Buttonwoods/Old Buttonwoods Neighborhood
Located in the West Bay area of Warwick is a neighborhood known as Old Buttonwoods. Buttonwoods is the name of a type of tree found mainly on shorelines and is a clue to the mystery of the place. Originally founded as a summer colony in 1871 by a Rev. Moses Bixby as a retreat spot for his congregation, the locale has a picturesque view of Greenwich Bay. The makeup of the area is multi-denominational these days but the community feel is still friendly and easy-going.
During the Reverend’s days, there were only summer cottages dotting the cove view. The Buttonwood area still sports the same view but with a mix of older and contemporary housing. These range from cottages to Victorian homes to larger shingled bungalows in the Arts and Crafts style. Many of the original cottages were removed during the housing boom of the 2000s.
Back in 1872, the Buttonwoods Beach Association was formed to oversee ownership and use of the beachfront. It owns a non-denominational chapel on 9th Avenue and Janice Road. Today, the Association primarily organizes activities and celebrations for residents ranging from pot-luck dinners to children’s art and crafts lessons. Most of the indoor activities take place in the Casino, owned by the Buttonwoods Fire District, and available for private events. The Casino has a stage and two bowling alleys. Tennis courts and a playground are nearby along with a well-maintained ball park.
The Buttonwoods City Park gives residents a quiet, cozy beach that they can enjoy without long car trips or crowds. It is a beachfront that is perfect for relaxing on a park bench, enjoying the passing sailboats or, of course, swimming off the sandy shoreline. And for a healthy trek, there are bike and walking paths meandering through wooded areas. Not to mention joggers galore. During the height of the summer, the park is reserved for Warwick residents.
Across Buttonwoods Cove, although not part of Old Buttonwoods, is Warwick City Park, which includes three baseball fields, picnic areas and shelters, three-miles of paved bicycle paths, and tennis courts.
We think that Rev. Bixby would be pleased to see his Old Buttonwoods neighborhood is still thriving.
Keeping you informed every step of the way.
Please visit me at www.CranstonLive.com
Deb Grimaldi
Re/Max 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Avenue
Cranston, RI 02910
(401) 837-9633
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