New Recreation Center Opens at Pleasant View Elementary School

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) today hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new recreation center at Pleasant View Elementary School. Ryan was joined by Mayor Jorge Elorza, Council President Luis Aponte, Superintendent of Providence Schools Christopher Maher, leaders from Providence Public Schools and the Providence Recreation Department, representatives from City Year and the YMCA, and Pleasant View students, families, teachers and staff. An invocation was led by Fr. Thomas More Garrett, O.P.
“Residents across the fifth ward have asked for a community recreation center; a place for children to go after school to socialize and to play, and a community center where families can enjoy activities and events,” said Ryan. “I am pleased that we were able to make this center a reality for all to enjoy.”
The neighborhood recreation center will serve students from kindergarten through high school, with programming until 9:00 pm on weeknights and weekend hours on Saturdays. The center will be led by Keith Moors, a former Hope High School basketball coach. Moors has coached boys’ and girls’ basketball teams since 2003 and was profiled by Bill Reynolds in Hope: A School, a Team, a Dream.
The new recreation center is designed to support Providence families with extended services beyond the traditional school day. The facility features a gymnasium, indoor pool, multipurpose field, play areas and plenty of parking. It is adjacent to Triggs Golf Course and the newly improved Viscolosi Park.
“Community recreation centers are critical to healthy and vibrant neighborhoods,” said Ryan. “This is an efficient use of an existing City asset that has largely gone dark after school. Our new recreation center ensures the lights of learning stay on beyond the school day.”