Mayor Brett Smiley, Governor McKee and Congressional Delegation Celebrate Creation of Community Learning Center at Davey Lopes Recreation Center

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the completion of a major renovation designed to strengthen the recreation center as a community resource

Today, Mayor Brett P. Smiley joined Governor Dan McKee, Congressman Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner, Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris of Ward 11, family of Davey Lopes, Director of Recreation Sean Holley and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completed renovation of the Davey Lopes Recreation Center.

The comprehensive project represents a $7.5 million investment in the recreation center and its ability to serve children, families and residents throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

"Davey Lopes Recreation Center has served families in Providence for years, and this renovation ensures it can continue to be a place where our young people learn, play and build lasting connections for years to come," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "Investing in our recreation centers is an investment in our kids, their health, safety and the future of our neighborhoods. I am proud to celebrate this completion and celebrate the life and leadership of Davey Lopes."

The Davey Lopes Recreation Center renovation was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Capital Projects Fund (CPF) under the Governor's Community Learning Center Municipal Grant program, with additional support from Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris' Neighborhood Improvement Funds.

"Davey Lopes is one of three locations in the city where new community learning centers will bring more out of school learning, workforce development, and health monitoring opportunities to the people of Providence," said Governor Dan McKee. "Today's opening is part of a statewide network of 21 federally funded community learning centers that will help improve educational achievement, prepare people for good-paying jobs, and improve the quality of life for Rhode Islanders."

Improvements include a fully renovated computer lab, new multipurpose rooms, ADA-compliant bathrooms, upgraded HVAC systems, a new sprinkler system and additional facility enhancements. Together, these investments will serve the surrounding neighborhood for decades, reflecting the City's continued commitment to supporting young people, strengthening communities and providing residents with safe, modern and accessible spaces to gather.

"Davey Lopes is such a wonderful place for families. The renovations give us exactly the kind of long-term regular maintenance and updates that we need for our recreation spaces to continue to be modern, accessible, and welcoming for everyone to enjoy," said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). "The new computer lab and telemedicine room, alongside the multipurpose rooms, are also great value-adds for the community."

The investments celebrated today were made possible through a partnership between the City of Providence, the State of Rhode Island and our federal delegation. Through this partnership, federal resources were directed towards renovating a neighborhood asset that will continue serving Providence residents.

"I'm proud to celebrate the newly renovated Davey Lopes Recreation Center, which will continue its legacy of bringing together generations of Rhode Islanders to exercise, learn, and gather," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "Partnership across federal, state, and local government is essential to funding recreation spaces for our communities, and I'll continue working to ensure Rhode Islanders have safe, affordable spaces to thrive."

Located in South Providence, Davey Lopes Recreation Center has served as a gathering space for children, families and neighborhood residents. The renovated facility will build on its legacy, creating an improved environment for recreation, learning, community programming and neighborhood events.

"The upgraded Davey Lopes Recreation Center will help thousands of young people in Providence to learn, play, and develop important social skills, and will help bringing the community together," said Congressman Seth Magaziner. "I am proud to support this project and others like it across Rhode Island."

The recreation center carries the name of Providence native and Major League Baseball great Davey Lopes. The ribbon-cutting will recognize both the completion of this major facility and the lasting impact of Davey Lopes, his life, career and his connection to the greater Providence community.