Maria Pinheiro Playground Dedicated Wednesday Nov. 18th

The family of the late Maria Pinheiro gathered on a sunny but cool afternoon at the Silver Spring playground for the official dedication of the Maria Pinheiro Memorial Playground today. City officials, family, friends and neighbors turned out in large numbers to support the sign unveiling bearing the name of the parks new namesake. Maria Pinheiro's husband, Frank Pinheiro and children Tom Pinheiro and Paula Pinheiro Fransis along with grandchildren and others were all in attendance. "This is a very special day in memory of our Mom," said Tom Pinheiro. "I am very grateful to the city and everybody who made this possible," said Frank Pinheiro.

City council members Helder Cunha and Tracy Capobianco made presentations and other city department heads helped with the unveiling of a sign saying Maria Pinheiro Memorial Park. "Maria Pinheiro was born in the village of Cedros, on the island of Faial, in the Azores," said Assistant Mayor Helder Cunha. "She had an important role in establishing academic scholarships for Portuguese and Luso-American students in the East Providence community. The city recognizes and honors Maria Pinheiro's many years of dedication and commitment to East Providence in renaming Silver Spring Playground as the Maria Pinheiro Playground at Silver Spring Park," said Councilman Cunha to the applause of those in attendance.

"This was a long time coming but well worth the wait," said council member Tracy Capobianco. "Today we celebrate the official ribbon-cutting and dedication of this playground. It has been about three years to bring this project from a wish to completion," said an emotional Capobianco. "I want to thank everyone who made this possible from the past and current councils, the city planning and engineering departments, PTA, former Mayor Bruce Rogers - who first told me about a DEM grant for this. I know families will enjoy this park for many years," added Capobianco.

Cunha pointed out that Pinheiro worked as the Director Manager for Social Security of Rhode Island. She was also involved with St. Martha's Church for over 40 years and many other community groups. Pinheiro served on the East Providence School Committee for 4 years including 2 as board Chair. "We are all very proud of Maria Pinheiro today," said Cunha as Frank Pinheiro cut the ribbon officially dedicating the new park.