Plans

Greenway Master Plan

In 1999, WRWC and partners set out several goals in the Greenway Master Plan. To learn more, download the PDF here.

• Increase recreation and green space for local neighbors.
• Promote business and reduce crime.
• Promote environmental action by riders.
• Increase awareness of local history and river ecology.

Downtown River Revitalization

Since the 1990s, the WRWC has been the constant voice for change on the downtown Woony. We have been clearing knotweed, cleaning riverbanks, adding artwork, and canoeing along this stretch of river to build awareness of this forgotten resource. strive to make the downtown Woony River an exciting destination and bring people closer to nature in the city of Providence. In 2017, we have been embarking on efforts with Providence Planning and RIDOT to design a separated bike path between Eagle Square and Water Place Park. We have secured $1 Million for design and are working to secure an additional $6 Million for the capital improvements. The goal is to connect the Greenway bike path to the 6-10 project and the Washington Secondary Bike Path. These changes will help make Providence a biking and walking friendly city. WRWC also aims to bring green infrastructure, more public art, boat launches, more pocket parks and more native plants to this area! WRWC’s vision and leadership strongly impacted the Woonasquatucket Vision Plan.

San Souci & Citizens Bank

In 2017, the WRWC secured $550K for capital improvements from a Green Economy Bond to improve San Souci Drive, a 1/4-mile connector street for a new protected biking & walking path. The new path will connect bike lanes on Broadway to the Greenway. WRWC is also partnering with the nearby Citizens Bank to connect Olneyville Square to San Souci Drive. We will build a new landscaped walking path and a stormwater retention area to clean water before it enters the river. WRWC is coordinating this private public partnership between Citizens Bank and RIDOT and now helps lead designs and leverage funding to focus on this important connector.

Manton Fish Ladder & Greenville Ave Restoration

WRWC finished the Manton Fish Ladder in 2017, and we began working to better connect this amazing resource to the Greenway. We are bringing funds from partners to restore habitat, control erosion, and create outdoor classroom space. We are excited to help bring $95K from US Fish and Wildlife and $400K from National Resource Conservation Service to this project.

Connect to Cricket Field & Beyond

WRWC helped restore Cricket Field in Johnston, and now we aim to route the Greenway to link to this historic park, then on to the Blackstone River Bikeway and other paths in the state. WRWC and state bike path advocates hope to reuse the original railroad right-of-way, but have also identified several alternate routes. These include on and off road options to extend and connect the existing Greenway currently ending at Lyman Avenue in Johnston to Cricket Field. In 2016, the state of RI designated funding to develop bike path projects throughout the state with the Green Economy Bond. WRWC hopes to continue working towards ways to leverage these types of dollars to connect to Cricket Field and beyond, making the Woony River Greenway Longer & Stronger.

Invasive Plant Management & Habitat Restoration

WRWC is removing invasive plants so we can bring back native plants along the Woony! See more about this on-going Greenway restoration effort here.

Greenway Signage & Branding

Do you know where the Woony Greenway bike path goes? We want you to come ride, and we have plans to make it easier! WRWC worked with RIDOT to develop a signage and branding package, guiding how we make new gateways, signs and graphics to direct your ride along the Greenway. The WRWC is working to secure $1.8 Million to put towards this capital improvement project. We have already started using small, tactical urbanism methods – mini-murals, banners, other painted artwork – so keep your eyes peeled as more come to the bike path!