Providence, RI – On the morning of Friday, August 16th, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC), DownCity Design, partners, family and friends gathered at the newly transformed Eagle Square Bridge for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially unveil a stunning 100-foot mural and custom public benches designed and installed by DownCity Design’s youth participants. This project was made possible through a $5,000 Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project grant, which supports initiatives showcasing the benefits of community design to promote physical activity and active transportation.
“We absolutely love working with DownCity Design, and this is by far our best collaboration yet. It’s incredible to see two unique design cohorts come together to transform the Eagle Square Bridge into a place for learning, socializing, and connecting,” said WRWC Executive Director, Alicia J. Lehrer.
The Eagle Square Bridge, which connects the Price Rite and Eagle Square parking lots, also serves as a key junction where the Woonasquatucket Greenway Multi-Use Trail / Bike Path meets our Gotham Greens Spur. The bridge was closed to motor vehicles in 2020 due to structural concerns and has since functioned solely as a pedestrian bridge. WRWC approached DownCity Design with a request for creative, durable, and aesthetic solutions to revitalize the bridge. We were thrilled to be selected by both of DownCity Design’s teams—DesignBuild and Creative Change.
Approximately 30 participants from these two groups focused on creative placemaking, with one team dedicated to mural design and the other to public outdoor furniture. DownCity Design participants worked closely with our Greenway Manager, Peter Dear, conducting site visits, and engaging in a series of design pitches, reviews, and feedback sessions. Remarkably, both projects were completed in just six weeks.
“The before and after speaks for itself,” said Greenway Manager Peter Dear. “The Woonasquatucket River Greenway is more than just a road or sidewalk; it’s a long linear park. The Eagle Square Bridge, which has been a weird and confusing link in the Greenway, is now a bright and dynamic space for everyone to enjoy.”
The mural, a vibrant depiction of local wildlife, features Monarch butterflies, American Eels, Brook Trout, Great Blue Herons, and even a muskrat. WRWC’s River Rangers provided education to the Creative Change group on invasive species, indigenous plants, and animals of the Woonasquatucket, with a focus on riparian zones. What was once a bland and derelict paved area is now a colorful medley of plants and animals native to the Woonasquatucket River, which the bridge overlooks.
The DesignBuild team tackled the challenge of creating public seating that is safe, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into the bridge without drilling holes. Their innovative solution—a bench that hugs and locks into the existing guardrail—has become a centerpiece of the bridge’s transformation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to DownCity Design, all the youth participants, project leaders, and partners who made this transformation possible. Special thanks to Sherwin-Williams for donating a portion of the paint used, and to Price Rite and the Eagle Square VA Clinic for being wonderful community partners.