Lumina

About

We work across nine distinct downtown public spaces, cultivating enduring connection, pride, and vibrancy throughout the generations. Each space has its own personality, assets, needs and priorities–together, they form a connected loop. We work closely with The City of Providence, The Providence Parks Department, and I-195 District Park and all of the community organizations enlivening our downtown parks.

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Welcome to the crown jewel of Providence! Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network Your tax-deductible donation is the key to ensuring that the DPPN remains a shining beacon throughout the year, actively convening partners and fostering collaboration to enrich the fabric of our democratic public spaces! Be a part of this collective endeavor to ensure that our downtown parks flourish as vital hubs for community life. Donate today!

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The Spaces

Burnside Park

dedicated in 1892 and landscaped following the completion of Union Station in 1898. Monumental sculpture was added in the first decade of the 20th century, including the resetting of the equestrian portrait of General Ambrose E. Burnside (1887, Launt Thompson, sculptor) from Exchange Place in 1906. The Banjotti Fountain (1899), created by Enid Yodel, was commissioned by Paul Bajnotti as a memorial to his late wife, Carrie Brown.
Waterplace Park

the original site of the Great Salt Cove. Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is connected to 3/4 mile of cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkways along the waterfront known as Riverwalk. Venice-styled Pedestrian bridges cross the river. Most of Riverwalk is below street level and automotive traffic. Waterplace Park and Riverwalk together are host to Providence's popular summertime Waterfire events, a series of bonfires lit on the river accompanied by classical and world music.
Providence Rink at Bank Newport, City Center

The rink is a year-round destination venue with a diverse multi-generational captive audience. The summer event season extends from April through October with programming such as public roller skating, monthly movie nights, & more in addition to rental space available for public and private events. The winter ice skating season begins in November and continues through March.
Kennedy Plaza

Kennedy Plaza is modern Providence’s main hub for transportation — as many as 69,000 people move through this site daily. Created as Exchange Place in the 19th century, this plaza has always served transportation needs. Thousands of people stood here to see President Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, and presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Today Kennedy Plaza remains a gathering place for the community, anchored by three city parks, including the BankNewport City Center & The Providence Rink, which features ice skating, recreation, music and arts.
Market Square

Located at the intersection of present-day North Main Street and College Street at the base of College Hill, Market Square has historically functioned as a commercial, civic, and cultural locus of Providence.
Memorial Park

This sculpture-filled park pays homage to people who gave their lives during wars and conflicts around the world.
Riverwalk

A 2.4 miles long trail aloing the waterfront, this term commonly refers to the parklets beside South Water Street.
Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

A footbridge crossing the Providence River that connects Providence's East and West sides. Originally known as the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, in July 2020 it was renamed in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten.
195 District Park

A seven-acre waterfront park in Providence’s burgeoning 195 Redevelopment District. The park aims to foster a healthier community, protect and enhance the natural environment, and improve the quality of life for residents and workers in Providence. The park features two open spaces on either side of the Providence River connected by an architectural pedestrian bridge across the river. The park is a public-private partnership supported in part by property owners in the District.