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Last Updated: 10:15am
Last Updated: 10:15am
The Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Providence River, connecting the east and west sides of the city. Originally built as part of the I-195 redevelopment project, the bridge was named in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten in recognition of his contributions to civil rights, economic development, and community leadership in Providence.
The bridge offers both functional and aesthetic value, providing a key pedestrian and cyclist connection between neighborhoods and serving as a public gathering space. The design of the bridge is modern, with sweeping curves and integrated lighting, making it a visually striking addition to the city’s waterfront. It plays a significant role in connecting various public spaces and has become a symbol of unity and progress in the city, reflecting Van Leesten's lifelong commitment to bridging divides within the community.
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Happy Halloween!🎃 Happy Samhain! 👻 #jewelrydistrictri #providenceri #providence #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge 195districtpark
That time Richard asked, and Joanne said YES on the pedestrian bridge in Providence 🤩 There is nothing quite like the glow and the smiles following this life changing moment, and it is always an honor to be the first to congratulate our newly engaged couples!
Summer things still going strong
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#providenceri #visitrhodeisland #pvdpedestrianbridge #icecreamseason #tizzykscerealicecream
Mog-Mog couldn`t put its finger on exactly who was watching....
(This past Tuesday at PDT`s Sunset Celwbration on the pedestrian bridge)
#mogmog #performanceart theprovidencedrumtroupe #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge
On a Friday night 5 yrs ago, I would have been at a different type of party!
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On a Friday night 5 years later, I am blessed to be partying amongst the Lord, and those who praise his name! I like this party better! #Growth.
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Thank you Jesus! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 What a beautiful experience.
#GodContinuetoWorkOnMeAndThroughMe #GODSChild #BlessedAndHighlyFavored #WalkByFaithNotByFear #Praise #ThriveCulture #PVDPedestrianBridge
Come soak up the summer with us at these upcoming gigs this month!!
195districtpark
worcestercenterforcrafts
thewilburygroup
fringepvd
#providencedrumtroupe #providence #pvdmusic #drumfam #drumtroupe #drummers #streetband #streetperformers #flowarts #spreadjoy #worcestercenterforcrafts #hotnightsinthecity #fringepvd #fringepvd2025 #wilburytheatregroup #195districtpark #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #sunsetcelebration
October stuff #pettingcows #pvd #pvdpedestrianbridge #halloween #pezzafarm #newhampshire #waterfall
Thank you Tar-Maax for your generous support to our 5th Annual Dinghy Poker to benefit the Providence Animal Rescue League. Your support will benefit animals in need right here in Providence. Be sure to check them out for all your commercial and residential paving needs. #asphalt #asphaltpaving #dinghy #dinghycruising #dinghypokerrun #golocalprov #supportlocal #adoptdontshop #b101 #fundraising #pokerrun #providenceri #providenceriver #pvdpedestrianbridge #pvdwaterfront #pvdevents #eventsinrhodeisland maaxdoutdoors
Encounter on the bridge during #pvdfest 2023.
#michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #firstworks #providenceri #astrotroll #bignazo #downtownprovidence
We have a transient slip or 2 available today. Come visit all the great restaurants Providence has to offer and catch the Waterfire tonight #pvdpedestrianbridge #pvdwaterfront #pvdevents #thingstodoinprovidence #thingstodoinri #waterfireprovidence #waterfire #dockwa #snagaslip #iway #iwaybridge #rhodeislandboating
This guy`s ready to hit the first card stop! See you Saturday! #dinghyfun #pokerrunsamerica #pokerrun #dinghyderby #whatshappeninginrhodeisland #whatsgoingoninrhodeisland #thingstodoinprovidence #golocalprov #pvdpedestrianbridge #hotclubpvd #fishco #pvdwaterfront #rhodeislandboating #narragansettbay #narragansettbeer
PVD Poetry will be at fabricationfest as part of designxri on Sept. 24, 25 from 1-5 pm in the Innovation Park in Providence down from the Pedestrian Bridge. Link in bio.
We’re offering poetry on demand.
We’re looking for submissions for a zine produced with work from the festival, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, schematics, sheet music, blueprints, designs, ANYTHING!
We will also have multiple typewriters set up for your personal use. You can write a poem, a letter, a eulogy, whatever you want.
Typewriters will also be available for messages in bottles that we will release into the great expanse, and include in our zine.
Please consider submitting your work and/or coming down and/or writing a message in a bottle!
#messageinabottle #PVD #PVDPoetry #Providence #PVDPedestrianBridge #PoetryOnDemand #typewriterpoetry #typewriterpoet #poetforhire #custompoems #busking #poetry #poems #typewriter #poetry #poetforhire #haiku #haikuondemand #poetsofinstagram #poetsforhire #streetpoetry #streetpoet #streetpoets #custompoetry
Taken in 1958 by Providence photographer Lawrence Tilley as part of the ongoing Historic American Buildings Survey, this photo documents the rare occasion of a parking lot becoming something better. Prior to becoming a parking lot, this area was filled with buildings, including the original location of Brown & Sharpe.
Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.
Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge is owned and managed by the City of Providence.
