After months of planning and collaboration between neighbors and the Providence Parks Department, WBNA is excited to announce that Phase I of Bocce Courts and Chess in the Park will be underway as a special project during the Annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 22.
A gift of the Jeffrey family, this public project will restore bocce courts to Dexter Training Ground along with chess tables for all to enjoy. Phase I includes building two tournament length bocce courts and will be completed on Cleanup day. Phase II will happen in early summer with the installation of three chess tables as well as a sign made by the Steel Yard.
Want to help build Bocce courts?
While we need most of our volunteer power for the Spring Cleanup, we are looking for a handful of helpers to assist with moving, cutting and assembling large timbers as well as spreading stone dust. When signing up (click button above), please include your email address or phone number so that we can contact you with details of the event as we get closer to build day.
The Parks Department will start work a few days ahead to dig out the courts and lay the gravel and clay mix. On build day neighbor-volunteers will work with Parks Department employees on assembling the courts and putting down the final court surface.
Start time is 8am on Saturday but sleepy volunteers are welcome to head over after grabbing coffee and a breakfast treat at 9am at WBNA HQ. Look for our WBNA Bocce Committee Crew Leaders Ben and Seth in the build area near the corner of Parade and Hollywood Streets.
This donation was given to the WBNA in honor of Bob and Gilda Jeffrey, an example and force of positive change in the neighborhood. For more information about this project, please visit Bocce Courts and Chess in the Park.