Rethinking Providence

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Reimagining Theme Parks: The Providence Citywide Amusement Experience

A Vision by Michael English, Blue-Collar Democrat for Mayor

The Concept

Instead of building another expensive, land-consuming theme park like Disney World or Universal, Providence can become the theme park — turning the city itself into an immersive entertainment experience.

Michael English’s proposal envisions a distributed amusement model, where rides, attractions, and themed experiences are strategically located throughout the city, connecting neighborhoods, boosting local businesses, and bringing life to underused spaces.

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Key Features of the Plan

🌆 Citywide Ride Network

• Rides, simulators, and immersive attractions would be integrated into existing buildings and public areas.

• Visitors could travel through the city — by walking, biking, or using a themed shuttle — experiencing rides and attractions at different points.

• Each attraction would represent a different theme, such as:

• Historic Providence Adventure: an indoor virtual reality riverboat ride through the 1600s to today.

• Industrial Revolution Coaster: a small-scale coaster or immersive ride celebrating the city’s blue-collar roots.

• Eco-Future Dome: an indoor “green future” simulation where visitors experience a climate-positive city of tomorrow.

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🏙️ Partnerships with Local Businesses

• Rides and attractions would be interwoven with restaurants, retail stores, and cultural spaces.

• Tourists move through shopping districts, local cafés, and public markets between rides — spending money locally.

• Small businesses could sponsor sections of the park or sell themed products and experiences.

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🌳 Eco-Friendly Design

• Powered by renewable energy and small modular green tech systems, aligning with Providence’s clean energy goals.

• Encourages walking and green transport instead of cars.

• Uses existing buildings and spaces, avoiding massive land clearing or construction.

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🏢 Reimagining the Providence Place Mall & Convention Center

• Transform part of these structures into indoor experience hubs:

• The Providence Place Adventure Core: home to indoor rides, VR attractions, and themed entertainment zones.

• The Convention Center Experience Pavilion: part expo, part interactive museum — connecting visitors to Rhode Island’s history, innovation, and arts.

This could revitalize downtown Providence, draw tourists year-round, and keep residents engaged even during off-seasons.

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Economic & Community Impact

• Creates year-round tourism jobs and new opportunities for small vendors.

• Attracts regional visitors from Boston, Connecticut, and beyond.

• Encourages youth engagement, arts, and technology through ride design and city storytelling.

• Helps reduce retail vacancy downtown while supporting local economic growth.

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A New Model for Urban Amusement

“Why should a theme park take up 40 acres of fenced-in land when the city itself can be the park? Providence can pioneer the first walkable amusement experience in America — fun, sustainable, and community-based.”

— Michael English, Candidate for Mayor of Providence 2026

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