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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

President & CEO

Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

Melba Depeña Affigne

Vice President

Skills for Rhode Island’s Future

Temidayo "Dayo" Akinjisola

Attorney

Adam Anderson

Director/Founder

Design Under Sky
Faculty, Landscape Architecture
RISD

Bethany Costello

Executive Director- Center for Community Partnerships

RISD

Al Dahlberg

Associate Vice President, Government and Community Relations

Brown University

Courtney Hawkins (ex officio)

Chief Operating Officer

City of Providence

Amber Ilcisko (ex officio)

Director of Operations

I-195 Redevelopment District

Alex Miller

Director

Cornish Associates

Josh Miller (ex officio)

Chair, Downtown Improvement District (DID)

Owner
Trinity Beer Co.
State Senator

Wendy Nilsson (ex officio)

Superintendent of Parks

Providence Parks Department

Nicole Pollock

Chief of Staff

Democrats for Education Reform

Jennifer Romano

VP Corporate Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships

Paolino Properties

Sharon Steele

President

Jewelry District Association

David Salvatore (ex officio)

Executive Director

The Providence Foundation

Don Zambarano

Providence Office Managing Partner

KPMG

Alison Izzi

CPA, DID Representative

Downtown Providence Park Network

Team

Nora Barré

Executive Director

Downtown Providence Park Network

Sarah Summers

Coordinator

Downtown Providence Park Network