Several months after a PPS Placemaking Workshop, Providence’s Kennedy Plaza is bustling. There are live Rhythm and Soul concerts every Sunday, a Farmeri’s Market Fridays and a Market Bazaar with food, antique, art and other vendors on Thursdays. Throughout the summer there have been a variety of programmed events including a Street Paining Festival, a Roller Derby, and a Bolivian Festival.

These are the creations of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group inspired by discussion at PPS’ workshop in February. PPS saw Kennedy Plaza as the heart of Providence and invited community members to brainstorm ways to make it more inviting; to truly draw people into the square and make it a vibrant and active downtown center

At the launch of the first Kennedy Plaza summer programs, Mayor David N. Cicilline was full of praise for the Working Group and for the progress that has been made in the square: “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.” Previously, Kennedy Plaza was used almost exclusively as a bus transfer station but with the help of PPS and the Working Group and the myriad new programs and activities, Kennedy Square has become a veritable destination and a lively public space.