Date: Saturday, September 21st, 2024
Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Location: Eagle Square Pocket Park, Providence, RI –
The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has completed significant improvements to the Woonasquatucket River Greenway through Eagle Square in Providence, thanks to a $4,950 grant from the Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) Program, as part of the Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project. These enhancements aim to promote active transportation and physical activity, and create a more vibrant, connected community space.
On Saturday, September 21st, from 1 PM to 4 PM, WRWC and community partners invite the public to celebrate these transformations at the Eagle Square Pocket Park Party located at the bridge behind Eagle Square Plaza in the back parking area. The event will feature music, art, and food, highlighting the revitalization of this key pedestrian and cycling connection along the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.
Thanks to the RIDOH funding and collaborative efforts between WRWC, the project includes:
- A new separated bike lane connecting the Gotham Greens Spur to the Greenway and the future Promenade/Kinsley Multi-Use Trail
- The transformation of the Eagle Square Bridge with a vibrant 100-foot mural and public seating designed by DownCity Design youth participants.
- Enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
We’ve also teamed up with Providence Streets Coalitions, who are organizing a fun family bike ride (FAM JAM-Olneyville). This exciting ride will allow participants to experience a portion of the Woonasquatucket Greenway, one of the state’s best trails, and will make a special stop at the Eagle Square Pocket Park Party. Register for FAM JAM- Olneyville here, or go directly to the Pocket Park Party.
The Eagle Square Bridge, which has been closed to motor vehicles since 2020, now serves as a vital pedestrian link in the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, providing a safer, more engaging route for walkers and cyclists. The newly implemented separated bike lane creates a much-needed connection between the Gotham Greens Spur and the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, reinforcing the area’s focus on active transportation and community design.
RIDOH’s Healthy Eating & Active Living Program promotes projects that support healthier, more active communities. The Streets Transformation Project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helps implement these innovative projects statewide, encouraging public engagement and building momentum for safer streets.
“The before and after speaks for itself,” said WRWC Greenway Manager Peter Dear. “The Eagle Square Bridge is now a bright and dynamic space for everyone to enjoy, adding vibrancy to the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.”
Join us on September 21st to celebrate this remarkable transformation and experience firsthand the exciting changes that promote both community health and connectivity. The event will feature:
- Exploration of the new mural and community seating.
- Light refreshments.
- The FAM JAM-Olneyville family bike ride, organized by the Providence Streets Coalition, which will stop by the Pocket Park Party
FAM JAM-Olneyville Family Bike Ride Registration:
To register for the FAM JAM-Olneyville Family Bike Ride and experience a portion of the Woonasquatucket Greenway, visit this link. Bring your bikes and your family for an exciting neighborhood adventure!