The parks of Broad Street are perhaps some of the most often overlooked resources along the corridor. From the tower at Jenks Park, to the mill run of Valley Falls, the parks of Broad Street are spots for relaxation and reflection on the shared heritage of the Blackstone Valley. However, many of our parks have not fared well over the years. Signs have faded and access as deteriorated. Fortunately, the value of these parks has not been forgotten. The Broad Street Regeneration Initiative has partnered with the Tourism Council and the Town of Cumberland to help reinvigorate Valley Falls Heritage Park with new signage and a new plan for future maintenance. Chris Caricicfero and the rest of the Cumberland planning department are taking the lead on a new plan to improve visitor experiences now and into the future. At the same time Central Falls has continued its improvement work in Jenks Park. Topping the list of improvements is repainting of the historic umbrella pavilions and rebuilding access to Cogswell Tower, still one of the best views in the Blackstone Valley. In addition to this, October will see the start of what we hope will be a new tradition. On Saturday, the 15th, the BSRI will join with Keep Blackstone Valley Beautiful for a day of music, food and river sports to celebrate the river and raise funds to support KBVB's mission. We at the BSRI are looking forward to supporting these and other efforts to ensure that the parks of Broad Street will continue to provide opportunities for entertainment and education for years to come.

Contact: Dianne Mailoux

Phone: 401-439-6827

Fax: 401-724-1342

E-mail: Keep.BV.Beautiful@gmail..com