Blanche Higgins, Supervising Planner
Nancy Hess, Principal Environmental Planner
Kevin J. Nelson, Principal Planner
Greenways Council
In Memoriam
Ann O’Neill
Chair, R.I. Greenways Council, 1996-2003
It is with profound sadness that all friends of the Greenways movement in Rhode Island view the passing on December 16, 2003 of Ann O'Neill. While best known for presiding over the South County Tourism Council, many of us knew and will remember Ann as the first and only Chair of the R.I. Greenways Council. When asked by former Governor Almond in 1996 to assume the leadership of the new Council, Ann accepted without hesitation, and, in six active years as Chair, in spite of a full plate of professional and family responsibilities, gave unselfishly of her time and energy to advance the Greenways cause in Rhode Island.
When the Council was formed in 1995, the "greenways" concept was not widely known or well understood by the public in Rhode Island, and few people saw the potential of the big picture -- a vision of a statewide greenways system. Ann was keenly aware of the magic in that vision, and of the promise it held for our state -- she vigorously embraced it as part of her own work and mission.
From the very first meeting, the Greenways Council, under Ann, was different from many other State bodies -- everyone who was interested was welcomed to pull up a chair, roll up their sleeves, and get involved in shaping and working towards the greenway system goals. Ann's graciousness and sincerity brought out the best in all who had the privilege to know her, and resulted in tangible accomplishments -- the first statewide greenways map, convening of six statewide Greenways Congress sessions, a $15 million Greenways State Bond Issue in 1998, and over $5 million in local grants issued in 1999 and 2002.
The efforts of the Council under the leadership of Ann O’Neill, brought about a greater public understanding and appreciation of greenways, and most enduringly, dramatic progress in getting greenways dedicated on the ground in Rhode Island. Today, the Council's pioneering efforts are being carried forward through the work of the R.I. Greenways Alliance, involving many of the Council's early supporters and followers, as well as numerous statewide and local groups working towards realization of a statewide, interconnected greenways system.
The entire greenways movement mourns the loss of a
great friend and leader; we will miss Ann dearly. On behalf of the Greenways
Council, we express our appreciation for Ann O'Neill's life and for the
opportunity to work with and learn from her, and extend our deepest sympathy
to Ann's family and friends for their loss.