Mayor Smiley to Unveil Transformative Enhancements to Downtown Public Spaces
Over $2 Million Investment in Providence Parks and Public Spaces
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley will join Councilwoman Althea Graves, Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson, Director of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Department Dr. Silas O. R. Pinto, Director of Arts, Culture and Tourism Joe Wilson Jr., Executive Director of Downtown Providence Parks Network Nora Barre, Executive Director of The Avenue Concept Yarrow Thorne, Site-Specific Co-Owner Matt Dempsey and Providence community members to unveil a new artistic lighting feature at Waterplace Park Tunnel. These innovative lights will not only enhance the beauty of the park but also significantly improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, Mayor Smiley will announce a series of transformative enhancements to Downtown public spaces.
“Enhancing our public spaces is crucial for creating a vibrant, safe and engaging environment for all. The transformative projects at Waterplace Park and throughout Downtown Providence showcase our commitment to improving our local quality of life,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “By beautifying parks, prioritizing pedestrian safety and promoting cultural enrichment through community collaboration, we are uplifting neighborhoods and fostering a sense of pride in our city.”
In collaboration with community partners, including the Department of Parks, the Downtown Providence Parks Network and the Downtown Neighborhood Association, a comprehensive scope of work has been underway to enhance the Waterplace Park tunnel. This project, funded by a combination of resources including $200,000 from the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan, a $125,000 grant from Rhode Island Commerce facilitated by the Downtown Neighborhood Association and additional in-kind contributions totaling $76,000 from the Providence Parks Department and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
This project included the replacement of a major skylight feature, updated lighting infrastructure, the design and installation of an artistic lighting system to elevate both the beauty and safety of the park and the removal of bollards to optimize space for events. The new lighting feature installed within the Waterplace Park tunnel will illuminate the tunnel, adding a captivating ambiance while improving the safety of park visitors. These lights will dynamically change colors throughout the year, in commemoration of over 60 national and commemorative days and months, as well as cultural festivals.
“I am excited to celebrate the beautiful renovations made to the Waterplace Park Tunnel and Atrium with all our community partners that made it possible,” said Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12). “Not only is this the location of some of our city’s major celebrations and events like WaterFire, but it is also a key feature of downtown that many of our residents are proud of, and visitors to our city can appreciate every day.”
The public space enhancements in Downtown extend beyond Waterplace Park. The Burnside Park Bajnotti Fountain Renovation, completed with a total of $489,000 of 2023 Capital Improvement Plan funds, involved the repair and historic renovation of the fountain, as well as the separation and relocation of electrical service. In collaboration with the Avenue Concept and funded by Rhode Island Commerce, the city also unveiled the Rado Kirov Sculptures in December. This will be a year-long solo exhibition at Burnside Park, marking a significant cultural addition to Downtown Providence.
Additionally, the Memorial Park Mural Project installed a ceramic mural on three tiled surfaces, in partnership with Providence’s Art, Culture and Tourism Department and the Memorial Park Lighting Project restored lighting service to all areas of the park and converted all lights to LED fixtures. The Waterplace Park Memorial Ave Tunnel/Atrium Project focused on the replacement of all glass and frames, further enhancing the aesthetics and safety of the area.
Currently, work is underway for the Providence Rink Shade Sail project. This initiative involves the design and installation of shade sails and lighting at the Providence Rink, and a complete replacement of the rink and mechanical infrastructure further enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.
