PROVIDENCE – The Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, a public-private partnership formed to preserve and revitalize Providence’s historic downtown area, broke ground on a new playground in Burnside Park on Thursday. The playground will be called Brandon’s Beach, named in memory of Brandon Goldner, son of Barbara Goldner and Hasbro Chairman and CEO Brian Goldner.
“Some of our greatest memories were with our son and family at a park that was located on a beach,” said the Goldners in a statement. “We felt it would honor Brandon to recreate that joy for other children and families here in the center of Providence.”
According to the DPPC website, the park represents a $500,000 investment funded by family and friends of the Goldner family.
The park will be nautical themed, designed by Rhode Island native Tiffany Rodrigues. The design is inspired by the Ocean State and the former historical Port of Providence, where large ships would dock in the Providence River.
“This new destination playground is an important contribution to Burnside Park and enhances the feeling of community in our historic Downtown,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in a statement on Thursday. “It’s not only an investment in our vibrant parks, it’s an investment in Providence’s families, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation and creative play for all children in our city.”
Construction of the park is expected to be completed by late summer 2017. The playground is designed to cater to kids from ages 2-10.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
