About DPPN
Mission
Our mission is to convene partners, steward spaces, and activate 20 acres of public parks, including the waterways that connect them, spanning from the Point Street Bridge to Waterplace, I-195 Park, Kennedy Plaza, Burnside Park, the Rink, and Biltmore Park. As a public-private partnership, we collaborate with The City of Providence, The Downtown Improvement District, The Providence Parks Department, the I-195 District Park, community organizations, and the business community to bring vitality to our downtown parks. We prioritize water activation and environmental justice, ensuring these public spaces not only foster democracy, civic pride, and economic vitality but also serve as inclusive, sustainable environments where all can connect, engage, and celebrate our shared community.
Vision
Our vision is to create a network of dynamic, interconnected public spaces and waterways that serve as a model of how parks can contribute to a thriving, inclusive, and democratic urban community. We envision downtown parks that foster civic pride, stimulate economic vitality, and serve as vibrant hubs for recreation, culture, and connection, with an emphasis on water activation and environmental justice. These spaces will enrich the lives of residents, businesses, and visitors alike, promoting equitable access to natural resources and a healthy, sustainable environment for all.
Board of Directors

Kristen Adamo
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

Melba Depeña Affigne
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future

Adam Anderson
Design Under Sky
Faculty, Landscape Architecture
RISD

Bethany Costello
RISD

Al Dahlberg
Brown University

Courtney Hawkins (ex officio)
City of Providence

Amber Ilcisko (ex officio)
I-195 Redevelopment District

Alex Miller
Cornish Associates

Josh Miller (ex officio)
Owner
Trinity Beer Co.
State Senator

Wendy Nilsson (ex officio)
Providence Parks Department

Nicole Pollock
Democrats for Education Reform

Jennifer Romano
Paolino Properties

Sharon Steele
Jewelry District Association

David Salvatore (ex officio)
The Providence Foundation

Don Zambarano
KPMG

Alison Izzi
Downtown Providence Park Network
Team

Nora Barré
Downtown Providence Park Network

Sarah Summers
Downtown Providence Park Network