2018 Clean Days Kickoff Recap
In 2018, we celebrated 25 years of restoration and revitalization along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. Hundreds of volunteers came together over two days of kickoff events. We celebrated the on-going work of making the River a thriving state asset.
On April 13, 2018, over 150 volunteers gathered near downtown Providence to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We began the day with an amazing rally. We had speakers such as:
- Tony Thomas of The Foundry
- Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse
- Former Governor and Senator Lincoln Chafee
- Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza
- RIDEM Director Janet Coit
- EPA Regional Director Alexandra Dunn
Volunteers worked in groups on the downtown river. They cleaned litter, installed fence to prevent litter, and pulled debris from the river. They also painted mini-murals and benches, and removed graffiti. The day wrapped with a free lunch courtesy of Wes’s Rib House!
On April 28, 2018, 180 volunteers continued the work as part of Providence’s Annual Earth Day Spring Cleaning! Volunteers worked on areas in three Providence parks along the Greenway. Projects included hand-painting signs and barrels, picnic tables, benches and arbors. Volunteers also spruced up playground equipment and play surfaces, mulched gardens and trees. And of course, they cleaned litter around the park and along the river banks.