Openspace How can the quality of Openspace & Greenspace be improved and the amount be increased?
What Is Openspace and Greenspace?

Openspace is any open piece of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures) and can be accessed by the public.

Greenspace is an area of land that is covered partially or completely with vegetation such as grass, trees, shrubs, etc. This land can also be considered a type of open space. Greenspace is important to the city's residents because it provides recreational spaces and helps improve the beauty and environmental quality of neighborhoods. The City is working to expand the amount of openspace through projects such as the 'New Cities' redevelopment plan. The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Project is also working to increase the amount of greenspace and open space in the city.
What's On the Openspace Map?

The map on the left shows areas of the city that are considered openspaces.  This includes parks and undeveloped areas accessible to the public such as Kennedy Plaza, sitting areas, school yards, etc.  The map does not show greenspace that is privately owned.  For example, Swan Point which is privately owned is not included on the map.  Also City owned cemeteries are not included on the map.

More About Parks

There are a total 149 public parks in Providence including the largest park in the city, Roger Williams Park.  This includes schools, squares, sitting areas and playgrounds.  In order for Providence Parks to be used by the public fully they must be maintained properly. The Providence Parks Department is in charge of the maintenance of the City's parks.  The Parks Department needs more funding to keep the parks in good condition for public use.  The Parks Department is located at Roger Williams Park, phone # 785-9450. 

The Woonsaquatucket River Greenway Project
Currently there are plans to build a greenway along five miles of the Woonsaquatucket River in Providence, including recreational areas, a walking and bike path. This corridor of greenspace will join the surrounding communities by providing them with a unified recreational space. This greenway will also improve the aesthetic quality of the Woonsaquatucket River by cleaning and protecting its once polluted banks. The Greenway Project is working in conjunction with the City's Brownfields redevelopment efforts to revitalize the designated River corridor. The map below shows some of the plans for the greenway. It shows how Dyerville State Park, Merino Park, Donigian Park, and Waterplace Park will all be connected by the greenway.

What Are Greenways?

A greenway is a corridor of greenspace through a developed area. Greenways provide areas for recreation, as well as space for alternative transportation, such as bike paths.