Waterplace Park

Explore this urban park in downtown Providence, Rhode Island.

Waterplace Park was once a large body of water. In the 1700s, warehouses lined Main Street; then, the 1800s brought railroad lines and terminals. The railroad companies were allowed to establish a depot on conditions that they would pay to build a public park around the rest of the Cove - which they did. Walkways and shady trees transformed this into a beautiful green space downtown. However, with no sewage treatment system until the 20th century, the nearby rivers acted as the sewers. Eventually, the circular tidal basin became Waterplace Park and was officially established in 1994.

This park encompasses four acres and features a collection of cobblestone walkways, plazas, pedestrian bridges, gondolas, and an old train station. Waterplace Park has a 3/4 mile cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkway along the waterfront, known as the Riverwalk. Most of the Riverwalk is below street level and has Venice-style bridges for pedestrians to cross the river. There are restaurants nearby, plus concerts and other activities hosted at Waterplace Park. One of the most popular events is WaterFire. If you're passing through Rhode Island, Waterplace Park is a must-see.