hopkins has announced that he is once again delaying construction.

Hopkins' inability to get the community pool operational has been widely criticized over the years.

The pool was scheduled to reopen this summer after years of delays. But Hopkins says he is now pushing back the project again because of a construction issue.

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When asked about the failure to complete the redevelopment of the pool, Hopkins said, “This was an unforeseen condition. It is neither embarrassing, nor does it raise questions about effectiveness.”

“To the residents of Cranston, I emphasize that we are committed to delivering a safe and high-quality pool that will serve many generations of young families and children growing up in our city. We appreciate the community's understanding and patience as we work through these challenges,” said Hopkins.

The project was budgeted for $4.75 million, and Hopkins said he did not know the fiscal impact of the further delays.

“Currently the impact to the budget is unclear,” said Hopkins.

 

Confusion About Who Pays Taxes

Hopkins said, “While there will be delays in the pool's opening, I also want to announce efforts to establish a brand-new splash pad with high-tech features planned for Doric Park, targeting a July 1 opening. This will completed with ARPA funds at no cost to the taxpayers.”

Hopkins in his response to GoLocal seemed confused about who pays for federal projects.

ARPA, short for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law on March 11, 2021, designed to address the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When asked if he knew that ARPA funds were federal tax dollars and that Cranston residents pay taxes, he said, “The splash pad will be funded with ARPA money, not city tax dollars.”

 

Hopkins Budlong Failure Has Gone on for Years

In the 2023 Cranston Republican primary for Mayor, Hopkins' opponent Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung criticized him for his handling of the lack of restoration of the pool.

“The Budlong Pool is as much a part of the folklore of Cranston as the St. Mary's Feast.  Many generations of children have learned to swim there, and for Cranstonians that can't get to a beach or have a pool of their own, it's been a lifesaver on those scorching hot days,” said Fenton-Fung

She criticized Hopkins' lack of planning in the redevelopment process.

In March of 2023, Hopkins announced plans for a scaled-down pool that would be completed by 2024. By then, the pool was already closed for five years.

Hopkins announced a "multi-phase" plan to renovate and reopen the community pool.  According to Hopkins, the first phase of this plan would include a scaled-down version of a new, zero-entry handicap accessible pool and a renovated bathhouse for the 2024 summer season.

Now, nearly six years later, the future and the cost of the community asset are still unknown.