EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence city officials and community members celebrated the city’s opening of a second splash pad park during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Pierce Field on Monday, June 28.

“The city of East Providence works hard to unite our community and this splash pad is a great example of how the city, state and community joined together to offer a fun, safe way to bring joy and smiles to our youth,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “It takes more than just great partners and vision to make this kind of project for our community possible, it also takes support and money.”

The splash pad, which was supplied by ME O’Brien & Sons and Installed by Green Acres Landscaping and features a 60’x40’ splash pad, was made possible due to the generous support from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Green Space Grant Program and the city of East Providence.

The splash pad at Pierce was completed thanks to the state’s $100,000 Recreation Acquisition and Development grant program investment and $25,000 in city funds approved by the East Providence City Council. The first splash pad in city was placed at the Onna Moniz-John/Central Avenue Playground.

“On a hot, humid summer day, what could possibly matter more to a child than being able to cool off with their friends in a neighborhood splash park?” said R.I. Department of Environmental Management Acting Director Terry Gray. “DEM is pleased to partner with Mayor DaSilva and the City of East Providence in supporting such a fun and worthy amenity that will keep kids cool and deepen community bonds.”