One of the proudest moments in my years of community service was the successful effort to bring a new playground to Edgewood Highland School. As the PTO Co-President and a parent of two young boys, I saw firsthand how much a safe and vibrant playground meant to the children and families in our community. When the old playground was shut down due to safety concerns, I knew we had to take action—not just to replace the equipment, but to restore a space that was central to our kids’ happiness and development.
Understanding the Challenge
The old playground at Edgewood Highland had been a gathering place for students, parents, and neighbors for years. But over time, the equipment became outdated and unsafe, ultimately leading to its closure. This was a huge loss for our children, who depended on that space for recess, physical activity, and social interaction.
When the playground was shut down, there was a real sense of frustration among parents and teachers. We all understood how critical it was for the kids to have a safe outdoor space to play, but securing the necessary funding and navigating the logistics of a new playground project felt like an uphill battle.
We worked closely with school and city officials, spoke at council meetings, and wouldn’t allow “good enough” to be good enough. We wanted a 1:1 replacement, ensuring that we weren’t just doing the bare minimum to bring the space back, but to reimagine a space where the next generation of our community could develop relationships.
The Power of Community
The day finally came when the city broke ground on the new playground. It was a moment of immense pride for everyone involved. Seeing the children’s excitement as they watched the construction begin reminded us why this project was so important. They were getting their playground back—a space where they could run, laugh, and grow.
When the new playground was completed and the ribbon was cut, the joy on the faces of the kids and families was indescribable. It wasn’t just about swings and slides—it was about restoring a sense of community, a place where children could make memories, and where families could come together. This playground became a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal.
So now what?
This experience strengthened my resolve to advocate for more investments in public spaces and recreational facilities across Cranston. As a candidate for City Council in Ward 1, I’m committed to ensuring that all of our neighborhoods have access to safe, well-maintained parks and playgrounds. Every child deserves a place to play, and every community deserves spaces that bring people together.
The success of the Edgewood Highland playground project was a victory for all of us, and it’s a reminder of the incredible things we can accomplish when we unite behind a shared purpose.
Leave a Reply