Providence, RI – Today, Mayor Brett Smiley and City Councilor Jo-Ann Ryan joined Providence Public School leaders at Pleasant View Elementary School to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of a new playground at the newly renovated, state-of-the-art elementary school.

The $1M playground project was funded by the City’s Capital Improvement Plan ($769.8K), the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Learning Inside Out Grant ($180K), and the Community Development Block Grant ($89.5K). 

"I am pleased that through the collaboration of state, city, and school leaders, we continue to deliver the high-quality learning environments that Providence students deserve," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Throughout the state intervention, our goal was not only to improve student outcomes, but also to provide students, families, and educators with the modern, welcoming, and inspiring school facilities they have long advocated for. Through investments such as RIDE's Learning Inside Out Grant and our broader commitment to school transformation, today's opening of this new playground and outdoor learning space marks another important milestone in the ongoing progress of Providence Public Schools." 

“Every Providence student deserves access to parks, greenspaces and playgrounds where they are able to learn, play, grow and thrive,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This new playground is another important investment in the Pleasant View community and in the future of our students. Together we are continuing to advance our cradle-to-career strategy while also ensuring every child in Providence is learning in a modern, safe and welcoming school that supports their success both inside and outside the classroom.”

“Every student deserves a learning environment where they feel inspired and supported to reach their full potential," said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “The new Pleasant View Elementary School playground represents our commitment to providing high-quality facilities where our students can thrive and succeed.  With enhanced classrooms, technology integration, flexible learning spaces, and, now, a new playground the school is set to prepare students for success.”

"Learning and playing are intertwined,”  said Pleasant View Principal Principal Tracey Learned. “I am excited for our students to use this new playground this year. Our facility is becoming the best it can be both inside and outside.” 

The new playground features sensory systems to engage students during play.  With the support of the city and the state, Pleasant View Elementary was the fourth new school building that opened as part of the District, the City and the State’s long-term plan to ensure all Providence students can learn in modern, high-quality learning environments by 2030.  Pleasant View, which serves Pre-K through 5th-grade students, has the capacity to serve 418 students. The school meets a unique school population with 11 Pre-K classrooms and over 40% of the students identifying as differently-abled. The 21st century learning environment features a new cafetorium, indoor therapy play area, and library media center. The $18M building renovations included HVAC upgrades, modernized security infrastructure, green construction, and state-of-the-art communication platform.