Things to Do in Providence, RI: The Riverwalk

There are many exciting and fun things to do in Providence, RI. It has become a place people like to walk around and spend time in. We hear a lot about cities reinventing themselves, "rebranding" to achieve a new image of modernity. All too often, it's an effort that destroys the past, removing the charm that made the city interesting and different. It's different in Providence. The capital city of Rhode Island rediscovered itself instead. 

It's one of the country's most successful urban renewal projects, and has transformed not only the physical appearance of the city, but people's perceptions of it as well. Providence has become a desirable place to live and visit.

The heart of the renewal is called Waterplace Park, which centers around pedestrian walkways along the Providence River and its tributaries, streams that until recently were invisible! In years past, the Woonasquatucket River and the Moshassuck River (the former terminus of the Blackstone Canal), which merge to form the Providence River, were buried in culverts, paved over and hidden. The water area covered was so vast that downtown Providence was known at one time as "the world's widest bridge."

In 1994, the long-hidden waterways were uncovered. No longer considered an unsightly nuisance to be hidden, they became the focal point of the new Waterplace Park. Instead of being little better than underground sewers, they were now enhanced with cobblestoned walkways so that pedestrians could enjoy them up close, and the small bridges built here and there along the now uncovered channels were modeled after those in Venice. Now one could stroll along the curving waterways on what became known as the Riverwalk.

The comparison to Venice was further enhanced when the La Gondola company brought its first boat, a carefully crafted 36-foot replica built in Manchester, MA to the river in 1996, soon following with a gondola imported from Venice. Named the Cynthia Jacob and the Cynthia Julia, each boat is a work of art that bears over 250 feet of brass ornamentation. Visit gondolari.com for more information about gondola rides.

The most striking aspect of the Riverwalk comes alive on selected nights when 100 bonfires blaze in metal braziers that arise from the waters. This is a sculpture installation/performance art piece created by Barnaby Evans. First begun to celebrate New Year's Eve in 1995, it has become a regular, highly anticipated show that can be enjoyed by everyone for free.

The fires burn just above the surface of the three rivers to illuminate almost a mile of walkway and parkland. They are lit at sunset and tended until after midnight by boatmen clad in black. Each Waterfire lighting costs about $30,000 to put on (the cost is picked up by sponsors), and happens thanks to the work of a phalanx of volunteers. To find out about upcoming WaterFire events visit waterfire.org. As might be expected, heavy rain can force a cancellation...but you probably wouldn't choose to stroll the rivers in a heavy rain, anyway!

The beauty of Waterplace Park, the Riverwalk, and Waterfire are that they have created a welcoming environment where it is pleasant to spend time. The rest of Providence's downtown has benefitted greatly from this, and it has come back to life. Buildings are being refurbished and new ones built, other civic improvements have followed on the heels of the first ones, and now downtown is a glorious destination for anyone in search of relaxation, theater, fine restaurants, history-and ambience, something Providence was never really noted for before.

One has to judge any project a success that can make people want to visit a city center purely for its own sake. Providence has risen like a phoenix, thanks in large part to the creative decision to uncover the long-hidden rivers and capitalize on them. We'd like to suggest that you visit this gem as soon as you can find the time, because once you've seen it, you'll find reason after reason to return and show it to others.

Article provided by Homesteader