# data[].attributes.body
The first weekend of every May in Providence, neighbors gather together for Jane's Walk: a festival of walking conversations spread throughout the city, inspired by urban activist Jane Jacobs. These interactive walks are led by local residents and community activists who share stories and ask questions that get people thinking, talking, and connecting with each other. Jane’s Walks are free, and anyone can participate! Providence is one of more than 200 participating cities with Jane’s Walks around the world, and that number grows every year. In 2024, Jane's Walk Newport was launched.

Jane’s Walk 2023 – Doors Open RI

# data[].attributes.headline
Gaspee Days: Walking Tours led by Kids! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Gaspee Days: Walking Tours led by Kids! 

# data[].attributes.body
As part of Gaspee Days in Pawtuxet Village, more than 50 students in period costumes from area schools led a historic walking tour through the community. They guided tour participants through 15 points of interest in the village presenting historical facts and folklore along the way.

Events | Gaspee Days

# data[].attributes.body
Historic markers are a great motivation to get people walking! The Rhode Island Slave History Medallion organization is a statewide public awareness program committed to marking historic sites connected to the history of slavery in RI. 37 medallions are planned, and 16 can are currently installed, from North Kingstown to Aquidneck Island, with half in the city of Newport. QR codes on the medallions make it easy for walkers to learn as they walk!

rishm.org

# data[].attributes.body
There are so many good examples of communities who have put together engaging self-guided walking tours. Examples of both digital and printed walking tours are plentiful. We really like the map found in the walking tour made by the Providence Warwick Visitors Convention Bureau (PVCB).

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know that various libraries around RI are starting Walking Clubs?! We love this walk as shared by the South Providence Library: "WALKING CLUB: Walk for the appreciation of life. Everyone is welcome"

# data[].attributes.body
We love the idea of a neighborhood Passport. Not only does a passport get people walking, but it also entices them inside of your community's businesses to get their passports stamped.

# data[].attributes.body
Turn to Warren for tips on hosting a Walkabout! Every October they host the Warren Walkabout—a street-style festival that runs four consecutive Sundays from 12 to 5 PM, with each week celebrating a different theme and live music, artist demonstrations, and good cheer all over town.

Warren Walkabout

# data[].attributes.body
It's that simple: close a street to cars and open it to people. A good example is found in Boston with Newbury Street. It's a famous mile-long, eight block stretch featuring shops, salons, galleries and restaurants. EVERY SUNDAY throughout the summer it transforms into a pedestrian-only walkway.

Open Newbury Street | Boston.gov

# data[].attributes.body
Our friends at the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative are pros when it comes to hosting their annual Holiday Stroll. ✓ Rein-dog Parade ✓ Tree Decorating Contest ✓ Food Vendors ✓ Santa Claus visit ✓ Scavenger Hunt. It's a crowd pleaser. Woonsocket Main Street Holiday Stroll

# data[].attributes.body
Kreatelier on Hope St. in Providence always can be counted on to have a well-designed storefront, and a street of compelling looking shops is key to get people out and walking. Window Shopping? Yes Please! Kreatelier are designers so it's no surprise their shop windows are impressive, but professionals can be hired when those skills aren't found in house.

# data[].attributes.headline
Need Help Decorating a Storefront? There's a store for that. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Need Help Decorating a Storefront? There's a store for that. 

# data[].attributes.body
Check out Sketching Pad in Atlanta who sell stickers custom-designed especially for decorating store front windows. Have other places to recommend? Comment below or share with cstevens@growsmartri.com to post. Seasonal Storefront Window Painting - The Sketching Pad

# data[].attributes.body
WOW. YES PLEASE! This gorgeous ground mural by local artist Rene Gómez at the intersection of Daboll and Public Streets in Providence's Elmwood neighborhood was made possible through the support of the city's department of Art, Culture + Tourism, RI Latino Arts, the Partnership for Providence Parks and Providence Streets Coalition. Reclaimed from a large area of underused asphalt, the plaza helps to slow traffic at the dangerous intersection, while also serving as a pop-up event location for any number of cultural happenings.

# data[].attributes.body
How cool is this appropriately themed crosswalk in front of Woonsocket's Stadium Theater? It slows traffic, promotes safety, and promotes walking . . . or even dancing? Love it.

# data[].attributes.body
Providence Stormwater Innovation Center teamed up with Audobon RI and Providence Public Schools to collaborate on painting murals around city storm drains. The project teaches students and passersby the importance of keeping our water clean, while also making our streets much more fun to walk down. You can take a tour of the completed murals here: Providence Storm Drain Mural Project Tour (arcgis.com)

# data[].attributes.body
Now you see it. Now you don't. It's magic. Mass Poetry and the City of Boston worked together in creating RAINING POETRY.

Using a biodegradable water-repellent spray and stencils made by local artists, the city’s Mural Crew placed poems throughout the streets of Boston. The spray vanishes once dry, so the poems are invisible – until it rains. Once wet, the area around the poems will darken, and Bostonians are treated to short poems as they walk around the city. Love this easy, affordable and totally magical approach to inspire our walkers. Raining Poetry — Mass Poetry

# data[].attributes.body
Everyone knows Boston's Freedom Trail. It's famous for a reason: it gets people walking. It's a 2.5-mile red line painted along the city's sidewalks leading to
16 nationally significant historic sites and markers that together tell the story of the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
"Still Here" by Gaia in Downtown Providence

# data[].attributes.body
Here is Rhode Island you can't talk about Public Art and its impact on walking without mentioning the Avenue Concept which has brought countless amazing murals, sculptures and other works of public art to Providence. The city really has become an open-air gallery or museum. Every work of art is nicely labeled with a QR code where walkers can learn more and engage with a public art walking tour.

# data[].attributes.body
There are endless examples of events that get people walking, but this wildly popular February festival in Providence is a favorite: it gets people out and about and SMILING at the coldest, crummiest time of year. Produced by the Downtown Providence Parks Network, The ongoing nighttime festival LUMINA features brightly lit works of public art, food trucks, music and more. Lumina — Downtown PVD Park Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lumina is Providence's newest winter event. It will transform the heart of the city with light, art, and community spirit, from January 19th to February 20th. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting winter displays of iconic cities like NYC and Montreal, it will connect the Providence Rink BankNewport City Center to the 195 District Park via a light-adorned Dorrance Street and encompass several activities throughout the month.