Roger Williams Park
Southern Providence welcomes all to the expansive Roger Williams Park. A true city park and designated National Historical District, it has been aptly called the ‘Jewel of Providence.’ In 1871, the Betsey Williams estate donated this 427-acreage to Providence. A descendent of founder Roger Williams, her family’s 1773 farmhouse (the Betsey Williams Cottage) and family burial ground are both located here. Historical tours of this and other sites are available.
Noted landscape architect, Horace Cleveland, designed the Park in 1878 to include miles of walkways, roads, bridges, open spaces, and gardens. Among them are the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the Japanese Gardens, and the Victorian Rose Gardens (a favorite spot for wedding photos). The Botanical Center is considered New England’s largest public indoor garden with two greenhouses, a pond, and waterfall.
The Park offers seven lakes (approximately 98 acres) which give visitors the chance to rent and enjoy kayaks, canoes, and the ever-favorite swan paddle boats at the Dalrymple Boathouse. The Bandstand, an exact replica of the 1915 original, provides concerts and is found on Roosevelt Lake. All can enjoy an electricity-powered tour of the Park on a 21-foot launch located behind the Boathouse.
Families will appreciate the children’s Carousel Village that includes the ‘Hasbro Boundless Playground’ which is handicap-accessible for children. Another chance to relax is provided at the Temple to Music; a place for concerts, festivals and friendly gatherings.
The completely restored Roger Williams Park Casino, an example of Colonial Revival architecture originally built in1896, is a perfect place for weddings, reunions, and special events with its second-floor ballroom and first floor dining, dancing and reception area.
Roger Williams Park Zoo is the third oldest zoo in America (1872) and is a main attraction with over 1,000 animals representing 139 species housed in naturalistic settings. It boasts over two million visitors annually. The renovation of 2008 expanded the popular polar bear exhibit, installed a 'Hidden Zoo' veterinary hospital and clinic, and a family adventure trail. In 2009, a butterfly exhibit was introduced. This and other special, seasonal events are scheduled throughout the year. It was the first New England zoological park to receive accreditation from the American Zoological Association (1986).
When you are on vacation make sure you stop by and pay a visit to Roger Williams Park, you will not be disappointed.
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Deb Grimaldi
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980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
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