Participatory Budgeting Makes an Impact
During the past two years, the residents in Pawtucket and Central Falls have been asked how they would spend $385,000 to improve the health in their community. As part of a pilot project with the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), the Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone launched a Participatory Budgeting program to engage residents to find that answer. After more than 800 suggestions, 11 program plans and two weeks of voting, the community gave their answer. The funding supported outdoor recreation in both communities and delivered a splash pad and renovated play ground in Pawtucket and a state-of-the art outdoor gym to expand a track and recreation area in Central Falls. With the money that remained, the community delivered an anti-stigma campaign to address the cultural conversation around mental health support.
Learn about this program and how it made an impact in the community.
In July, 2022, the RI Department of Health in partnership with EOHHS announced the Participatory Budgeting Pilot.
The residents of Pawtucket and Central Falls voted to approve funding for two projects: a new Sprinkler Water Park & Outdoor Gym Equipment as well as the Mental Health: End the Stigma Campaign.
The outdoor gym was officially opened at River Island Park in October 2024.
WPRI-TV featured the Mental Health Is Health initiative on Street Stories. Read the story here, and watch the segment linked below.
The City of Pawtucket was awarded $670,000 from a RIDEM Grant and EOHHS for further enhancements at John Street Park, where the splash pad will be located.