Thursday, November 8, 2012

Click here to see more photos of our Hallowe'en celebration!

Over 700 Celebrate Halloween 2012

Curious how many people it takes to put on an event like the Halloween parade and games in Brown Street Park?  Here goes!!!  Thank you to all Fiends of Brown Street.


Thank you so much for such a wonderful night. From set up, to cleanup, and all the wonderful moments in between, the evening was magical. We were so fortunate to have a semi-dry park and over 700 Fiends come out, on what could have been another stormy night, to celebrate community…because more than anything, that’s what last night was really about.


  • Mayor Taveras, we are so grateful to you and your family for sharing your daughter’s first Halloween with us and for leading our parade. 
  • Ani, Marylee, Jason and Jason, thank you for facilitating the Mayor’s visit and being part of the festivities. Chief Clements, it was wonderful to have your support.  
  • Lt. Ryan, you and your team were extraordinary (loved the costumes). 
  • Beth, thank you and your team for helping to spruce up the park and whisk everything away post party. 
  • Steve, we loved the addition of your Klezmer Group...perfect  music  and costumes for the event. 
  • Missy, Mike, Sasha, Dana and Amanda at Crossfit, thanks for all your help with decorating, the children’s activities, and clean-up. 
  • George and Christie, great obstacle course. Those webs were works of art. 
  • Christie and Lindsey, such fabulous work with the treat bag station. Kara, your wand craft was amazing and very glittery. 
  • Thank you for organizing the Parade route so well and all the behind the scenes work you did. 
  • Cali, the Wheeler School volunteers were priceless (Isabella, Courtney, Steph and Casey). It was wonderful that so many of them had helped out last year, and could lead some of the other volunteers this year. 
  • Amy and Sloane, thank you for all the hay and pumpkins from the Wheeler School…you know we love repurposing at BSP. 
  • Jonathan, thank you and your Parkour RI  friends for monkeying around (literally). We are grateful for the energy you bring to the park and our events. 
  • Brenda, thank you for the donation of the treats for the parade and for organizing the bags so well. Your support means so much to us. 
  • Anna and Pedro, thank you for the chocolate donation and for storing all this stuff in your basement.
  •  Rob, thank you and What Cheer? Brigade for another spectacular parade and party. We hope you had a little fun, too! 
  • Mitty, thank you for the sticky things for the treat bags, the webs and running around for last minute stuff. 
  • Carolyn thank you for the table, set up and beautiful smile. 
  • Bonnie, Chris and Renee (Whole Foods University Heights), that was the most nutritious and beautiful Halloween food display at BSP, ever! Bonnie, we loved that you were a banana. 
  • Mike Kelley, thank you for being the official unofficial photographer. 
  • Meg, thank you for being the unofficial official photographer. 
  • Allison, Ryan and Aiden Gaulthier, thank you for running the games. We love that your family does this together every year. 
  • Molly, thank you for the logo that endures and shifts with the season! 
  • Mike Paradiso, thank you for all of your behind the scenes work to make all of the games run smoothly. 
  • Wright and Jackson, thank you for the awesomely updated catapult and big fun. 
  • Amy, thank you for keeping us updated on the website. 
  • Dan and Heidi, thank you for hosting and treating the band and coordinating such an efficient cleanup. 
  • Kate and Andrew, thank you for your donation to help beautify the park so we can look spectacular all the time. 
  • Amelia, Olive, Alex, Emma, Mei-mei, Sally, Audrey and Maddie, thank you for so proudly carrying the BSP Banner for the Parade. Please let us know if we missed anyone
  • And WENDY who ran the show and made it happen

Here is the photo album!!

FBSP Halloween Parade 2012

Friday, November 2, 2012

A parade led by Mayor Tavares and a record crowd at our Halloween event!
Thank you everyone!





