Mayor Smiley announces $13M for Providence’s 39 parks, greenspaces, free PVD-WIFI

City of Providence to Unveil Newly Renovated Park and Schoolyard 

Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced over $13 million in investments to improve Providence’s parks and greenspaces and celebrated the revitalization of Harriet and Sayles Park and the Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex yesterday. These significant investments are a commitment to improving the quality of life and building a more resilient city.

“Improving the quality-of-life in our neighborhoods includes providing our residents sustainable greenspaces they can enjoy in our city,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “By revitalizing our parks, we are prioritizing the long-term public health of our community and actively making Providence more sustainable and resilient.” 

The announcement came at the unveiling of renovations to the Harriet and Sayles Park and the Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex on Sayles Street, yesterday.

Mayor Smiley said he understands the city’s parks play an essential role in building healthier, more connected communities, and contribute to the city’s ongoing efforts to address climate change.

Nineteen revitalization projects, totaling over $6 million, have already been completed this summer and all 39 projects are expected to be completed by March of next year.

Many of these improvements were made with the support of the Providence City Council and funding from the Capital Improvement Plan, Community Development Block Grant Programs, American Rescue Plan funds, Neighborhood Investment Funds, and the City of Providence’s Parks Department.  

“One of our community’s greatest gifts we can give our children is providing a safe space to run free with their friends and create memories,” said Councilwoman and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “The new Harriet and Sayles Park and Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex will provide countless hours of laughter and physical activity for our kids and their families. It’s the best investment we can make!” 

The renovations at Harriet and Sayles Park and the Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex are part of the city’s coordinated effort to establish and revitalize safe outdoor spaces in every Providence neighborhood. This particular project is the largest investment in a play space in the City of Providence and includes outdoor classrooms, a multi-purpose field, an outdoor fitness area, a waterpark, new amenities and fencing.  

“Our local parks act as community hubs, connecting our neighbors and providing access to clean, safe, outdoor spaces,” said Wendy Nilsson, Superintendent of Parks. “In addition to decreasing air pollution and supporting stormwater management, these spaces will have an immeasurable long-term impact on the physical and mental well-being of our residents.” 

In an effort to further improve our public spaces, the City has also purchased and installed network hardware to provide free Wi-Fi in eleven parks and all of the city’s recreation centers. Users can search for the network name PVD-WIFI and simply connect. Internet service can be accessed during normal park hours of operation 7AM-9PM every day.     

To find a full list of parks across the city, please visit providenceri.gov/parks/.