Community members enjoying activities at a Providence recreation center amidst leadership changes.
The Providence Recreation Department is in turmoil following multiple resignations, including that of Director Stephen Grace. His departure marks the fourth resignation in just six months, raising concerns about leadership stability. Investigations are ongoing regarding the conduct of some former leaders, amid a backdrop of prior incidents that have tarnished the department’s reputation. The community is worried about service continuity as the city grapples with the impact of these changes on local recreation offerings.
The city of Providence is currently grappling with a leadership crisis in its Recreation Department, marked by the resignation of Director Stephen Grace after just six months in the role. Grace, who was appointed on January 23, 2023, with an annual salary of $136,579, will conclude his tenure on July 11. His departure is notable as it represents the fourth resignation within the department in a period of only six months.
Alongside Grace’s exit, other significant departures include the following recreation center directors: Elmer Stanley from the Joslin Rec Center, with a last working day of January 1, 2025; Joshua Odugbela from the Kennedy Rec Center, whose final day is May 7, 2025; and Herlin Perry from the Vincent Brown Rec Center, slated to leave on April 23, 2025. These departures have raised concerns within the city as the Providence Recreation Department undergoes internal investigations into the conduct of some of these former leaders.
Internal investigations concerning Odugbela and Perry are underway, although city officials have refrained from providing details regarding the nature of these personnel matters. Previous incidents involving the department have also cast a shadow over its leadership. Notably, Manuel Nunez, the former director of the John Rollins Rec Center, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2021 for sexually assaulting a minor under the age of 14. Nunez pleaded nolo contendere to three counts of second-degree child molestation and is now required to register as a sex offender after being dismissed from his position due to these allegations.
This troubling backdrop has led to an atmosphere of scrutiny within the Providence Recreation Department, prompting ongoing investigations into the current and former leaders. The city maintains twelve recreation centers, which serve as crucial community hubs offering a variety of amenities including gyms, community rooms, pools, and splash pads. They provide year-round programming for residents, making the situation even more pressing as the department aims to maintain services amidst ongoing turnover.
The lack of stable leadership in the Providence Recreation Department raises pertinent questions about the future of services provided at these vital facilities. Local residents depend on the numerous programs and activities offered at the recreation centers, which cater to diverse community needs. With several key positions currently vacant and under investigation, it remains uncertain how the department will respond to both the immediate concerns of leadership and the long-term requirement for effective governance.
The situation has deeper implications stemming from the previous administration led by former Mayor Jorge Elorza. The sentencing of Nunez highlighted significant failures within oversight mechanisms in the department, prompting calls for reforms in leadership practices and policies. Community members have expressed a desire for improved transparency and accountability, and the recent resignations and investigations indicate a critical juncture for the city’s approach to recreation leadership moving forward.
The ongoing issues faced by the Providence Recreation Department signify a broader challenge for the city as it seeks to restore public trust and ensure the safety and well-being of its community members. As the investigation continues and additional leadership positions remain unfilled, the community watches closely to see how Providence will navigate this turbulent period.
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