Rendering from Rhode Island Water Park Facebook Page.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Plans have fallen through for a proposed water park in Johnston, but developers aren’t letting that drown their dreams. They’re now setting their sights on East Providence.
David Cascioli, a Rhode Island native and former Rocky Point manager, is the man behind the idea.
“[Things in Johnston] are not working out very well for more reasons than just the Mayor’s objection,” Cascioli told WPRO Thursday.
In August, Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena told Channel 10 that Cascioli’s plans were “pie in the sky” and he was against the idea.
But Cascioli said a lack of communication between the developers and the sellers of the land also caused a roadblock for the Johnston site off Route 295.
Now Cascioli is hoping for better luck in East Providence, where the city is redeveloping a swath of land on along the waterfront.
Cascioli said the city reached out to him, and suggested he look at what they had to offer, a move proposed by at-large council member Tracy Capobianco.
“There’s some land over there that would be very worthwhile,” said Cascioli, who wants the park to be conveniently located. In East Providence, it would be easily accessible from I-195.
“I have been in conversations with a Mr. Cascioli,” said Jeanne Boyle, East Providence’s Director of Planning, who says she has given him information on two parcels of land up for development. She would not specify which.
“One of the things we are trying to do in the waterfront district is create a destination,” said Boyle, who says Cascioli’s idea is “consistent” with the vision East Providence has.
“It seems like we would be on the same page as far as what we would want to do and they would want to see,” Cascioli said.
According to the East Providence Waterfront Commission’s website, the East Providence Waterfront Special Development District Plan was adopted in 2003 to develop 500 acres of land. While the city would not specify which parcels would be available for the proposed park, Cascioli says the ones up for grabs are too large. He said they’re looking for 18 to 20 acres, but one parcel he’s received information on is 65. He said they’re looking for a developer to potentially partner with, who would allot them the space they need.
“East providence is looking very good,” said Cascioli. But, he said, they’re still keeping their options open.
In August, Cascioli told WPRO the proposed water park would feature 12 slides off two slide towers, an interactive children’s area, a 20,000 square foot wave pool, and a lazy river. Entry to the new park would range from $21 to $35 and parking would be free. The park will likely be open 90 to 100 days a year. He said the plans remain essentially the same now.
Asked about a new timeline, Cascioli would not give specifics, but said progress is being made.
“This is not something that’s just sitting on the shelf but you know how negotiations go,” he said. “We are still working on it. We’re very determined about it.”
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