PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) -- A crowd of people who are against Pawtucket's plan to pave and turn Morley Field into a parking lot held a rally protesting the idea on Sunday afternoon. BACKGROUND: Residents protest plan to turn Morley Field into a parking lot Residents and elected officials at the rally outside city hall called for Morley Field to instead be reopened and redeveloped. "I grew up here in Pawtucket," state Rep. Cherie Cruz, D-Pawtucket, said. "My brothers played on that field. We need that field -- we are dying for resources like athletic fields and green space, we need to protect that field." Another concern shared by demonstrators was the park being closed for two years. "Residents are asking me, oh what's going on here, because this is where I used to go and work out, take my kids and play ball -- this is totally unacceptable," City Councilman Clovis Gregor told 12 News. In a statement, a city spokesperson told 12 News Pawtucket "continues to work" with the National Parks Service and R.I. Department of Environmental Management "in the application process." "The Council has authorized a resolution for the P&S of 1 Moshassuck/Morley field," the spokesperson added. Regarding the gathering, the spokesperson said "residents have the right to protest." "Since we [received] their notification, we have reached out and offered them any assistance with logistics or maintenance," the spokesperson added. "However, it is important to remember that every step of the way, the city has asked for the public's input in this process and has taken in that feedback." The spokesperson also mentioned the revitalization will have "a large open lawn area" and "a space for community events" among other aspects that came out of community feedback. NEXT: Several juveniles arrested after alleged sneaker theft Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW