JON FORD

What is your favorite park or conservation area?

 A favorite park close to home (and the HW PVD office) is Grants Block in Downcity. A small urban “pocket park” that does so much as a hub for the neighborhood. Beautiful, functional, and green!

What is your favorite city?

J’adore Paris. Mes enfants parlent francais (pas moi), et c’est amusant de les voir parler avec de vrais parisiens, et en plus l’architecture et urbanisme sont magnifiques!
(I love Paris. My children speak French (me – only a little), and it’s fun to see them talking with real Parisians, and on top of that the architecture and urban planning are beautiful!)

Do you donate time to a community organization you find particularly meaningful?

I have been on the Board of Directors of CNU New England (supporting good urbanism in New England) and the Blackstone Parks Conservancy (partnering with the City of Providence to take care of Blackstone Boulevard and Blackstone Park Conservation District) for many years.

Perfect day off

A perfect vacation day is exploring a new city by foot, of course with stops to sample local coffee, food, beer, and music.

Favorite book

“The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs had (and still has, over 60 years later) tremendous influence on American cities and the professions of planning and engineering.

Favorite song

I’m a devotee of alt/rock/punk, but my favorite song is “Sweet Jane” by The Velvet Underground. Some serious Lou Reed magic!