🌱 Pawtucket Parks Get Upgrades + Area Pets In Need Of Homes

Rise and shine, Pawtucket! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here are the most important things happening in town today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy, warmer; a p.m. shower. High: 66 Low: 42.

Here are the top three stories today in Pawtucket:

1. Two parks, on opposite sides of town, are getting facelifts of sorts, as part of a long-range upgrade project Pawtucket is embarking on. First up, a renovation project involving the tennis courts at Slater Memorial Park are in the works. Next will be the basketball courts at Veterans Memorial Park. (Valley Breeze)
2. Looking to add a new furry member to your family? Adopt a pet from a local shelter! Here is a list of pets in need of forever homes.(Patch)
3. Convicted sex offender, Shawn Turgeon, 54, of Providence, was charged with enticement of a child, failure to register as a sex offender, and possession of cocaine after an incident on Tuesday, which involved him allegedly trying to entice a 14-year-old girl to help him find his lost dog, according to Providence Police. The victim is "fortunate, and we're grateful" said Providence Police Commander Thomas Verdi. Reportedly, a witness flagged down the police. (The Providence Journal)

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Today in Pawtucket:

• Take & Make Kits - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)
• Bunny Scavenger Hunt - Pawtucket Public Library (12:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Pawtucket Pacers - Special Olympics RI: "Long-time Volunteer & Unified Softball Partner Aaron Carrion has Committed to play Football and attend Post University in Connecticut! We are all so Proud of you Aaron !! The Pawtucket Pacers will be Cheering for you" (Facebook)
• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket: "Last week our staff took part in a training that focused on Trauma-Informed Practices. This training aims to improve our staff’s ability to effectively support both young people impacted by trauma and all people that our organization serves." (Facebook)
• Pawtucket YMCA: "Healthy kids day! Saturday, April 30! Free and Open to the public! Fun activities! Come join us!" (Facebook)
• Pawtucket YMCA: "Join our introduction to swim team class at the Pawtucket Family YMCA! This is an 8-week course of swim team-style practices! Ages 5-18 years old!" (Facebook)

Loving the Pawtucket Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: I am a URI graduate and I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love Pawtucket and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.