East Providence, RI

East Providence was first settled by Roger Williams and his followers in 1636, after he had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

When, only months after arriving there, Williams was informed that the area was actually in Massachusetts, he was forced to move again to the area now occupied by the city of Providence. East Providence continued to be part of Massachusetts for over 200 years until 1861 when the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that its boundary line be relocated to fall within the borders of Rhode Island.

1. John Lewis Park

This small waterfront park has views to India Point and the Seekonk River and is located adjacent to East Providence Yacht Club at the terminus of Mauran Avenue at Pier Road. Parking is available.

  • Handicap access, picnic tables/ benches, trash receptacles

2. Bold Point Park

This city park on the east side of the Providence River has a good boat ramp and a sturdy dock. The 2.1-acre park is nicely landscaped and has a great view of the Providence waterfront. Plenty of on-site parking is available. Located on Pier Road, just south of Exit 4 from I-195. Fishing is prohibited.

  • Handicap access, picnic tables/ benches, trash receptacles

3. Veterans' Memorial Parkway

The west side of the parkway has three separate parking areas, all on bluffs, with sweeping views of the Providence River and the Providence waterfront. These scenic overlooks are ideal spots to park your car and eat lunch. Further south on the parkway, Squantum Woods Park offers picnic areas and trails that overlook a coastal cove and tidal marsh. These park areas are connected by the East Bay Bicycle Path.

  • Handicap access, picnic tables/ benches, trash receptacles

4. East Bay Bicycle Path-Riverside Square Leg

This popular state bike path currently starts at India Point Park in Providence and passes through East Providence, Barrington, Warren, and Bristol along the old railroad bed. There is a small park just off the bike path at Vintner Avenue consisting of a tot lot, basketball court, and picnic tables. Parking is available.

  • Handicap access, concessions, wildlife observation, trash receptacles

Fig: Sabin Point Park5. Sabin Point Park

Located at the end of Shore Road, this waterfront park commands sweeping views of the upper Bay. Facilities include a boat ramp, dock, lighted basketball courts, a tot lot, covered picnic tables, and plenty of on-site parking.

  • Fishing, hiking/walking, trash receptacles

6. Providence Avenue Playground

Located on Providence Avenue, which begins at Crescent View Avenue across from Crescent Park, on the north end of Bullock Cove, this park has a baseball diamond and basketball courts. The waterfront area of the park has not been developed, but there are wooded paths at the far end of the parking lot leading to the shore. Plenty of on-site parking is available.

  • Picnic tables/benches, trash receptacles

7. Beach Road Extension

This city right-of-way on the North end of Bullock Point has a long sandy beach that is well suited for walking, but is presently deemed to be unsafe for swimming, due to bacteria levels in upper Narragansett Bay.

  • Trash receptacles

Fig: Crescent Park8. Crescent Park

This city park is on the site of the former Crescent Amusement Park, a favorite summertime stop for steamboats loaded with city residents during the 1890s. The only ride remaining is the Looff Carousel, circa 1895. The park features plenty of onsite parking. The carousel runs noon to 9 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday in the summer. Access to the park is from Crescent View Avenue.

  • Handicap access, picnic tables/ benches, concessions, toilets, trash receptacles

9. Rose Larisa Memorial Park

This 10.6-acre city park is located across the street from Crescent Park, on the west side of Bullock Point Avenue, overlooking Narragansett Bay. It features walking trails, benches, picnic areas, lawns, scenic overlooks, landscaping, and a 1,280-foot public beach, accessible by two wooden staircases, and is open from Easter to Columbus Day. Parking is available.

  • Trash receptacles

10. Bullock Cove Access

This site on Carousel Drive offers a grass path down to a marsh area on Bullock Cove. Though no parking is available, it is a short walk from the Looff Carousel and its parking lot.

  • Wildlife observation