Letter of recognition, gratitude, best wishes

To the Editor:

We would like to pass along our best wishes to N. David Bouley upon his retirement and health battle. Our prayers and thoughts will be with him.

David’s distinguished career as a professional urban planner actually included a stint as Planning Director in Cumberland in the early 1990’s through 1997. Of many important projects he managed here during his tenure, there is one in particular that we find to be most amazing.

Valley Falls Heritage Park is built upon the remnants of the historic Valley Falls Company textile mill. The company ceased production at the beginning of the Great Depression and the building structures were disassembled in the 1930’s.

In the early 1990’s David Bouley championed a vision he had for an incredible adaptive re-use of this historic site. Partnering with the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, RIDOT, RIDEM and others, David was able to transform this site into a fine public park which celebrates the American Industrial Revolution. He was instrumental in secure $1.7 million through Federal Highway authorizations and other grants.

The Shea Bridge (1886), was relocated from Smithfield to the site. The canals and sluices which previously fed the water tur- bines now lie exposed for visitors to see. Some of the 19th century archway architecture remains partially intact, and are complemented by interpretive signage to teach visitors about the construction and operation of the mills.

Today, the park is a jewel on the banks of the Blackstone River. Rhode Island owes a debt of gratitude to David for his wonderful legacy project.

—Cumberland Planning Director Jonathan Stevens

—Cumberland Mayor William S. Murray

—Former Cumberland Planning Director Mike Philips