By PAM SCHIFF

Few of life’s simpler pleasures beat sitting on a park bench looking at the water, listening to the birds sing and seeing children run and ride bikes.

Now, because of the hard work and dedication of the Cranston Cares organization, there are eight benches around Meshanticut Lake, a bench at Eden Park Elementary school and next to the Historic Park Theater and Event Center.

“Meshanticut Lake is one of our greatest community assets here in Cranston. Families enjoy walking and running and it’s always great to see people young and old fishing and feeding the animals. For those who have grown up here we all have memories from Meshanticut Lake when we were younger. I remember taking our senior pictures there with our entire class at Cranston West,” said Justin Erickson, Cranston Cares co-founder.

Erickson, and his business partner and friend Ed Brady, were helping City Council President Chris Paplauskas and other community volunteers with an Earth Day clean up when they noticed the park needed an investment.

“Many signs had graffiti on them, the pavement was in poor condition and many of the wooden benches were breaking throughout the park. After talking with the Council President, we realized it was state property so we reached out to Senator Gallo and Representative Potter who both walked the park with us,” Erickson.

Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna Gallo (Dist. 27 – Cranston, West Warwick) and Representative Brandon Potter (Dist. 16 – Cranston) both contributed an investment to purchasing more (benches) and Cranston Cares decided to pick up the rest.

“Our nonprofit can’t handle the larger scale investments that are needed and we will continue to advocate for change but it has to start somewhere. We purchased 10 benches from our friends at Redimix who made them for us at their cost. They have also donated various benches throughout our city at numerous community parks. We also need thank Cushman Contracting, the Cranston Police and highway departments for helping transport the benches. There are so many people that we are grateful to for all their help, support and generosity in this project,” Erickson said.

After working with DEM for over two years, the benches – which are certified ADA compliant – now dot the lake.

“I, personally, think the best view is on Highland Street. It holds a sentimental spot for me. My grandma brought me there to feed the ducks,” Erickson said.

Paplauskas was thrilled with the outcome.

“This is a huge boost for the park and surrounding area. I can’t wait to see people enjoying,” he said.

The idea for Cranston Cares and its philosophy is credited to the late Sgt. Adam Deccicio, a close friend of Erickson and Ed Brady.

“Sgt. Adam Deccicio brought us the idea of continuing to bring the community together through kind acts... deeds not words. We started putting together community projects throughout Cranston prior to his passing and the foundation of Cranston Cares was formed. We will continue to honor his memory by bringing people together through kindness. When people come together, anything is possible. We are very thankful to the donors, volunteers and community partners who helped make this happen,” said Brady, co-founder Cranston Cares.

On the day of the bench unveiling, Gallo praised all the people who helped with the project.

“I am so excited to be part of this initiative. These guys are the true heroes. Not taking no for an answer. Persevering through obstacles and moving forward to bring us all here today,” she said.

To learn more about Cranston Cares, or to get involved, go to http://www.cranstoncares.org, or visit their Facebook page, Facebook.com/CranstonCares401.