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Waterplace Park

1 Financial Way, Providence, RI 02903

partly cloudy (43°F)

Last Updated: 5:15pm

The original site of the Great Salt Cove. Finished in 1994, Waterplace Park is connected to 3/4 mile of cobblestone-paved pedestrian walkways along the waterfront known as Riverwalk. Venice-styled pedestrian bridges cross the river. Most of Riverwalk is below street level and automotive traffic. Waterplace Park and Riverwalk together are host to Providence's popular summertime Waterfire events, a series of bonfires lit on the river accompanied by classical and world music.

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Phantogram at #waterplacepark with emceecarl kdzio marielookastar & dmcqu

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Phantogram at #waterplacepark with emceecarl kdzio marielookastar & dmcqu

Making the best of a chilly, cloudy day #ristatehouse 🇺🇸 #waterplacepark #providence

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Making the best of a chilly, cloudy day #ristatehouse 🇺🇸 #waterplacepark #providence

#providence #waterplacepark #summerconcert

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#providence #waterplacepark #summerconcert

#Providence <3 #summer #skyline #sunset #waterplacepark

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#Providence <3 #summer #skyline #sunset #waterplacepark

#waterfireprovidence #enchanted

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#waterfireprovidence #enchanted

History

Today’s Waterplace Park, with its circular lagoon, harkens back to the taming of the great salt cove that 200 years ago stretched from today’s Kennedy Plaza to the bottom of Smith Hill, to Canal Street (once called North Water) on its eastern shore and through the valley between Smith Hill and Federal Hill to the west. The city began filling in and shaping the cove—a process that was eventually driven by the expansions of railroads—and by 1850 the downtown portion of the cove had been tamed into the beginnings of a circle. By the 1880s, the circle was complete, lined by a pedestrian promenade and renamed the Cove Basin. By 1900 the cove had vanished completely. This photo was taken in 1983.

Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.

Map

Waterplace Park is owned and managed by the City of Providence.

La Gondola Providence, Inc.

La Gondola Providence, Inc.

<p>La Gondola Providence, Inc. offers private Venetian-style gondola rides along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, featuring romantic outings, family-friendly trips, and customizable group tours. Guests can choose from trip packages that may include historical narration, live Italian music, and special event options such as weddings, reception cruises, and photo sessions. The company operates seasonally, weather permitting, and provides gift certificates for memorable experiences on the water.</p>

Providence Kayak

Providence Kayak

<p>Providence Kayak offers single and tandem kayak rentals on the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, letting paddlers explore Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and scenic downtown waterways under historic bridges. Rentals start at 45 or 75 minutes, with staff assistance for easy launch and landing plus route and safety guidance. Seasonal operations also include a second location at Lincoln Woods State Park for freshwater paddling on Olney Pond. Booking and gift cards are available online.</p>

STYLEWEEK

STYLEWEEK

<p>STYLEWEEK Northeast is a professional fashion week showcasing emerging and established designers through runway shows, special events, and industry programming in Rhode Island. Founded in 2009 by Rosanna M. Ortiz, it emphasizes the business of fashion, providing branding and marketing support for participants while creating economic impact for the region. The event features designers from across the U.S. and Canada, has been recognized by national organizations, and engages students through the SEED Student Design Challenge in partnership with local schools and universities.</p>

The Woonasquatucket River Greenway

The Woonasquatucket River Greenway

<span data-sheets-root="1">The Woonasquatucket River Greenway is a linear urban trail that runs along the Woonasquatucket River through Providence and into Johnston. It combines on‑road and off‑road bicycle and pedestrian paths, linking parks, community spaces, gardens, and restored industrial land. The project initiated in the early 1990s to revitalize underserved neighborhoods through environmental cleanup, reuse of historic mill sites, and habitat restoration, and has fostered over $300 million in revitalization projects. The path functions as both recreational amenity and commuter route and underpins sustainable infrastructure, including wetland buffers, fish ladders, green stormwater measures, and art installations that reflect community identity.</span>
Track 15 Food Hall

Track 15 Food Hall

<p>Track 15 Food Hall is a contemporary dining destination featuring seven vendors, a rotating selection of 15 local beers, and more than 70 menu items under one roof. Open daily, it blends food, drink, and culture with a regular lineup of events such as karaoke and trivia nights, plus options for online ordering and private gatherings. Located in the Union Station complex, it offers a lively, communal setting for quick bites, casual meetups, and group outings.</p>

Contact Information

Providence Parks Department

1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence RI 02905
Roger Williams Boathouse
providenceri.gov
(401) 680-7201

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🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!

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🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!

Thousands of you joined us in downtown Providence this weekend as we honored Día de los Muertos in partnership with @rilatinoarts, @waterfirepvd, and local artists.