Wednesday, October 31, 2012


Angels and devils, villains and superheroes -- all are welcome at the

5th annual Fiends of Brown Street Park Children’s Halloween Party and Parade

Wednesday, October 31st, from 4p – 5:30p.   Kids can join in on the ghoulish games, creepy crafts and demented decorating projects, while filling up on pizza and healthy snacks.  At 5p, jump in as What Cheer Brigade honks, blasts and bangs their way along a neighborhood parade route.  Consider it a wholesome warm-up to the night’s main event.  Please contact wendy@friendsofbrownstreetpark if you have scary skills you’d like to volunteer.

Sponsored by “Fiends” of Brown Street Park, East Side/Mt Hope YMCA, Crossfit Providence and Whole Foods University Heights, The Wheeler School Students and Providence Athenaeum.
Visit www.friendsofbrownstreetpark.org for more details.

Free, but donations are always nice!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Special thanks to the Met School kids for their help cleaning up the park! 





Sunday, September 2, 2012


Providence has been honored as a "Playful City USA" by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit with a mission to create "great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities." To celebrate, the city's park and recreation, and other venues, will participate in a citywide weekend of play, starting with a Playful Providence kick-off Sept. 7, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., in Burnside Park. The celebration will have playful activities by Providence Children's Museum, R.I. Parkour, R.I. Museum of Science and Art and more, along with music from the Brown University Band, collaborative art projects and a short speaking program.

The activities run throughout the weekend at 21 neighborhood parks and six other play and recreation venues around the city. Playful Providence is planning by the Partnership for Providence, a new group that provides chances for kids to have structured and unstructured play in safe places. To learn more about it all, visit www.providenceparks.org

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Playful Providence
A Citywide Celebration of Play, September 7 - 9, 2012

ProvidenceParksPartnershipThe City of Providence was recently honored as a "Playful City USA" by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play for America's children. The national program recognizes cities and towns that make play a priority and use innovative programs to get children active, playing and healthy.

To celebrate this designation, Providence parks and other recreation venues will participate in a citywide weekend of play, beginning with a Playful Providence Kickoff Celebration held on Friday, September 7, 4:30 - 6:30 PM in Burnside Park. The celebration will feature playful activities by Providence Children's Museum, RI Parkour, RI Museum of Science and Art and more plus lively music from the Brown University Band, collaborative art projects, and a short speaking program.  
Playful Providence activities will continue throughout the weekend, to encourage families to visit new parks and explore new ways of playing.  Events will be held at 21 neighborhood parks and 6 other play and recreation venues throughout the city and include collaborative art, crafts and games, bubble blowing, music, dance classes and other playful fun.
   
Playful ProvidencePlayful Providence is planned by the Partnership for Providence Parks, a new group committed to providing opportunities for children (toddlers to teens) to have structured and unstructured play in safe, healthy spaces that reflect the identity of the neighborhoods in which they live, in collaboration with Providence Department of Parks and Recreation; Providence Department of Arts, Culture + Tourism; Providence Children's Museum; Rhode Island School of Design; Providence parks groups; and other partners. The weekend of events will promote the Partnership for Providence Parks and draw attention to the important role that volunteer groups have in making great places to play.
 Playful-Providence-Map
Click on map for full list of events happening ALL over the city at parks,
playgrounds, museums, Boys and Girl's Clubs, and more!! 

Friday, September 7
3:00 - 9:00 PM 
Events planned at various location around the city. 
Click on map above for details and full list of events happening ALL over the city.

Playful Providence Kick-Off
4:30 - 6:30 PM
Burnside Park (Greater Kennedy Plaza)
Featuring playful activities by Providence Children's Museum, RI Parkour, RI Museum of Science and Art and more plus lively music from the Brown University Band, collaborative art projects, and short presentations by Superintendent Robert F. McMahon and other speakers.
Saturday, September 8
9:00 AM - 6 PM
Events planned at various location around the city.  
Click on map above for details and full list of events happening ALL over the city.


