1.  Develop the West River Greenway

The first step toward realizing a fully interconnected citywide greenways system should be the development of the West River Greenway.  I argue that the creation of this greenway would help catalyze the development of the remaining missing linkages that are needed to complete the city’s greenway network.  Development of the West River Greenway could be spearheaded by the Providence Parks Department, by a nonprofit organization, by the local neighborhood association, or by a partnership between two or more of these entities.  The implementation process should involve further analysis of the greenway corridor, preparation of a master plan, fundraising, marketing and publicity, land acquisition, and trail construction.

2.  Adopt a Providence Greenways Plan

The second recommended step in the development of the Providence greenways system is for the Providence City Plan Commission and City Council to legally adopt a Providence Greenways Plan.  This plan, which could be an adjunct to the Providence Comprehensive Plan, would define the vision for the greenways system and provide a basic framework for implementation. 

3.  Create a City Greenways Commission 

The next step is for government officials and citizens to form a Providence Greenways Commission.  The commission's major responsibility would be to assist the Parks Department and nonprofit organizations with the implementation of the greenways plan and with the management of existing greenways.  The commission would be especially active in administrative tasks such as fundraising, marketing, public education, and organization of volunteers. 

4.  Hire greenways staff within the Providence Parks Department 

Once the necessary funding has been secured, the Parks Department should hire permanent greenways staff to work on the construction of new trails and to carry out routine maintenance of existing greenways.  

5.  Develop other proposed greenways

Finally, the remaining proposed greenways should be implemented by the Parks Department, the City Greenways Commission, and nonprofit organizations, with assistance from technical consultants and volunteers.  This process should begin with detailed feasibility studies and proceed incrementally as funds are acquired.  Public input should be sought throughout the process.