On Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) hosted a successful Eagle Square Pocket Park Party in Providence, RI, despite an unexpected delay due to rain the previous day. Thanks to the flexibility of the community, the rescheduled celebration drew a lively crowd and highlighted significant improvements to the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.

With the support of a $4,950 grant from the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) Program, part of the Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project, the WRWC completed a series of upgrades designed to make the Greenway more accessible, vibrant, and engaging for pedestrians and cyclists.

A Day of Community Celebration

The Pocket Park Party showcased the transformative efforts at Eagle Square, including the installation of a 100-foot mural and community seating created by DownCity Design’s youth participants. The Eagle Square Bridge, closed to motor vehicles since 2020, has been revitalized into a key connection for pedestrians and cyclists, fostering a welcoming environment for the community to gather and enjoy the outdoors.

Key Highlights of the Event:

  • Public Art Exploration: Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the colorful mural and newly installed seating, which transformed the bridge into a lively and social space. The DownCity Design youth team played a pivotal role in bringing these elements to life, creating a place for both relaxation and connection.
  • FAM JAM-Olneyville Family Bike Ride: The Providence Streets Coalition led a family-friendly bike ride that toured a section of the Woonasquatucket Greenway. The ride stopped at the Pocket Park, allowing participants to experience the Greenway’s improved accessibility and safety, including new separated bike lanes designed to support active transportation.
  • Live Music and Refreshments: Families enjoyed music, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream and more!

The event brought together local partners who helped make the day a success, including: Providence Streets Coalition, Peopleforbikes, RECYCLE-A-BIKE, The Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition, Olneyville Neighborhood Association, Children’s Friend, RideSpin, and OF COURSE The Rhode Island Department of Health!


Revitalizing the Greenway for Health and Safety

The improvements at Eagle Square are a testament to WRWC’s commitment to enhancing the Greenway as a space for active transportation and healthy living. A new separated bike lane now connects the Gotham Greens Spur to the Greenway and the future Promenade/Kinsley Multi-Use Trail, further encouraging cycling and walking as accessible, safe ways to travel.

The project was part of RIDOH’s Healthy Eating & Active Living (HEAL) Program, which funds initiatives that promote active communities. The Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project, supported by the CDC, helps create streets that prioritize people, fostering safer and more connected public spaces.

The transformation of the Eagle Square Bridge into a pedestrian hub exemplifies how thoughtful design and collaboration can create a more vibrant, inclusive environment. The bridge’s transformation into a key link in the Greenway strengthens both community ties and public health.

Special Shoutout to DownCity Design and Youth Participants

A special recognition goes to DownCity Design and their talented youth participants, who played a crucial role in transforming the Eagle Square Bridge into a vibrant community space. Their creativity and hard work were instrumental in designing and installing the stunning 100-foot mural and custom-built seating that now adorn the bridge. These additions have not only beautified the space but have also made it a welcoming hub for socializing, learning, and connecting. This partnership with DownCity Design is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can breathe new life into public spaces, empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their community. WRWC is proud to have worked alongside such a dedicated team of young designers, whose contributions will be enjoyed by all who visit the Woonasquatucket Greenway.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Eagle Square Pocket Park Party such a success.

  • Liza and Dylan for organizing an amazing FAM-JAM and bringing so much energy to the event. Your efforts made the day truly unforgettable!
  • Mark, WRWC’s Civil Engineer, who delivered insightful presentations on all our active projects in Olneyville, helping the community stay informed about our ongoing work.
  • Amanda Peavey, WRWC’s Education Director, for providing hands-on stormwater runoff demonstrations, offering valuable education on how we can better protect our environment.
  • The WRWC River Rangers for setting up and ensuring the event ran smoothly – your hard work was appreciated by everyone!
  • Last but not least… Dan, the man, who generously lent us his cotton candy machine, bringing extra sweetness to the day.

Thank you all for contributing to a day filled with fun, learning, and community connection!