Mayor Cicilline, community partners launch summer programs designed to make Kennedy Plaza more inviting to visitors and families

PROVIDENCE - The sounds of African drums filled the air, as artists, jewelry makers and food vendors hawked their goods to the lunch-time crowd at Kennedy Plaza. “Thanks to the hard work and vision of our community partners, this wonderful space is being transformed into a vibrant gathering place that offers something for everyone,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline today as he joined representatives of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group to announce summer programming for Kennedy Plaza.

The Working Group is a public/private partnership focused on transforming Kennedy Plaza into a lively public square, rich with activity. The effort grew out of the Placemaking Workshop held in February at which nearly 100 participants were encouraged to use their imaginations to come up with innovative with ways to make Kennedy Plaza more inviting. The workshop was led by Project for Public Spaces, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that has helped more than 2,000 communities in 26 countries transform underutilized public spaces into lively, secure destinations.

“This public space in the center of downtown has the potential to become a lively gathering space where families and visitors can enjoy the work of local artists, shop for unique items at the Marketplace Bazaar, enjoy live entertainment or simply sit at café-style tables and people-watch,” said Mayor Cicilline. “I envision a public space as vibrant as New York’s Washington Square Park with the unique character of Providence.”

“The focus of our entire Downtown community on Greater Kennedy Plaza has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Buff Chase, President & CEO of Cornish Associates and a member of the Kennedy Plaza Working Group. “This location, in addition to being a transit center, functions as the community’s central plaza and our efforts going forward will be to add programming and activities that will enhance the area as a destination for all the City’s residents.”

Officials announced a series of weekly programming at Kennedy Plaza:

  • Public Square Tuesday/11am - 3:30pm - Non-profit agencies provide information to the public on a variety of issues ranging from the arts and humanities to fitness and the environment.
  • Market Bazaar Thursdays/11am - 7pm - vendors line the sidewalk along Burnside Park and sell delicious food, antiques, books, accessories, art and other merchandise.
  • Farmers’ Market Fridays/11am - 2pm - Farmers’ Market is one of the easiest places to find tasty harvests from Rhode Island Farms. Here on the sidewalk of Burnside Park, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh foods directly from the fields and meet the people who grow your meals.
  • Rhythm & Soul Sundays/2pm - 8pm - An opportunity to hear live music, celebrate culture and the community with performances by the Providence Black Repertory Company’s AfroSonic Collective and resident drummers.

The summer line up at Kennedy Plaza also includes the Street Painting Festival, Roller Derby, IndieArts fest, Peace Flags, Bolivian Festival and R & B Heritage Month.

Representatives of the Working Group include the City of Providence, RIPTA, Cornish Associates, Providence Foundation, Crossroads RI, Providence Center, Young Voices, Providence Tourism Council and other area businesses.

For more information on activities at Kennedy Plaza, visit www.kennedyplaza.org.