About DPPN
Mission
Our mission is to convene partners, steward spaces, and activate 20 acres of public parks, including the waterways that connect them, spanning from the Point Street Bridge to Waterplace, I-195 Park, Kennedy Plaza, Burnside Park, the Rink, and Biltmore Park. As a public-private partnership, we collaborate with The City of Providence, The Downtown Improvement District, The Providence Parks Department, the I-195 District Park, community organizations, and the business community to bring vitality to our downtown parks. We prioritize water activation and environmental justice, ensuring these public spaces not only foster democracy, civic pride, and economic vitality but also serve as inclusive, sustainable environments where all can connect, engage, and celebrate our shared community.
Vision
Our vision is to create a network of dynamic, interconnected public spaces and waterways that serve as a model of how parks can contribute to a thriving, inclusive, and democratic urban community. We envision downtown parks that foster civic pride, stimulate economic vitality, and serve as vibrant hubs for recreation, culture, and connection, with an emphasis on water activation and environmental justice. These spaces will enrich the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors alike, promoting equitable access to natural resources and a healthy, sustainable environment for all.
Board of Directors
Kristen Adamo
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Melba Depeña Affigne
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
Temidayo "Dayo" Akinjisola
Adam Anderson
Design Under Sky
Faculty, Landscape Architecture
RISD
Bethany Costello
RISD
Al Dahlberg
Brown University
Courtney Hawkins (ex officio)
City of Providence
Amber Ilcisko (ex officio)
I-195 Redevelopment District
Alex Miller
Cornish Associates
Josh Miller (ex officio)
Owner
Trinity Beer Co.
State Senator
Wendy Nilsson (ex officio)
Providence Parks Department
Nicole Pollock
Democrats for Education Reform
Jennifer Romano
Paolino Properties
Sharon Steele
Jewelry District Association
David Salvatore (ex officio)
The Providence Foundation
Don Zambarano
KPMG
Alison Izzi
Downtown Providence Park Network
Team
Nora Barré
Downtown Providence Park Network
Sarah Summers
Downtown Providence Park Network