City Hall Plaza Groundbreaking Starts Project

WARWICK, RI — The City of Warwick gathered state and local officials behind Warwick City Hall Thursday for the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza groundbreaking ceremony.

Located directly behind City Hall, the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza will consist of an outdoor skating rink during the winter months and a year-round event center featuring a roller skating rink, pickle ball, farmers markets, movie nights, dances, concerts and much more.

Projected cost for the outdoor recreation center is approximately $7 million. Five million is coming from a Senate Earmark Grant secured by Senators Jack Reed, and Sheldon Whitehouse. The remainder is coming from ARPA funds. Greenwood Credit Union has purchased the naming rights for $300,000.

Mayor Picozzi, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, representatives from Greenwood Credit Union, and other state and local leaders will be attendance for the ground breaking.

“The Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza will become be the central gathering place for Warwick residents to come and enjoy themselves. This will spur the long desired revival of the historic Apponaug Village. You will see restaurants, shops, and other businesses opening.  It will greatly enhance the quality of life here in Warwick, “said Picozzi.

“I was proud to join Senator Whitehouse in securing a $5 million federal earmark to advance this project in Warwick. Once completed, this year-round community asset will host residents and visitors alike and help to generate increased economic activity for local restaurants and shops,” said Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I am very pleased to work with Senator Reed to help secure federal funding for Warwick’s Greenwood Credit Union Plaza.  The new year-round space will be a great boost for the economy and quality of life in Warwick, and support the revitalization of Apponaug Village,” said Whitehouse.  “A big congratulations to Mayor Picozzi and the City of Warwick team on making this project a reality.”

Work is scheduled to begin in the beginning of May.

“There was a Groundbreaking ceremony for the Future Home of the Greenwood Credit Union City Hall Plaza, which will host many activities from ice skating, roller skating, concerts, the possibilities are endless! Many thanks to Mayor Frank Picozzi, Greenwood Credit Union, Senator Jack Reed & Senator Sheldon Whitehouse,” the Warwick Tourism Department noted on Facebook.