Building Bridges celebrating launch of new downtown park Saturday

OLIN THOMPSON AND Sharon Steele, of Building Bridges, both downtown residents, said the future park will have a unique purpose among downtown parks. / COURTESY IRA GARBER PHOTOGRAPHY
OLIN THOMPSON AND Sharon Steele, of Building Bridges, both downtown residents, said the future park will have a unique purpose among downtown parks. / COURTESY IRA GARBER PHOTOGRAPHY

PROVIDENCE – A newly formed nonprofit corporation, Building Bridges Providence, will host a celebration on Saturday at the site of the city’s next downtown park.
The acreage, now cleared but awaiting park development, is owned by the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission and will become the western landing for a new pedestrian bridge that will cross the Providence River. The long-awaited pedestrian bridge recently moved forward. By the end of May, the R.I. Department of Transportation expects to advertise for a contractor to build the structure.
Building Bridges recently secured permission from the I-195 commission to develop programming for the park. Its first effort, called “The Launch” celebration, is from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and is designed to call public attention to the potential of the new park and future bridge connection.
The I-195 commission leadership has said the $13.2 million pedestrian bridge, and the park, are key selling points in efforts to attract new business development to the vacant I-195 district parcels.
Building Bridges President Sharon Steele and Chairman Olin Thompson, both downtown residents, said the future park will have a unique purpose among downtown parks. The space will be more active than passive, said Steele, and will be positioned to attract people living downtown, with vibrant social lives, who want outdoor access.
Options for the park include outdoor concerts, a location for organized club meetings and other purposes, Steele said.
“It’s not like other parks,” she said.
The celebration on Saturday will feature live music by Mark Cutler and Men of Great Courage, and food and drink by Matunuck Oyster Bar. Big Nazo puppets also will attend. Admission fee is $15 and includes a drink. Children under 12 are admitted free.

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