PARKS AND REC. DIRECTORY
The Department of Parks & Recreation maintains several recreational facilities for school sports, youth athletics, and resident usage. Permits, which may be obtained at the Recreation Office located at the Peter Pastore Youth Center, 155 Gansett Avenue, are available to residents and groups to guarantee the use of ball fields and tennis courts. Each and every other recreational facility is available to Cranston residents. Special rules and regulations are posted at each site to ensure a safe and fun environment for all.
2025 Field Schedule Request Form
2025 City of Cranston Permit Policies and Procedures
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What’s Going on in Parks and Recreation?
Summer Playground Camp
Registration for Playground Program summer camp will be posted in Mid-April. Details about the process and payment schedule will accompany the posting. Thank you!
2025 Summer Camp Program: View activity schedule here
This 6-week day camp program takes place rain or shine and is for ages 6-8 and 9-12. Children must turn 6 before the start of camp or turn 6 during camp; Children who turn 13 during camp are still eligible. Registration fee includes all admissions. Busing to and from field trips provided by Cranston School Department.
Participants MUST bring their own lunch and beverages; a reusable water bottle is highly encouraged. Participants MUST BE picked up by 4:00pm. Space is limited. Enrollment is strictly on a first come first served basis. The camp is for Cranston Residents only.
Four playground sites:
• Doric Playground
• Garden City Elementary School Playground
• Glen Hills Elementary School Playground
• Hope Highlands Middle School Playground
Fees for the Summer Playground Program are the following:
1st Child Each Additional Child
Attending All Summer (6 weeks) $800 $550
Attending Weekly (Weeks 2-6) $160 per week $110 per week
Week 1 is prorated due to the holiday $96 (Week 1) $66 (Week 1)
Participant will receive one red camp shirt when fee is paid in full. Shirt is available for pick up at the Recreation Office, 155 Gansett Avenue. Additional shirts may be purchased for $5 each. Campers should wear camp shirt or any other red shirt to camp each day.
NOTE: Fee does not qualify for Federal Child Tax Credit. The Tax ID number will not be given out for tax purposes.
Summer Employment Applications Available
The Cranston Parks and Recreation Department is accepting summer employment applications for the 2025 summer.
Applicants must be 16 years old by July 1, 2025 and a Cranston Resident. Available positions are summer camp counselor and Splash Pad attendant.
Completed applications and W-4 forms must be emailed to cranstonparksandrecreation@cranstonri.org or mailed or dropped off to the Recreation Office at Pastore Youth Center, 155 Gansett Avenue.
CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION CLICK HERE FOR W-4 Form
PLEASE NOTE: By submitting an application, the applicant is not guaranteed a summer position with Parks and Recreation. Open positions will be based on need and the number of returning employees from last year.
PETER PASTORE YOUTH CENTER RENTAL
If you or your organization are interested in using the Peter Pastore Youth Center for an event, practice, try-outs, etc, please fill out the building request form by clicking HERE. Submit the completed form to the Parks and Recreation Department and your request will be reviewed and responded to in approximately 5 - 7 business days. Rental fee for use of any part of the Peter Pastore Youth Center is $50 per hour.
A WORD ABOUT TAX ID # REQUESTS
It is coming up on tax filing time and The Parks and Recreation Department will be receiving numerous requests from Playground Program participants for the City's Tax ID number to apply for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. As stated on our application, our program does not qualify for the credit under the tax code.
On Page 6 of IRS Publication 503 Child and Dependent Care Expenses, under "Care of a Qualifying Person" it states, "Expenses are for the care of a qualifying person only if the main purpose is the person' well-being and protection." It further states, "Expenses for care DO NOT include amounts you pay for food, lodging, clothing, education, and entertainment." (Emphasis added)
Our Playground Program is field-trip and activity-based. The majority of the fee for the summer PROGRAM (not a camp) is to cover the cost of the trips, performers, and clothing provided to the participants. Therefore, the fee paid falls under the category of entertainment and clothing, not well-being and protection.
FOLLOW CRANSTON PARKS & RECREATION ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM
The Cranston Parks and Recreation Department is now on Facebook and Instagram. We can now post real-time updates on program information, cancellation, and upcoming events. Follow us by clicking the link HERE.
CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY AS THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH NEW PROGRAMMING INFORMATION.