Transforming Vision Into Reality
Ideas move like water - fluid, powerful and full of possibility.
Ideas move like water - fluid, powerful and full of possibility.
A Tidewater Riverway Symposium
Exploring the Riverway from Central Falls Landing to Green Jacket Shoals in East Providence—five cities, boldly optimistic, coming together along a shared waterway to spark ecological, cultural, recreational, and economic possibility, guided by two visionary “dream makers.”
Why
From the time of the Wampanoag and Narragansett peoples through industrialization, our rivers have shaped—and borne the cost of—America’s growth. Today, Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Pawtucket, and Providence stand at a crossroads: after decades of revitalization, much more remains to restore, fund, and reimagine together.
Though our industrial past has faded, our future has not. The Blackstone, Pawtucket, and Seekonk Rivers still hold the power to tell our story and drive new opportunity—if we unite as one riverway community to advance environmental renewal, culture, recreation, and shared economic growth.
How
Pawtucket is setting the table—inviting community voices and regional thought leaders from Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, and Providence to gather along the river for a bold visioning experience. The Tidewater Riverway Symposium will bring people together not just to imagine what’s possible, but to shape a shared future for a riverfront that thrives for those who live, work, invest, and explore here.
Guided by the creative leadership of PlacemakingX and The Future of Small Cities Institute, this collaborative effort will build toward a unified vision for Upper Narragansett Bay. Throughout May, ideas will take shape—culminating in a dynamic, hands-on workshop on May 14 at Centreville Bank Stadium, home of Rhode Island FC—where inspiration meets action and the river becomes our common ground.
Where
Centreville Bank Stadium, home of Rhode Island FC, rises along the banks of the Seekonk River in Pawtucket—a striking new waterfront landmark where the energy of sport meets the rhythm of the river. With sweeping views of the water, nearby bridges, and the evolving riverfront, the stadium offers a powerful setting for gathering, reflection, and big ideas.
Here, at the edge of the tide, the symposium unfolds in a place that embodies the region’s transformation—where industry once defined the shoreline and new possibilities are now taking shape. It’s a venue designed not just for spectators, but for connection—where inspiration meets action and the river becomes our common ground.
When
May 14, 2026, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Be part of the symposium as we map out a bold, shared vision for a vibrant and connected riverfront. Enjoy coffee, engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, and lunch—plus boat rides along the riverway.
Members of the Symposium Organizing Committee
The Symposium Organizing Committee has been working since September of 2025 to stage the first Tidewater Riverway Symposium. The Symposium will encourage thoughtful conversation about the future of the Blackstone, Pawtucket and Seekonk Rivers as the respective rivers pass through Cumberland, Central Falls, Pawtucket, East Providence and Providence.
Robert Billington
Pamela Hughes
Barbara Zdravesky
Sue Brescia
Mark Fisher
Geraldine Barclay King
Ed Catucci
Ethan Kent
Reif Larsen
Jen Almeida
Grace Brownell
Members of the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission
The Pawtucket Riverfront Commission is the newly re-organized group to help guide riverfront development along the Pawtucket River. It was first organized in 1997.
Pamela Hughes, Chair
Jacqueline Ash
John Barry
Sandra Cano
Jim Hoyt
Mike LaFond
Arthur Marcello
Miriam Plitt
Lori Urso