Recreation Department Seeks Use of Old Police Association Building

The pillbox-shaped building located behind the - currently covered in graffiti from vandals and dilapidated with age - might get a second life as a community center. The Seekonk Recreation Department would be in charge of handling its operations.

According to Recreation Director Bridget Garrity, Board of Selectmen are collaborating with recreation committee members to work out a plan to maintain the building. Volunteers applauded the idea since the department lacks a central hub.

"What the town does lack is a community center to get together," Garrity said, noting that other communities like East Providence have large facilities. 

According to Board of Selectmen discussions, the structure functioned as the Police Association Building years ago. Shells still live on the building's floors, a souvenir from rounds of officers' long-range practice fire. A dirt road winds itself from to the Seekonk Public Library parking lot, but there is no direct vehicle access.

Garrity also said it would be nice to store recreation in one central location instead of housing it in the and a North Street facility.

"I want to see more things for the adults," Garrity said, adding that calligraphy and CPR classes are just a pocket of the ideas she has for the space. "It could be a community building instead of just a storage shed."

Members of the Recreation Department and Board of Selectmen will meet at the Police Association Building at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. Ideas and ways to finance the building's upkeep will be discussed. The public is welcome to attend.