EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – On Saturday, May 16, 2026 the City of East Providence officially dedicated the playground at Grassy Plains Pars in honor of a beloved Riverside child, Blake Costa, who tragically lost his courageous fight with brain cancer in May of 2020.
Blake’s ability to bring people together through his fearless bravery and love for life has continued to have an impact throughout the East Providence community and throughout the state, making the decision to dedicate the parks playground in Blake’s memory an easy one.
“This park will forever stand as a tribute to Blake’s spirit, a place filled with laughter, play and the simple joy that every child deserves,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.” It is my hope that every child who enjoys this playground, every family who gathers here to create lifelong memories and every smiled shared, will carry a piece of Blake’s memory.”
Over one hundred family members, friends, community members and those throughout the state who Blake Costa had an immense impact on were in attendance for the memorial park dedication.
“Blake showed us all that even the smallest person can make the biggest impact, this park now becomes a part of his legacy, it is more than just a playground, it is a place where Blake’s spirit will live on, it is a place filled with laughter with families with children playing and making memories, just like he used to do,” Nick Costa, Blake’s father said.
“Our hope is every time someone comes here they feel a piece of Blake, that they’re reminded to be brave, kind, bring people together and to never take a single moment for granted,” Costa added.
As part of the dedication ceremony, the City of East Providence unveiled a memorial plaque that will forever stand at the playground of Grassy Plains Park with a photo of Blake Costa.
