News Summary
A $10.5 million renovation project has begun at the Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club in Providence. The upgrades aim to enhance facilities for community children and families, improving access to educational resources and childcare. The renovations are part of a larger initiative to revitalize the clubhouse, which has been deemed underutilized. State and community leaders emphasize the importance of this project in supporting the development of valuable skills for local youth, fostering a supportive environment for families.
Providence – A significant renovation project valued at $10.5 million commenced this week at the Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club, located in the heart of Providence. State and community leaders gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of this endeavor aimed at enhancing facilities for children and families.
The planned upgrades will substantially increase the building’s capacity and improve the overall experience for its visitors. Currently, the Wanskuck clubhouse, which is the oldest and largest among eight Boys & Girls Club locations in Providence, is considered “underutilized”. Currently, only a third of its available space is being utilized for activities. The renovations are projected to revamp the clubhouse’s three floors in phases, ensuring updated spaces for various programs and activities.
The renovations are intended to create an environment that fosters the development of valuable skills for teenagers, helping prepare them for future careers. Additionally, the plan aims to provide essential educational resources for younger children, enhancing their readiness for school. A key focus of the renovation project is also to increase childcare access for working families, aligning with community needs.
Providence’s commitment to the Wanskuck clubhouse as a safe haven for children and families was reiterated during the ceremony. The renovation initiative falls under the broader campaign named “Investing in a Forever Change,” which aims to secure future improvements at the facility, ensuring it meets the needs of the evolving community.
Established in 1927, the Wanskuck clubhouse has a long history of serving families in the North End of Providence, providing childcare for those with children attending seven local schools. Its pivotal role in the community makes this renovation particularly significant.
In addition to the clubhouse renovations, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has recently allocated $70,723 to ten organizations, including the Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club, as part of a program to fund free swimming lessons for children and teens from low-income households. This funding comes in response to concerning statistics regarding rising drowning deaths among youth, with the goal of enhancing safety through accessible swimming lessons.
The funding for the Water Safety Grant Programs stems from a line item proposed by Governor Dan McKee in the fiscal 2024 budget, which was approved by the Rhode Island General Assembly in June 2023. Initially, plans included offering swim lessons at state parks; however, due to a lack of bids for the services, the funds were instead awarded as grants to organizations providing scholarships for low-income children.
The renovations at the Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club, coupled with initiatives like the Water Safety Grant Programs, reflect a broader commitment to improving community resources for families in Providence. As these enhancements take shape, they are expected to foster a more supportive environment for the children and families who benefit from the programs offered by the Wanskuck clubhouse.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 – Local Boys & Girls Club Getting a Facelift
- Wikipedia: Boys & Girls Clubs
- WPRI – Providence’s Oldest Boys & Girls Club to Receive Major Upgrades
- Google Search: Boys & Girls Club renovation Providence
- Providence Journal – Need Swim Lessons in RI?
- Google Scholar: Community resources for families Providence
- PBN – Five Questions with Lisa G. Bisaccia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Nardolillo Funeral Home – Arthur Caldarone Obituary
- Google News: Providence community upgrades
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
