Smiley invests $13 million to improve city parks, outdoor spaces

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced $13 million in investments toward parks and greenspaces on Wednesday.

Smiley and city leaders will speak on the investments and will unveil the newly renovated Harriet and Sayles Park and the Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex.

“Improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods includes providing our residents sustainable greenspaces they can enjoy in our city,” Smiley said. “By revitalizing our parks, we are prioritizing the long-term public health of our community and actively making Providence more sustainable and resilient.”

The investments are to create a healthier and more connected community.

Under the Smiley Administration, 19 revitalization projects have been completed, and all 39 are expected to be done by March 2024.

The changes to the park and schoolyard are part of Smiley’s initiate to improve the city’s outdoor spaces.

“One of our community’s greatest gifts we can give our children is providing a safe space to run free with their friends and create memories,” said Ward 11 Councilwoman and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris. “The new Harriet and Sayles Park and Mary E. Fogarty Green Schoolyard Complex will provide countless hours of laughter and physical activity for our kids and their families.”

The city has also purchased and installed network hardware for free Wi-Fi at 11 parks and all of the recreation centers.

People can find it under the network name PVD-WIFI. Internet service will be available from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.