New Gateway Center more than a new RWP Zoo entrance

The Gateway Center, funded by ARPA federal pandemic recovery funds will “serve as a tourism destination and community event space”, according to the City of Providence that held an unveiling of a new colorful placemaker and Center, 14 months after the project began.

Participating officials included Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative David Cicilline, members of the Providence City Council, Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director of Providence Redevelopment Agency, Wendy Nilsson, Providence Parks Department Superintendent, James Comer, Deputy Director of RIHousing, and Marta V. Martinez, Executive Director of Rhode Island Latino Arts.

Seen now as a Providence and state tourism and community destination, the Gateway Center will be home to a welcoming visitor center, restrooms, picnic tables and play areas, and the exterior features an art installation of sorts, with colorful fins that “represent colors found within the neighborhood”.

“Design elements of this project reflect the vibrant businesses right here on Broad Street, weaving the Gateway into the fabric of this beautiful neighborhood,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Turning these formerly vacant and abandoned lots into a state-of-the-art destination promotes inclusivity for our parks, beautifies the community for its residents and introduces new visitors to our neighborhoods.”

Supporting neighborhood and community organizations include the Elmwood Neighborhood Association, Quisqueya in Action, and Rhode Island Latino Arts, while the Providence Redevelopment Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal American Rescue Plan Act and RIHousing’s Property Acquisition and Revitalization Program all served as significant funding sources. Post-construction, Rhode Island’s federal delegation helped to secure $700,000 in Community Project Funding (CFP), which will be used to support the continued activation of the space, including Gateway Center operations and community programming.

“Roger Williams Park has been a Providence treasure for 150 years,” said U.S. Senator Whitehouse.  “Congressman Cicilline and I were pleased to deliver funding to support this inviting modern gateway and visitor’s center at the Park’s Broad Street entrance.  I’m committed to continuing to reinvigorate Rhode Island’s public parks and green spaces.”

“Congratulations to Providence and the surrounding community on the new Roger Williams Park Gateway,” said U.S. Representative Cicilline. “This project transformed a blighted area and will improve green access, support recreational activities, and ensure that our neighbors can enjoy this park to the fullest. I’m thrilled that we were able to help play a part in this effort and secure $700,000 through the Community Project Funding process.”

Free use to the public

Also announced today is the space’s use as a community destination, with a November calendar of events including fitness classes, gameplay, and tours. Community groups may submit requests to use the space, free of charge, by visiting the Gateway website and submitting the event request form.

There have been additional efforts to revitalize Broad Street, including safer roads for biking, walking, riding the bus and driving, and a mural at the intersection of Public & Daboll streets which forms a gathering space for the community, and there has been investment in housing and addressing the problem of blighted lots.

The unveiling also helps to mark the 150th anniversary of Roger Williams Park which is made up of more than 435 scenic acres and offers a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities, annually hosting more than 1.5 million visitors from around the state and beyond. 

“Today is a very special day for everyone who knows and loves Roger Williams Park…we have transformed Roger Williams Park into a space everyone can enjoy and be proud of, and now, the Park’s exterior has an entrance to match,” said Wendy Nilsson, Superintendent of the Providence Parks Department.

For more information about the Roger Williams Park Gateway Center, please visit its website and follow on Facebook.