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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
GOVERNOR CARCIERI JOINS DEM, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, AND PAWTUCKET OFFICIALS AT GROUNDBREAKING FOR SOCCER COMPLEX PROVIDENCE -- Governor Donald Carcieri today joined officials from the Department of Environmental Management, City of Pawtucket, and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission at groundbreaking ceremonies for the new $2.1 million Pawtucket Municipal Soccer Complex. The project contractor, Catalano Construction of Cumberland, is scheduled to begin construction within 30 days. The facility will be ready for use in fall 2005.When developed, the six-acre site will feature two regulation (190' x 360') and two youth (135' x 180') soccer fields and lights for nighttime use. The configuration of the fields will be changed seasonally to accommodate users and ensure prolonged field quality. The remaining land will include walking trails, landscaping, a concession stand, restroom facilities, and a parking lot. The facility will be home to the Pawtucket Youth Soccer League, which has over 1,000 children enrolled, and will serve as home field for the city's three high school and junior high school soccer teams. The municipal soccer complex will be located at 10 Dean Street, which was home to the Newman-Crosby Steel plant from the turn of the 20th century until 1989. All the buildings on the property were demolished in 1992 and 1993. In May, the City of Pawtucket acquired the brownfields site from Newman-Crosby Steel for $460,000, and agreed to make improvements that would make the property suitable for outdoor recreation. "By breaking ground on this facility today, we are revitalizing a Brownfields site. We are protecting 6 acres of open space and we are creating a state-of-the-art recreation facility for men, women and children alike to enjoy," said Governor Donald Carcieri. "On the November ballot we have a 70 million dollar environmental bond. By approving this measure, we will have the funds to invest in other projects like this. Saying yes to this referendum will mean a greener Rhode Island. It will mean a better quality of life for all." Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle said, "With the number of residents who want to play soccer growing every year and no fields in the city devoted to the sport, this new complex will make a real difference in the quality of life in Pawtucket. Not only does it eliminate a polluted and vacant site from our city, but it does so by providing a much-needed, state-of-the-art facility that will be enjoyed by soccer lovers throughout Pawtucket for years to come. It's a real win-win situation for our city." DEM Acting Director Frederick J. Vincent said, "This new facility will be premiere soccer complex of the Blackstone Valley and provide new and expanded opportunities for Pawtucket residents to participate in physical activity. We hope local residents - schoolchildren and adults alike - enjoy them and that they will encourage a healthier lifestyle for all." "The Land and Water Conservation Fund, established to create and maintain a nationwide legacy of high quality recreation areas and facilities, provided $932,325 in funding to Rhode Island this year," said National Park Service representative Michael Creasey. "It is a pleasure for the National Park Service to support the Pawtucket Municipal Soccer Complex, which will enhance recreational opportunities for current and future generations, with a $400,000 grant." Funding for the $2.1 project included $450,000 in state open space and recreation bond funds, $1.2 million from the City of Pawtucket, $400,000 in federal funds through the National Park Service, and $200,000 in federal brownfields cleanup funds through the US Environmental Protection Agency. -30- |
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