October 19, 2021
Providence American Rescue Plan Dollars used to extend hours at four City Recreation Centers
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the Providence City Council and Department of Recreation today announced that four City Recreation Centers will offer extended hours for young adults 18 and over Monday-Thursday from 9:00PM-11:00PM. Beginning today, and until the foreseeable future, Recreation Centers expanding hours include: Neutaconkanut, West End, Rogers and Vincent Brown Recreation Centers.
“Our Recreation Centers provide safe places to go and are often the focus of community life for our young people,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I am excited to announce these expanded services for our youth and to invest the City’s American Rescue Plan dollars in ensuring young adults have somewhere to safely socialize and build positive community relationships. As a City, we will continue to prioritize and expand critical investments like these that invest in our young people.”
The City of Providence allocated a portion of American Rescue Plan funding in July, prioritizing investments for youth through several initiatives including Providence Recreation Center programming. Funding was finalized by a City Council ordinance and signed into law by Mayor Elorza.
“Increased access to community resources at our local recreation centers goes beyond the short-term, it can have a long-term positive and sustainable impact for anyone who visits our centers,” said Councilwoman LaFortune (Ward 3). American Rescue Plan dollars can be used to help more people have access to tools and resources they need to be well and thrive, including health and wellness options, and community connections to services and opportunities —things needed to reduce the stress of the pandemic and improve quality of life.”
“For years, young people and families in Smith Hill have come to Madeline Rogers Recreation Center to learn, exercise, and play in a safe environment,” said Councilwoman Kat Kerwin (Ward 12). “Extended recreation center hours will give young adults an opportunity to enjoy the facilities and programming after 9:00PM. This is particularly important now because we know that when the center has opened its doors to young people after-hours, street-related violence in the neighborhood has plummeted. Offering our youth a space with positive adult mentors and play will help us work toward a safer City.”
All Providence Recreation Centers will maintain their regular hours, including those offering additional hours for young adults. For a full list of recreation center hours, please visit https://www.providenceri.gov/recreation.
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