What was once a forgotten industrial stretch of the Woonasquatucket River in Providence, R.I., is being reborn as a green, resilient and connected community space. With new bike paths, native plantings and innovative stormwater systems, Providence is transforming its riverfront into a model of environmental restoration and neighborhood revitalization.

Standing on the banks of the Woonasquatucket River in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood, it’s hard to imagine that this stretch of waterfront was once known more for its industrial grit than its scenic value. Now, with fresh landscaping, safer bike routes and innovative stormwater management systems taking shape, this corner of Rhode Island’s capital is set to become a showcase for environmental restoration, sustainable transportation and neighborhood revitalization.

Jessica Lance, from the city’s department of planning and development, has been involved since the very beginning of this project. “Back in 2016, the city received an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) area-wide grant to develop a vision plan for the corridor behind the Providence Place Mall into Olneyville. This area is one of the highest poverty areas in Rhode Island, and it’s home to a community that is mainly in the minority. So, we wanted to identify brownfield sites that could be revitalized in a way that would benefit both the environment and the people who live there.”

That vision plan, completed in 2018, didn’t just target cleanup; it also focused on how the neighborhood could reconnect to the river and how residents could have safer, greener transportation options as well.

“One of our main goals,” Lance explained, “was ensuring a high-quality transportation network between Olneyville and downtown Providence. That meant looking closely at the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, which the Watershed Council has been working to expand for decades, and figuring out how to fill in the missing links.”

The Greenway, a roughly 5-mile stretch that currently connects Johnston to Olneyville, has long been a recreational and environmental priority. By installing bike lanes, pedestrian paths and riverfront access points into one continuous route, the city hopes to encourage active transportation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and give residents new ways to engage with nature.

The 2018 plan became the foundation for tapping into Rhode Island’s Transportation Improvement Program funds, which kickstarted the design and engineering process in 2019. Engineers from McMahon Associates and Bowman Consulting collaborated with the city, the Department of Public Works, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council to create a plan that balanced community needs with environmental goals.

In April 2024, construction began. One of the most visible changes is on Kinsley Avenue, a corridor that previously had one lane for travel in each direction. To make room for a shared-use path and improved landscaping, the city converted the roadway to a single eastbound lane from Dean Street, removing one lane of vehicular travel, but maintaining truck access for local businesses to receive necessary shipments.

“We wanted to preserve the lighting and existing bike path while also adding new features,” said Lance. “We’re reducing pavement by over 17,700 square feet, planting street trees and installing bioswales with native plants to manage stormwater. It’s about celebrating the river as a natural asset, not just an industrial backdrop.”

One of the project’s standout elements is its use of Silva Cell tree planting systems, which is a first for Providence. These underground frameworks give tree roots more room to grow while also storing and filtering stormwater. By integrating these systems into the streetscape, the project addresses two challenges at once: creating shade and greenery, while improving the water quality in the Woonasquatucket River.

“This isn’t just about beautification,” Lance noted. “It’s about long-term environmental health. We’re trying to mitigate flooding and stormwater issues, which are big concerns in this neighborhood, while also creating habitat for local flora and fauna.” The landscaping plan focuses on native plants, which require less maintenance, support pollinators and blend naturally into the riverfront setting.

While the environmental benefits are significant, the project’s recreational and social impacts are equally important. Once complete, the Greenway connection will make it possible to bike from Johnston, through Olneyville, into downtown Providence, linking to the city’s larger Great Streets Master Plan and the statewide bike path network.

“Part of the idea is to encourage people to get out of their cars,” said Lance. “This is about giving residents safer, more comfortable options for walking, biking and just being outdoors. It supports Rhode Island’s Act on Climate goals and builds a sense of connection between neighborhoods.”

The city has worked hard to involve the public at every stage of this project. From open houses to one-on-one meetings with business owners, the planning team sought input on how to make the project work for everyone.

“Public reception has been mixed,” Lance admitted. “Many people are supportive, especially business owners who see the potential for increased foot traffic. But others feel the money should be spent elsewhere. That’s why continued outreach has been so important. We wanted to ensure we show the community that their feedback and concerns matter.”

During construction, the project has also served as an educational opportunity. The Watershed Council’s River Rangers program has brought community members on-site to learn about installation techniques, stormwater systems and urban forestry.

“It’s exciting to see people learning about these systems firsthand,” said Lance. “It builds local expertise and creates a sense of ownership over the space. When residents understand how and why something was built, they’re more likely to take care of it.”

The project is expected to wrap up in fall 2025, and the Watershed Council is already envisioning a celebratory block party to mark the occasion. By then, the new shared-use path, green infrastructure and landscaping will be fully in place, transforming a once-overlooked industrial corridor into a vibrant, accessible part of Providence’s riverfront.

For Lance, the work is about more than just meeting deadlines; it’s about setting a precedent. “This project shows what’s possible when we integrate environmental goals, transportation improvements and community engagement from the start,” she said. “We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building relationships, healthier neighborhoods and a stronger connection to the environment.”

In a city with deep industrial roots, the Woonasquatucket River Greenway project represents a new kind of investment, one that values clean water, green space and the simple joy of a bike ride along the river. When the ribbon is cut this fall, it won’t just be the end of a construction project. It will be the beginning of a new chapter for Olneyville, the Woonasquatucket and all the communities that call its banks home.

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