11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Brown Street Park (College Hill)
Super Challenging Obstacle Course with Rhode Island Parkour
Courses for adults and kids
Hosts: Friends of Brown Street Park
www.friendofbrownstreetpark.org
www.facebook.com/pages/Ri-Run-Rijeka-Parkour/190896677592069


Sunday, September 9
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Events planned at various location around the city.  
Click on map above for details and full list of events happening ALL over the city.
Playful Providence Closing Event
"Peter and the Wolf" by RI Philharmonic
4:00-6:00 PM
Neutaconkanut Hill (Silver Lake) 
Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf Concert by RI Philharmonic 
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic and prepare to unwind from the playful weekend with the best views in Providence and some playful music.  
. . . . 

To learn more about the Partnership for Providence Parks and for a detailed listing of events, visit www.providenceparks.org.   

Friday, August 17, 2012


Baby of Brown Street Park Onesies are in!!! 

Designed by youth at Riverzedge, this fundraiser benefits two great organizations--them and us!  

We have 6-12 months, 12-18 and 2T and 3T shirts!!!

Or come purchase at the next concert.  See you there!


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Summer at Brown Street Park

Special Announcement: The August 8 Concert, Double Decker Dance Band, has been rescheduled to August 22.

Classes
All fitness class participants must sign a waiver. Waivers are available from your instructor.
Outdoor exercise classes are underway. Almost all classes are FREE.

* East Side/Mt.Hope YMCAYoga is offered Sunday evenings at 6 PM.
* East Side/Mt.Hope YMCA offers FREE hybrid training classes on Mondays at 5:30 PM.
* FREE Morning Meditation Tuesday mornings at 9 AM (min. age 18).
* 212 Health and Performance.  FREE classes Wednesdays at 4 PM (July 11 - August 1).
* FREE Sandbox Stories and Sing-Along for infants to preschool-aged children Wednesdays at 4 PM.
* FREE OM Kids Yoga Wednesdays at 7 PM (begins July 11).
* Stroller Fit for moms and babies Thursday mornings at 9 AM.
* Parkour in the Park local gymnast and Parkour enthusiast Jon Montalbano is leading FREE parkour classes on Saturdays at 11 AM.
CrossFit Providence is leading their bootcamp program.

Events
2012 Celebrate Providence! Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative 5th Annual FREE Summer Concert Series.  Our “Celebrate Providence!” Neighborhood Performing Arts Concert series kicks off on July 18! Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30pm. Mark your calendar for the following dates:

* August 1, 2012: Tevellus
* August 15, 2012: Joe's Backyard Band
* August 22, 2012: Double Decker Dance Band (Rescheduled from July 18 and Aug 8)
* August 29, 2012: Superchief Trio

The “Celebrate Providence!” Neighborhood Performing Arts Series is presented and sponsored by the City of Providence, Angel Taveras, Mayor, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and the Department of Parks & Recreation. Healthy snacks and beverages from our featured sponsor, Whole Foods University Heights will be available for a small donation. The Food Truck from RISD, Rosie’s will be curbside at all of our concerts this year. We are also grateful to Brown University.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Two New Classes at the Park Today

We've got two new classes starting on 7/11:

212 Health and Performance has a free bootcamp class for adults starting at 4PM today! This should be an awesome workout and lots of fun. Come prepared to work out.


OM Kids has a free yoga class for children ages 5+ at 7PM tonight. Kids love Elyse and her yoga classes so take advantage of this opportunity to stretch, relax and have fun. Bring a mat or towel and some water.

Two New Fitness Classes Starting Today!

212 Health and Performance has a free bootcamp class for adults starting at 4PM today!  This should be an awesome workout and lots of fun.  Come prepared to work out.

OM Kids has a free yoga class for children ages 5+ at 7PM tonight.  Kids love Elyse and her yoga classes so take advantage of this opportunity to stretch, relax and have fun.  Bring a mat or towel and some water.

Friday, July 6, 2012

The Double Decker Dance Band - Playing @ Brown Street Park, 5:30 Wed. July 18, 2012

The Double Decker Dance Band plays afro-pop, reggae, and other dance music. It's led by Liberian-born songwriter, singer, guitarist, and keyboard player Joseph Paye and also includes drummer Matt McLaren, guitarist Chris Monti, bassist Scott Reber, keyboardist Jacob Haller, percussionist Elvys Ortiz, and singer Michelle Brown. They've backed up Sierra Leone sensation Steady Bongo and have opened for the Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars.


