NORTH SMITHFIELD – North Smithfield High School senior Kyle Alves has a plan to build a sand volleyball court at Pacheco Park, and he received a green light from the Town Council on Monday, Sept. 16 to enhance town property with the ambitious senior project.
The new court will be located parallel to the recently refurbished basketball courts, and will cost roughly $5,000, money the senior hopes to raise through fundraising activities over the next several months.
“I will have to install two poles and a net, purchase and deliver sand, and purchase and install a fence,” Alves told the council at their meeting this week. “I will be working diligently to secure donations and host fundraising activities.”
Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Kate Pasquariello will serve at his mentor, part of a graduation requirement for all North Smithfield seniors.
The 2020 graduate also hopes to establish a youth volleyball program for the town of North Smithfield
“Growing up in North Smithfield, I have participated in recreational leagues, and this provides an opportunity to give back,” Alves said.
Public Works Director Raymond Pendergast said he thinks the project is a great idea.
“Anybody who wants to raise money and it doesn’t cost my budget anything – I’m all for it,” Pendergast told the council.
The public works director said his department will also be able to help with labor and that he looks forward to the development and implementation of a youth program.
“The seniors come back, the college kids come back and give to the younger kids,” said Pendergast. “It’s something I think is doable.”
Councilor Paul Zwolenski said he personally plans to donate to the project.
“It’s an exceptional idea and I firmly support it,” said Zwolenski. “I think it’s a very noble cause that you’ve taken up.”
The council voted unanimously to grant Alves the use of town property for the infrastructure improvement, and fundraising activities are expected to begin soon.
