Providence Parks

History

The Providence Riverwalk is a vibrant corridor that seamlessly blends art, history, and community along the city’s revitalized waterfront. Stretching from Waterplace Park through the 195 District Park and down to India Point, this scenic pathway is adorned with a variety of public art installations and serves as a central venue for cultural events.

The Riverwalk also serves as a dynamic gallery showcasing sculptures from the Convergence International Arts Festival, an event that has played a key role in establishing Providence as a hub for public art. Founded in 1988, the festival has left a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape.

Recent Improvements

• A notable recent addition to the Riverwalk is a series of benches crafted from repurposed wind turbine components. Installed in late 2024, these benches not only provide seating but also symbolize sustainability and innovation.

• Providence’s waterfront is coming to life with vibrant new ceramic and porcelain tile murals created by local artists in partnership with the Providence Parks Department, Providence Art, Culture + Tourism (ACT), and Chroma Council. Featuring 14 installations by 17 local artists, the project spans a half-mile of the city’s iconic Riverwalk, bringing colorful, site-specific artwork to five bridges near Waterplace Park. Together, these installations celebrate Providence’s creative community while transforming the Riverwalk into an engaging public art experience.