<p>Del’s Lemonade is a classic Rhode Island sweet treat known for its signature frozen lemonade, offering seasonal flavors like original lemon and watermelon, plus make-at-home mixes. This long-standing local favorite also caters events with mobile service, bringing its refreshing, slushy-style beverages to gatherings across the area. Visit the website to explore flavors, shop mixes and merch, or book Del’s for your next event.</p>
<p>The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-protection landmark that shields about 280 acres of downtown from tidal surges and hurricanes. Completed in 1966, the 700-foot concrete structure spans the Providence River and features three large tainter gates, flanking earthen dikes, and a pumping station capable of discharging river floodwaters into Narragansett Bay. Built in response to devastating floods from the 1938 hurricane and Hurricane Carol in 1954, the barrier helps protect the city’s commercial district, infrastructure, and homes, with operations shared between the Corps and the City of Providence.</p>
<p>La Gondola Providence, Inc. offers private Venetian-style gondola rides along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, featuring romantic outings, family-friendly trips, and customizable group tours. Guests can choose from trip packages that may include historical narration, live Italian music, and special event options such as weddings, reception cruises, and photo sessions. The company operates seasonally, weather permitting, and provides gift certificates for memorable experiences on the water.</p>
<p>LUMUKU is a creative studio and public art initiative focused on uplifting communities through vibrant illustration, large-scale design, and playful, educational games. Their work spans murals, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that encourage connection, learning, and joy, complemented by a shop featuring art and game products.</p>
<p>Plant City is a plant-based food hall and marketplace featuring multiple chef-driven restaurants, a coffee bar, and a retail market offering vegan groceries and goods. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it serves a wide range of cuisines and menus, including the SĒZN dinner experience on select evenings. The spacious, stylish venue hosts private events and community programming, and provides online ordering and reservations through its website. Suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike, it’s a destination for dining, shopping, and gatherings in Providence.</p>
<p>Providence Kayak offers single and tandem kayak rentals on the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, letting paddlers explore Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and scenic downtown waterways under historic bridges. Rentals start at 45 or 75 minutes, with staff assistance for easy launch and landing plus route and safety guidance. Seasonal operations also include a second location at Lincoln Woods State Park for freshwater paddling on Olney Pond. Booking and gift cards are available online.</p>
<p>Seasonal outdoor beer garden set along the Providence River in the 195 District Park, featuring The Guild’s craft beers and rotating guest pours, weekly food trucks, and occasional special events. Open May through October (weather permitting) with family-friendly, park-style seating and skyline views; check the website for current hours, on-tap lists, and event details.</p>
<p>Lively waterfront bar offering casual pub fare, cocktails, and a busy events calendar with karaoke, trivia, and weekend DJ sets. Open daily into late night, it features burgers and bar classics, online ordering, and a rewards program, with periodic specials like service-industry discounts on Sundays. Popular for group hangouts and harbor views, it blends a relaxed daytime scene with an upbeat nightlife atmosphere.</p>
<p>Tizzy K’s serves small-batch cereal milk ice cream with rotating flavors, crafted by steeping popular cereals into a rich base for a smooth, creamy finish. Each scoop is topped with cereal crunch and a Rice Krispies treat, and the shop operates seasonally with hours that may vary due to weather. Recognized by local and regional press and named Best Ice Cream in Rhode Island by RIFOODFIGHTS, it’s a sweet stop near the pedestrian bridge for inventive, nostalgia-inspired treats.</p>
Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN)
Day One is stacked. Downtown comes alive on December 4 with free fun, local makers, live music, art, workshops, and holiday magic around every corner. From ice skating at The Providence Rink to carolers on Westminster, the season officially starts here. See you in the parks.
@pvdmayor @providencetourism @providenceact @firstworksri @pneuhaus @pvdcitycouncil @indowncitypvd @avenuepvd @goprovidence @waterfireprov
David Cicilline has always led with inclusion at the heart of everything he does. As the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital, he showed that leadership is strongest when everyone belongs. Whether at neighborhood meetings, school events, or community celebrations, he listened, showed up, and made sure every voice was heard.
As a U.S. Representative, he championed the Equality Act and fought to ensure equality, justice, and opportunity for all. He reminds us that when leadership includes everyone, communities thrive.
He is the only living person featured on our You Belong Here wayfinding banners, honoring his lifelong commitment to making Providence and our country more inclusive, compassionate, and hopeful.
#DavidCicilline #ProvidenceHistory #YouBelongHere
This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling extra thankful for the people who make Downtown Providence amazing — the visitors, artists, musicians, makers, and our neighbors who bring our parks to life every day. 💛
Happy Thanksgiving from the DPPN team!
#ProvidenceParks #DowntownProvidence #Thanksgiving #CommunityFirst #PVDThingsToDo
Getting into the holiday spirit ✨🎁
The PVD Holiday Festival is happening December 4–7 — cozy vibes, local makers, and all the seasonal magic downtown. See you there! ❄️❤️
#PVDHolidayFestival #DowntownPVD #ProvidenceRI #HolidaySeason #HolidayEvents RhodeIslandEvents PVDHolidayMagic
Edward Mitchell Bannister and Christiana Carteaux Bannister built one of the most influential artistic partnerships in Providence history—one grounded in creativity, courage, and shared purpose.
In 1850s Boston, Edward dreamed of becoming an artist while working in Christiana’s successful salon. As a Black painter, the barriers were steep, but Christiana’s business expertise, financial support, and belief in his talent helped make his artistic career possible.
After their marriage, Christiana’s salons became powerful gathering places for abolitionists, artists, and community leaders. She advised Edward on his work, connected him with patrons, and helped him enter spaces that were often closed to Black artists.
When they moved to Providence in 1869, Edward’s career flourished. His painting Under the Oaks won first prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition—a victory challenged when judges learned he was Black, but ultimately upheld thanks to fellow artists who insisted on fairness.
Today, Edward’s statue in Market Square symbolizes his legacy, but Christiana’s influence is inseparable from his success. Together, they remind us how partnership, resilience, and love can shape art—and history—for generations.
#EdwardBannister #ChristianaCarteauxBannister
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
