CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The long-awaited reopening of Cranston’s public pool is finally happening after budget woes, construction and unexpected delays forced residents to swim elsewhere for years.
The Budlong Pool, now being renamed the Budlong Aquatic Center, is nearly complete as workers put on finishing touches at the 7,000-square-foot facility.
BACKGROUND: Construction progresses on Budlong Pool in Cranston
The community pool has been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At first, a lack of funding was the root issue for it not getting reopened. Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins later announced a plan to revitalize the pool in a $3.5 million “multi-phase redevelopment” project and set a reopening date for summer 2024…