Parks, River, Public & Open Space Stewardship

The Parks, River, Public and Open Space Stewardship program is an initiative begun by OHC in 2007 in partnership with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and with a three-year grant from the United Way’s Neighborhood Development fund.  The Steward focuses on improving and maintaining the physical appearance of key neighborhood areas including Olneyville Square, vacant lots, the Woonasquatucket River and Riverside Park. The Providence Parks Department continues to provide basic maintenance services, including mowing and trash collection, in the neighborhood parks. The Steward leverages the resources of the many groups available for community service, including YouthBuild Providence, Wheeler School students, City Year, local colleges, neighborhood schools and community centers.  As of 2010, the Steward’s position has become self-sustaining, funded through landscaping and snow removal contracts for OHC-owned properties.