Partnership for Providence Parks

The Partnership for Providence Parks provides support and resources for volunteer groups that we call Friends who are seeking to transform their neighborhood parks into thriving green spaces that reflect the needs and character of the community.  Through the Partnership, friends groups are encouraged and supported in working collaboratively with city government and the Parks Department is brought together with people excited and motivated to make the most of their neighborhood park.

Priorities

We believe in:

• Collaborating with volunteer groups and partners to develop unique parks that reflect the strengths and identity of the community
• Conserving resources (repurposing, recycling and revitalizing) when possible
• Creating free and open play for children
• Offering innovative programs and events to get children and adults healthy, moving and inspired

How it works

This Partnership works with the Department of Parks and recreation to:

• Cultivate, nurture and support Friends groups, and:
• Develop city-wide partnerships for resources, programming and events that will be available to Friends groups, and:
• Establish a network of Friends groups and community partners to share best practices and resources, celebrate our volunteers and parks and increase awareness of our parks and the people who care for them.

Rationale

The Providence Department of Parks and Recreation recognizes that we need active friends groups to be the stewards for neighborhood parks because the “friends” know how they want to use the park and what is needed. Working together, we can create spectacular outdoor spaces that reflect the identity and needs of the community. The Friends Groups know what their neighborhoods need and the Partnership has the expertise that can help achieve neighborhood goals. The ultimate goal of the Partnership is to have at least one major park in each neighborhood become a community hub for outdoor programming, structured and unstructured play activities and neighborhood gatherings. This is a large undertaking, but it can be achieved if modest neighborhood involvement is combined with central resources.