Pols Celebrate Launch Of Free Kayaking For Central Falls Kids

CENTRAL FALLS, RI — The smallest city in Rhode Island is emerging from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic with hope and transformation on the horizon, officials said at Friday's ribbon-cutting for a new, free kayaking program for kids along the Blackstone River.

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council program director Michael Martin said by the end of the summer, at least 200 kids in Central Falls will learn how to kayak. He said children in the densely populated city will get to see a landscape "they never knew existed" while paddling small boats from Central Falls Landing.

The program was several years in the making and represents a partnership between the City of Central Falls and the Blackstone River Tourism Council. A paid kayak rental program for adults will help subsidize the childrens' program moving forward.

Gov. Dan McKee (Patch)

Gov. Dan McKee called it a "win, win, win" and said the program will help kids get exercise and learn a new skill while they experience nature and learn about the history of the Blackstone River, the waterway that birthed the American Industrial Revolution.

Terrence Gray, acting director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, said "the Blackstone River Valley is the crown jewel of Rhode Island, and the heart of the valley is the river."

General Treasurer Seth Magaziner said Central Falls has seen a comeback, starting with former Mayor James Diossa and continuing into the administration of Mayor Maria Rivera. He remarked that under new leadership, the city has recovered from "scandal after scandal." Magaziner took the opportunity to tout the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank and mentioned plans to build a new high school in Central Falls.

Former Central Falls Mayor James Diossa (Patch)

Diossa said Central Falls has made enormous progress over ten years, with a new train station on the way, a bike path built, and the arrival of the Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub. He thanked Rivera and gave a special shout-out to the president and CEO of the tourism council. "Bob Billington makes you dream even more," he remarked.

The Blackstone River Tourism Council is building its new headquarters right next to the landing where a bridge links Central Falls with nearby Cumberland — a city McKee led as mayor for 12 years.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos remarked that kids had it tough last year with the pandemic need outdoor exercise. She said she'll have more to say soon about an initiative to expand after-school programs for school children across the state.

McKee, Magaziner, and others capped the Friday afternoon event by donning life jackets and paddling up and down the river.

"It's a whole other world out there," Magaziner told Patch RI. "You paddle just a little way up, and it's completely different. The nature is incredible."