Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza nears completion - by Frank Picozzi

After several years of planning, construction, and anticipation, the community is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza and outdoor skating rink later this month. Funded by $5 million secured by U.S. senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act monies, the plaza is an attractive, welcoming, community gathering space that will offer activities and special events for all ages throughout the year. Bentley Builders secured the construction contract and the credit union won the initial naming rights, with a bid of $300,000, for a five-year term.

While ice skating will take center stage in the winter months, there’s no end to the fun that will be found when the weather warms – especially with a permanent shelter covering the 120 x 60 ft. space - including outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, food truck events, movie nights, art shows, roller disco, pickleball, and much more.

Paving and striping of the new parking lot and installation of landscaping, pedestrian and paver walks, plaza areas, signage, and ornamental fencing and lighting are complete. The plaza also has handicapped-accessible parking, a walk and landing area. Finishing touches are now underway and include installation of bleachers, benches, electric vehicle charging stations, bike racks, and fire pits – the latter meant to evoke the feel of yesteryear, when skaters would huddle around a fire by a frozen pond.

Next to the rink is a building that will house mechanicals, restrooms, a 189-locker room, space for skate rentals, and a small concession stand. The city is contracting with local food trucks to be on-site on a rotating basis, with 10% of their total daily sales returning to the city. Because the rink is located in one of Warwick’s designated historic districts, the Historic District Commission worked with municipal departments for a final design, complete with a cupola that complements the architectural features of city hall, the adjacent library and former Kentish Armory, which are collectively on the National Register of Historic Places.

We’re certainly looking forward to the first season of ice skating at the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza! A special day for skating will be on December 6, when the Third Annual Strolling Rolling Apponaug Winter Festival will be held throughout the village from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. We think seeing people skating on that day will only add to the old-fashioned, community holiday spirit that the Winterfest seems to bring out in everyone! Mark your calendars and stop by.

We can’t wait to see the plaza become a gathering space for Warwick residents of all ages, and, more broadly, for those across Rhode Island and southern New England, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and serving as a boon for local businesses.

For more information about municipal projects, or development/re-development opportunities in Warwick, call the Dept. of Economic Development at (401) 738-2014, or email econ.dir@warwickri.gov.

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.