Critical Issues

Broken Swing at Fargnoli Park

Broken Picnic Table at Merino Park

The physical condition of our public spaces is a visual barometer of the health of our neighborhoods, reflecting the commitment of the City and its residents to the places where we live, work and play. Citywide Green exists because there is a critical need for us to reverse the decline in the environmental conditions of our neighborhoods. The historic disinvestment by the City in the maintenance and programming of public spaces continues to contribute to neighborhood destabilization. This catch 22 cycle of decline must be reversed with strategic intervention by the City if we are to achieve livable neighborhoods with healthy families and viable economies.

1. Reduced City funding for maintenance and programming of our public spaces contributes to increased vandalism, crime, neglect and the destabilization of our neighborhoods. We propose the creation of a Public Space Task Force, lead by a senior policy assistant to the Mayor, to promote positive and productive communications and partnerships between and among key City departments and residents, and establish clear lines of accountability for the conditions and uses of our public spaces. The establishment of this task force will demonstrate the City's commitment to the health of our neighborhoods.
    
2. Planning for the future of our public spaces needs to happen now. The City has an opportunity to address, proactively and holistically, all the environmental elements that create healthy neighborhoods, including green spaces, street trees, community gardens, outdoor recreational facilities and protection of our natural resources, during the proposed neighborhood planning process. In addition to residents, this must include the thoughtful participation and commitments of every City department because each has a role in making our neighborhoods healthy places to live, work and play.
    
3. Our public spaces can be used more effectively to contribute to the environmental health of our neighborhoods, and we need to preserve our limited remaining natural assets. Existing and potential public spaces can be enhanced to protect the water quality in our rivers, mitigate the air pollution of a congested urban area, protect our wildlife habitat, and reduce exposure to hazardous sites. A Providence Conservation Commission should be appointed and tasked with developing policies and initiatives that will these issues.
    
4. Parks and public spaces serve the basic needs of a community; we need to ensure that they are accessible and safe and effectively programmed and maintained. Our residents should have access to green spaces within easy walking distance, and recreational opportunities that are programmed to meet local needs. Programming is as important as community policing in making our parks and streets and playgrounds safe for children and families, and the current level of programming, focused on organized sports, is inadequate. We propose that the City initiate partnerships with private and non-profit organizations to maximize recreational and educational opportunities in our parks and public spaces.