Our Focus: River
The River
Pawtucket has no greater resources than the historic Blackstone/Pawtucket River that runs through its downtown. The river played a vital role for early settlers and in providing the energy necessary to begin the American Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill. Today, the river provides an opportunity for recreation and attracting redevelopment. The Foundation supports the work of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor to clean up and promote safe, environmentally friendly uses along the river. In addition, the Foundation encourages sustainable development along the river in accordance with the Tidewater Riverfront Strategy. We seek to capitalize on the environmental, cultural and scenic attributes of the river that make it a regional public asset. With the construction of the iconic new Interstate 95 Pawtucket Bridge and the implementation of the Blackstone Valley Bikeway, Pawtucket's riverfront will become a premier destination that represents a positive self-image for the City.
As part of a four part series on the Pawtucket Foundation, the Times outlined the Foundation's riverfront efforts. Click to download the article: A River Runs Through It (pdf).