The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree is a public art project installed by The Empowerment Factory in 2021 on the Baldwin Loop Walking Path. On the corner of Newell Avenue and Barnes Street, the three-panel mural depicts a garden with a Wishing Tree made with community members’ most cherished wishes written on each leaf. Colorful recycled bottle caps were used to create the flowers. 

Building the Wishing Tree began in 2020 at The Empowerment Factory’s 4th Annual Healthy Living Community Event. Community members wrote down their most cherished wishes for themselves, their friends and family, their community, and the world to be included on each leaf. Some of the wishes are deeply emotional as the public were looking forward to the day when the pandemic ended so they could be together again, to see loved friends and family, return to school, go back to normal. It stands as a symbol of environmental awareness and hope within our community. 

History of The Baldwin Loop Walking Path 

The Baldwin Loop Walking Path, established in 2017 by The Empowerment Factory, is the first walking path in Pawtucket. It is highlighted during the Healthy Living Community Event each year and has since become a beloved community asset. The path winds through the area surrounding Baldwin Elementary School and features artwork created by community members and local students. 

Residents are encouraged to use the path for exercise and engage in various activities accessed through QR codes placed along the way. Since 2017, the Baldwin Loop Scavenger Walk has been an integral part of the Healthy Living Community Event, promoting both physical activity and community involvement. 

In 2024, The Empowerment Factory will debut new artwork along the path, featuring historic locations throughout Pawtucket. QR codes will provide information on each location, enhancing the educational aspect of the walk. The scavenger walk, scheduled from September 1 to September 7, promises to be a highlight of the 2024 Healthy Living Community Event.