Providence, R.I, October 21, 2024 – Horsley Witten Group (HW), an environmental consulting firm specializing in sustainable and resilient design, has been recognized with partners for the Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project in Providence, Rhode Island.
The New England Chapter of The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) issued the Urbanism Award to only three recipients this year. This award recognizes the innovative design and environmental enhancements to be implemented at the Woonasquatucket River Greenway.
“The Woonasquatucket Greenway Improvement Project embodies our vision for a city that protects its natural resources, champions economic vitality and celebrates our diverse neighborhoods,” said Providence, R.I. Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “This project is a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the urban-natural interface and advancing flood mitigation and stormwater management practices that are crucial to our city’s future. Congratulations to the Horsley Witten Group and the entire project team for this well-deserved award.”
The Woonasquatucket River Greenway serves as a catalyst for renewal across Providence, Johnston, and North Smithfield, Rhode Island, three of six municipalities contributing to The Woonasquatucket River Watershed. It is Rhode Island’s only urban bike path, connecting parks and green spaces for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors alike. The Greenway spans seven miles, linking over seven parks and gateways, and restoring 52 acres of land along its route.
The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project revitalizes a one-mile section of the corridor between Downtown Providence and Eagle Square in the Valley and Smith Hill neighborhoods.
The Horsley Witten Group design meets CNU award criteria by improving safety especially for people walking and biking, improving public access to the river with a new riverfront urban trail, pocket parks, and kayak launches, and adding green infrastructure and native vegetation to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and restore the river’s habitat value.
The approximately $14 million improvements are part of the implementation of 2018’s Woonasquatucket Vision Plan, funded by an EPA brownfields planning grant. The project has been additionally supported by over $6 million in funding from sources including the Rhode Island State Transportation Improvement Program, Providence’s Capital Improvement Program, and the Southeast New England Program (SNEP). Project completion is tentatively scheduled for Spring, 2025.
“We are honored to receive this award, which highlights our commitment to balancing urban redevelopment with environmental stewardship,” said Jon Ford, senior associate and urban designer with HW. “It celebrates a significant revitalization of Providence’s post-industrial urban neighborhoods while restoring the Woonasquatucket River as a valuable community resource.”
About The Congress for the New Urbanism
The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is a member-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit championing better design of cities and towns to improve lives and strengthen communities for all. For over thirty years, CNU has been the leading organization in reforming city-building across the country, gathering the broad spectrum of practitioners and advocates who share their mission. Additional information can be found at www.cnu.org
www.cnunewengland.org
For additional information on The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project, click here to view a HW project video.
About Horsley Witten Group
Horsley Witten Group develops environmental solutions that help people, businesses, municipalities, and the environment flourish together through a holistic approach to sustainable design. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Sandwich, Mass., Horsley Witten Group currently employes more than 70 dedicated staff members specializing in engineering, science, design, planning, remediation, training, and client support. The company has offices in Boston, Mass.; Exeter, N.H.; Providence, R.I.; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Additional information can be found at www.horsleywitten.com.
