It starts with a river, but it’s really about everything that grows around it. In Johnston, the Woonasquatucket River Greenway has quietly become one of the region’s most impactful success stories, and now residents are being asked to help write its next chapter.
For more than 20 years, the Greenway has turned overlooked stretches of land into vibrant community assets. What many see as a scenic bike path is actually a powerful driver of economic growth, environmental protection, and neighborhood pride. From stabilizing riverbanks to planting pollinator habitats, each project has layered new value into the community.
“The riverbank was eroding heavily in this area,” says Mark Pereira, civil engineer for the Watershed Council, recalling a recent $1 million stabilization effort near Greenville Avenue. “A failure could have been catastrophic, impacting thousands of commuters and nearby businesses. That’s why we made it a priority.”…