Hello Neighbors & Friends,
Spring is in full swing in Providence! I hope parents, teachers, and students are feeling refreshed after spring break and ready to take on the final months of the school year. There are a lot of things going on in these spring months, so I'll get right into the updates!
Earth Day:
I am so excited to celebrate Earth Day with the fantastic team at North Burial Ground -- the largest park in Ward 3! We will provide snacks, and there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer and get your hands dirty. If you are interested in volunteering, email Annalisa Heppner (Aheppner@providenceri.gov) so we can have a rough headcount!
Hope Street Block Party - Save the Date!
Providence Street Sweeping:
DPW released the schedule for street sweeping. Ward 3 is scheduled for June 5-8th. Sweeping takes place 10:30pm - 7am. Please keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change due to weather and staffing. Anyone with overnight parking permits will also be notified by email with the street sweeping schedule to make alternate parking arrangements to minimize interfering with street sweeping activities.
Ward 3 Parks Updates:
The Parks Department is busy making lots of improvements in the parks in Ward 3. I am so honored to serve as a Parks Commissioner and support the great work of the Parks team. Here are some upgrades we'll be seeing over the next few months:
We received many requests for cameras for Billy Taylor Park to improve nighttime safety, so we were able to find the funds. The contract is out to bid, and they should be installed in the next 6-8 weeks.
The bridge at Billy Taylor Park will be getting some upgrades in partnership with the Steel Yard. The project will begin over the summer, and the Steel Yard is planning community engagement - stay tuned!
The Billy Taylor Playground/Waterpark and fencing project is in design. The Parks Department will be preparing some options for 2-5 year-old play and improving Waterpark infrastructure and fencing - all chain link fencing is being replaced with other materials in Providence Parks to make more welcoming environments. The goal is late summer/early fall construction.
The Kerry Kohring fence is scheduled to be replaced this summer - again to replace chainlink with something more welcoming.
The basketball court on 9th St is getting a fantastic enhancement. This fall, artist Sanford Biggers will create a beautiful mural in the park.
Lippitt Park is scheduled for upgrades, including benches, swings, improved pathways, and reopening of the fountain. The contract for this work is still out to bid - I will provide updates as I have them.
ATV Initiative:
With the start of spring, Mayor Smiley and Police Chief Perez announced a new initiative to reduce ATVs operating dangerously on the roads.