The “Celebrate Providence!” Neighborhood Performing Arts Series is presented and sponsored by the City of Providence, Angel Taveras, Mayor, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and the Department of Parks & Recreation. Healthy snacks and beverages from our featured sponsor, Whole Foods University Heights will be available for a small donation. The Food Truck from RISD, Rosie’s will be curbside at all of our concerts this year.

Tevellus - Playing @ Brown Street Park, 5:30 Wed. Aug. 1, 2012


More than your average group, the performance experience becomes a blend of the ancient and futuristic. Tevellus has been constructing a fusion of styles including Middle Eastern, Indian, Funk, Jam, and Jazz - blending up drum Layers from all traditions into a construct of unique, fiery music.



Accompanied by the dance of the captivating Ms Fury, Tevellus takes the audience on a journey of exploration into soundscapes of the worlds cultures and brings them into new spirit. 

Originally formed in 2005 as an acoustic guitar and electronic percussion duo, Tevellus has grown to a full-size troupe, including baglama saz, tabla, sitar, drums, electric guitar, bass, cello, keyboard, various percussion and guest reed and string players. The Tevellus debut was released in 2009, "Blue Star" the bands second album releases spring 2011- both on the band's own Sign 11 label.

The “Celebrate Providence!” Neighborhood Performing Arts Series is presented and sponsored by the City of Providence, Angel Taveras, Mayor, the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and the Department of Parks & Recreation. Healthy snacks and beverages from our featured sponsor, Whole Foods University Heights will be available for a small donation. The Food Truck from RISD, Rosie’s will be curbside at all of our concerts this year.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

July StrollerFit Schedule Changes

Sarah's popular StrollerFit Class on Thursday mornings has a couple of schedule changes for the month of July:
7/12 class will start @ 9:15am

No Class on 7/19 and 7/26 (sorry but Sarah will be out of town)

Classes will resume on Thursdays at 9AM on 8/2

Monday, June 11, 2012

Sunday Yoga Classes begin June 24

The East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA will start offering free yoga classes on Sundays at 6PM beginning June 24 (weather permitting).

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Fitness Classes Underway

There are several fitness classes that are underway at the park already:

  • CrossFit Providence has Boot Camp classes on Tues. and Thurs. at 6AM and 5:30PM.  Try the first class for free.
  • Cat Sutton's popular hybrid training class - a great strength and cardio workout - is happening on Mondays at 5:30PM.  All classes are free and free child care will be provided thanks to the  East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA.  
  • Brad Marston's Tuesday Morning meditation happens at 9AM each week.  (Free)
  • StrollerFit-  a popular new class combing cardio, strength and flexibility for new moms and moms to be.  Taught by Sarah Robinson, an RN and certified prenatal fitness instructor. (Free)
  • Parkour- the parkour group meets each Saturday AM at 11 to practice in the park.  Contact Jon Montalbano for more information. (Free)
Later in the summer look for more free classes from OM Kids, 212 Health & Performance and the East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA.

Monday, May 21, 2012

The YMCA's Hybrid Training/Bootcamp Class scheduled for 5:30PM on 5/21 is cancelled due to weather.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

3rd Annual Spring Fitness Expo @ the Park


3rd Annual Friends of Brown Street Park Fitness Expo.
Saturday, May 19 (see times below)
The Expo is an opportunity to participate in short, 30 minute, versions of some of the fitness classes which will held in the park over the summer.   All events are free.  The day's schedule is as follows:

9 AM CrossFit Bootcamp Class (standard 60 min class for teens and adults)
11 AM  Parkour -weekly group session for teens and adults
12:00 PM Kids' Races - Fun races for kids ages walking to 7+
1:00- 3:00 PM Providence Childrens' Museum Imagination
Playground -best for kids 5-11
2:00 PM  212 Health and Performance Obstacle Course for teens and adults
2:30 PM East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA Bootcamp Class for teens and adults
3:00 PM OM Kids Yoga for kids ages 3+
4:00 PM Silent Meditation

Please join us in celebrating spring, community, outdoor spaces and good health!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Spring has sprung


Earth Day: Community Garden and Main Park April 21st 1:00-4:30 pm

Join us for our annual Earth Day Celebration! This is an opportunity to roll up your sleeves, and help get the park ready for spring. We're looking for volunteers to bring extra perennials for the park, as well as spread mulch, pare back overgrowth, and other miscellaneous gardening activities. A band will provide entertainment, we'll hold an earthworm sale fundraiser, and have local "green" representatives to chat on a variety of topics. We are very excited to do our first lady bug release!

