About the lab
The Regenerative Community Design Lab is an exciting collaboration between the University of Rhode Island’s Landscape Architecture Program and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Urban & Community Forestry Program, where students and faculty are partnering with communities across the state to breathe new life into local green spaces.
Launched in 2024, the URI RCDL brings together talented landscape architecture students to develop conceptual designs that promote sustainable, healthy, and inclusive public spaces. Working hand-in-hand with municipalities and non-profits, the lab helps translate community needs into clear, actionable design visions that can support future funding and implementation.
Mission:
The URI Regenerative Community Design Lab advances equitable, community-driven design that addresses environmental challenges through nature-based, resilient solutions. We partner with Rhode Island communities to create greener, healthier, and more connected places while preparing the next generation of landscape architects to lead with purpose and care.
Awards:
We’re proud to share that the URI Landscape Architecture Regenerative Community Design Lab (RCDL) has been awarded the 2025 APA–RI Student Award for its work on the Jaycee Arboretum and Senator Roch Riverwalk in West Warwick.
Project Leads:
- Jane Buxton, Program Director, URI Regenerative Community Design Lab
- Nancy Stairs, Program Supervisor, RIDEM Division of Forest Environment
- Robert Allard, Program Coordinator, RIDEM Division of Forest Environment
- Jack Lancellotta, Executive Director, West Warwick Jaycees Alumni Association
- Ron Halloway, Chairman, Jaycee Arboretum Project
- Dersel Auparay Bonai, URI Landscape Architecture Student Designer
- Stephanie Nordhoff, URI Landscape Architecture Student Designer
- Katherine Ruzzo, URI Landscape Architecture Student Designer
This award celebrates the program’s commitment to regenerative, community-driven design and highlights the impact of collaborative partnerships between students, state agencies, and local organizations.
Current Projects:
Expanding Access to Outdoor Learning and Recreation at Narducci – 2025 In Progress
In the northeast corner of the Narducci Learning Center lies a 1.5-acre wooded area with untapped potential. Formerly home to the Windmill Street School, which was closed in 2012 and later renovated in 2022 as a temporary learning space, the site now offers a unique opportunity for transformation. This project envisions the creation of a mixed-use greenspace that will serve as an outdoor learning environment for thousands of Providence students, while also providing valuable recreation space for the surrounding neighborhood. Nestled within an urban context, the revitalized area would not only support environmental education and wellness but also play a critical role in advancing Providence’s commitment to the national 10-Minute Walk campaign—ensuring that every city resident has access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home.
Completed Projects:
Transforming Elm Street in Cumberland – 2025
Elm Street, located in the heart of Cumberland, was nominated by Principal Planner Abby McVerry for design support from the URI RCDL. The initiative centered on transforming this corridor into a vibrant, sustainable, and pedestrian-friendly public space. Project goals included introducing green infrastructure and landscaping to manage stormwater, mitigating heat island effects, and increasing environmental resilience. The effort also sought to enhance the street’s aesthetics, strengthen neighborhood identity, and improve the overall quality of life for both residents and visitors—reclaiming Elm Street as a dynamic and welcoming community space.
Strengthening Connections at Charlestown Town Hall – 2025
Located at 4540 South County Trail, the Charlestown Town Hall and adjacent Pulchalski Field serve as important civic and recreational spaces in the community. Nominated by Town Planner Sean Henry, this site was selected for targeted improvements that balanced function, access, and environmental resilience. The URI RCDL team was asked to address several key priorities: mitigating erosion around the front and rear elevations of the Town Hall, improving accessibility to the nearby World War II memorial, enhancing visibility and presence of the Town Hall sign currently obscured by vegetation, and exploring options to expand parking capacity during football games. Together, these improvements aimed to reinforce the site’s civic identity and better support community gatherings.
Reimagining the Riverwalk at Riverpoint Park – 2024
Located at 106 Hay Street in West Warwick, the project site lies within the heart of Riverpoint Park—a vibrant community landscape that includes the Jaycees Riverpoint Corridor/Arboretum and the Senator Donald E. Roch Riverwalk. At the request of the Town’s Public Works Department, this effort focused on enhancing the experience and accessibility of the Riverwalk. Key priorities included revitalizing the main entry structure, addressing erosion along the path leading to the fishing area, and improving the condition and appeal of the fishing spot itself. These enhancements aimed to reconnect the community with its natural assets and reinforce the Riverwalk as a welcoming, resilient public space.
Revitalizing Rocky Brook Reservoir – 2024
Situated along the primary gateway into Peace Dale, Rocky Brook Reservoir is the most prominent of the area’s three ponds. Framed by Kingston Road and Dam Street, this highly visible site was identified by the South Kingstown Parks and Recreation Department as a priority for improvement. The focus of this effort centered on enhancing the existing parking area, creating a more inviting and accessible connection to the adjacent green space and transforming the underutilized grassy area into a more welcoming and visually appealing part of the landscape.