At the Downtown Providence Park Network, our hope was for you to learn and experience the scared Mexican tradition. The bright marigolds, or cempasúchil, guided the spirits home with their color and fragrance. Candles lit their way with warmth and light. Pan de Muerto represented the circle of life and the love that endures. We shared more than 500 pieces baked by the family at @la.artesa.bakery with hot chocolate as families, friends, and visitors gathered to honor their loved ones. The ofrenda held photos, water, and cherished mementos, creating a bridge between the living and the departed. Traditional Mexican dance @grupomisolha filled the evening with music.

Thank you for adding the name of your loved ones to the ofrenda by @alhteran. In Providence, everyone belongs.

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 17945354540938360
Thousands of you joined us in downtown Providence this weekend as we honored Día de los Muertos in partnership with @rilatinoarts, @waterfirepvd, and local artists. At the Downtown Providence Park Network, our hope was for you to learn and experience the scared Mexican tradition. The bright marigolds, or cempasúchil, guided the spirits home with their color and fragrance. Candles lit their way with warmth and light. Pan de Muerto represented the circle of life and the love that endures. We shared more than 500 pieces baked by the family at @la.artesa.bakery with hot chocolate as families, friends, and visitors gathered to honor their loved ones. The ofrenda held photos, water, and cherished mementos, creating a bridge between the living and the departed. Traditional Mexican dance @grupomisolha filled the evening with music. Thank you for adding the name of your loved ones to the ofrenda by @alhteran. In Providence, everyone belongs.

Downtown Providence was filled with light, color, and remembrance as we celebrated Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most beautiful traditions.

Surrounded by marigolds, candles, music, and dancing, we honored life, love, and memory together. The scent of pan de muerto and the warmth of hot chocolate carried the spirit of Mexico through our city. @la.artesa.bakery

It was an honor for us to organize and host this moving celebration and to share this evening of magic and community with all who visited downtown at @waterfireprov

This is Providence — a city that celebrates every culture and every story. Here, everyone belongs. 🌼

If you missed tonight, join @rilatinoarts and @waterfirepvd tomorrow at the Southside Cultural Center at 4:30 for another beautiful celebration of Día de los Muertos. Thank you @alhteran

#DiaDeLosMuertos #DowntownProvidence #CulturaViva #everyonebelongshere

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18075331139268657
Downtown Providence was filled with light, color, and remembrance as we celebrated Día de los Muertos, one of Mexico’s most beautiful traditions. Surrounded by marigolds, candles, music, and dancing, we honored life, love, and memory together. The scent of pan de muerto and the warmth of hot chocolate carried the spirit of Mexico through our city. @la.artesa.bakery It was an honor for us to organize and host this moving celebration and to share this evening of magic and community with all who visited downtown at @waterfireprov This is Providence — a city that celebrates every culture and every story. Here, everyone belongs. 🌼 If you missed tonight, join @rilatinoarts and @waterfirepvd tomorrow at the Southside Cultural Center at 4:30 for another beautiful celebration of Día de los Muertos. Thank you @alhteran #DiaDeLosMuertos #DowntownProvidence #CulturaViva #everyonebelongshere

This Saturday! Ofrenda de Luz: Día de los Muertos at WaterFire — in remembrance and respect

📅 Saturday, November 1 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Along College Street, under the tent
🎟️ Free and open to all

Join the @downtownpvdparks and @rilatinoarts @waterfireprov for Ofrenda de Luz: Día de los Muertos — a heartfelt evening honoring Mexican culture, heritage, and the beautiful tradition of remembrance. @alhteran

Rooted in centuries of Mexican customs, Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed and reminds us to cherish the bonds that continue through memory and community.

Visit the community ofrenda (altar) to write the name of a loved one on a paper calavera and leave a short memory behind.

🍞 Enjoy samples of pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate by @la.artesa.bakery

💃 Meet Catrinas in traditional dress and experience a vibrant dance performance by @grupomisolha at 6:30 PM

Created in partnership with local Mexican and Latino artists and cultural leaders, Ofrenda de Luz honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with gratitude, and love.

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18142830736432520
This Saturday! Ofrenda de Luz: Día de los Muertos at WaterFire — in remembrance and respect 📅 Saturday, November 1 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Along College Street, under the tent 🎟️ Free and open to all Join the @downtownpvdparks and @rilatinoarts @waterfireprov for Ofrenda de Luz: Día de los Muertos — a heartfelt evening honoring Mexican culture, heritage, and the beautiful tradition of remembrance. @alhteran Rooted in centuries of Mexican customs, Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed and reminds us to cherish the bonds that continue through memory and community. Visit the community ofrenda (altar) to write the name of a loved one on a paper calavera and leave a short memory behind. 🍞 Enjoy samples of pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate by @la.artesa.bakery 💃 Meet Catrinas in traditional dress and experience a vibrant dance performance by @grupomisolha at 6:30 PM Created in partnership with local Mexican and Latino artists and cultural leaders, Ofrenda de Luz honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with gratitude, and love.
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

info@downtownparks.org

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