Enjoy the following:
-yoga for kids by OM yoga
-fitness from the Mt. Hope YMCA
-worm release
-ladybug release and fundraiser
-bring perennials, trade perennials!
-music by Joe's Backyard Band
-launch of APPLE orchard--food for the community

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Providence Children's Museum at the Park May 19th!

The Providence Children’s Museum comes to Brown Street Park
Saturday, May 19, 1:00-3:00 PM
Try playful hands-on activities with Providence Children's Museum at Brown Street Park. Free best for children 5-11

Friday, March 16, 2012

Summer Concert Series--This is what Neighborhood is all About!

5th Annual Neighborhood Performing Arts Initiative Summer Concert Series Every other Wednesday in June and July. From 5:30-7:30
While the four concert dates have not yet been finalized, volunteers to staff the concerts are needed! Approximately 3-4 volunteers per event are needed to help set-up our fundraising snack table, staff the table during the two-hour event, and then break-down the table. 30-minute to 60-minute shifts per person are appreciated. This is a great opportunity to enjoy great music, give back to the community, and meet your hungry neighbors! Please email David concerts@friendsofbrownstreetpark.orgif you can help.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Thank you to our supporters

Thank you once again to the grounds crew at Brown University for helping us emerge from the winter and prep our park for the Spring. We are also grateful to Pease Awing for repairing our snow damaged shade sale and to Waste Haulers for taking care of our recyclable. Our trees are especially happy with Bartlett trees fpr all the work they did keeping them healthy this winter. Thanks Crossfit Crew for all you did to prep the park for spring workouts. 

Monday, February 13, 2012

Read about the SPRING Race and Register On-Line

Registration for the Friends of Brown Street Park first, annual SPRING race is now open. Read about the race and register today! Making a commitment to a race is a great way to start getting in shape.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Our linkage with KABOOM!: parks, neighborhoods, identity, revitalization


KABOOM!, a national parks champion and non-profit, liked what they saw coming from Brown Street Park and even included Wendy in a film on the subject as well as a presentation on hor neighborhood partners can revitalize parks....

February 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM EST, 11:00 AM CST, 10:00 AM MST, 9:00 AM PST
(60 minutes)
Neighborhood parks that serve the needs of the folks nearby don't just happen; they have to be nurtured. Join Wendy Nilsson, Chair and Co-Founder of Friends of Brown Street Park, and Beth Charlebois, Director of Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Services in Providence, RI, to explore the makings of an effective relationship between community groups and city parks departments. Based on their experience revitalizing Brown Street Park in Providence, RI, Wendy and Beth lead listeners through ten steps to becoming partners in neighborhood parks, including ideas for how to engage communities, gather resources, and develop a unique identity for your park that reflects the identity tof your neighborhood. 

Monday, January 2, 2012

the SPRING Road Race

Saturday, May 12 is race day so mark your calendars!

Planning is underway for the first annual SPRING (Supporting Parks and Recreation In Neighborhoods so they Grow) 10K/5K and kids' races. The 10K/5K loop course will take runners through the beautiful East Side of Providence.

Proceeds will benefit the Brown Street Park and Mt. Hope Learning Center. Online registration should be available by January 23, 2012. If you're interested in sponsoring, volunteering or learning more please contact Race Director Kara Kelley.

2023 Fiends of Brown Street Park - Halloween Party + Parade

  The beloved Brown Street Park Halloween Party and Parade is back again this year! The spook-tacular festivities begin in the park starting...