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Waterplace Park

1 Financial Way, Providence, RI 02903

clear skies (44°F)

Last Updated: 4:15am

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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We are SO excited to see waterfireprov back at it! Check out our blog for the full dates scheduled for the 2021 season!

Photo by winslow_j

Share your photos with us by tagging goprovidence and using #goprov

#providence #providenceri #rhodeisland #visitrhodeisland #visitrhody #waterfire #waterfireprovidence

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We are SO excited to see waterfireprov back at it! Check out our blog for the full dates scheduled for the 2021 season! Photo by winslow_j Share your photos with us by tagging goprovidence and using #goprov #providence #providenceri #rhodeisland #visitrhodeisland #visitrhody #waterfire #waterfireprovidence

#providence #rhodeisland #downtown #downcity #waterplacepark #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #photography #picoftheday #photoofday #cityscapes #cityscene

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#providence #rhodeisland #downtown #downcity #waterplacepark #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #photography #picoftheday #photoofday #cityscapes #cityscene

And sometimes I spin fire on a two-foot-wide wall with a 7-foot drop into the water all around me. I`ve slowly worked up the courage to do different more "high-risk" props on here, but, of course, my favorite is always still poi 🙂 #waterfireprovidence #poi #ladiesoftechpoi #firepoi #fireperformer #firedancer #flowarts #circus #providenceri

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And sometimes I spin fire on a two-foot-wide wall with a 7-foot drop into the water all around me. I've slowly worked up the courage to do different more "high-risk" props on here, but, of course, my favorite is always still poi :) #waterfireprovidence #poi #ladiesoftechpoi #firepoi #fireperformer #firedancer #flowarts #circus #providenceri

For some reason I had this in my head to turn my crystal moon bat into this card! I`m hoping to have them in time for Art Mart`s Shop Small Saturday craft show waterfireartscenter Nov. 27th! There`s going to be so many awesome local artists there! Perfect place to shop for the holidays!
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#shopsmall #shoplocal #waterfireprovidence #waterfireartcenter #shopsmallsaturday #batdrawing #cutebat #pastelbat #moondrawing #crystaldrawing #witchyxmas #magicxmas #401artist #witchesofinstagram

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For some reason I had this in my head to turn my crystal moon bat into this card! I'm hoping to have them in time for Art Mart's Shop Small Saturday craft show waterfireartscenter Nov. 27th! There's going to be so many awesome local artists there! Perfect place to shop for the holidays! . . . #shopsmall #shoplocal #waterfireprovidence #waterfireartcenter #shopsmallsaturday #batdrawing #cutebat #pastelbat #moondrawing #crystaldrawing #witchyxmas #magicxmas #401artist #witchesofinstagram

I am the view 😈💚

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#blogger #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #bloggerlifestyle #bloggerlifestyle #blogger #bloggerfashion #water #waterplacepark #waterplaceresidence #placewherewaterfrontmeetsthecity #islamabadgram #islamabadblogger #islamabadian #islamabadstreetstyle #islamabadfood #islamabadgirls #islamabaddiaries

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I am the view 😈💚 . . . #blogger #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #bloggerlifestyle #bloggerlifestyle #blogger #bloggerfashion #water #waterplacepark #waterplaceresidence #placewherewaterfrontmeetsthecity #islamabadgram #islamabadblogger #islamabadian #islamabadstreetstyle #islamabadfood #islamabadgirls #islamabaddiaries

Skyline of Providence #skyline #waterplacepark #providence #providenceri #rhodeisland #newengland #brownuniversity #cityscape #landmark
#travelphotography #getlost #explorer #optoutside #worldshotz #theworldshotz #createexplore #exploretocreate #discoverearth #travelphoto #travelworld #keepexploring #globe_travel #theglobewanderer #roamtheplanet #letsgosomewhere #exploretheglobe #places_wow #instapassport #instatraveling #igtravel

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Skyline of Providence #skyline #waterplacepark #providence #providenceri #rhodeisland #newengland #brownuniversity #cityscape #landmark #travelphotography #getlost #explorer #optoutside #worldshotz #theworldshotz #createexplore #exploretocreate #discoverearth #travelphoto #travelworld #keepexploring #globe_travel #theglobewanderer #roamtheplanet #letsgosomewhere #exploretheglobe #places_wow #instapassport #instatraveling #igtravel

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 💞

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#blogger #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #bloggerlifestyle #bloggerlifestyle #blogger #bloggerfashion #water #waterplacepark #waterplaceresidence #placewherewaterfrontmeetsthecity #islamabadgram #islamabadblogger #islamabadian #islamabadstreetstyle #islamabadfood #islamabadgirls #islamabaddiaries

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𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 💞 . . . #blogger #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #bloggerlifestyle #bloggerlifestyle #blogger #bloggerfashion #water #waterplacepark #waterplaceresidence #placewherewaterfrontmeetsthecity #islamabadgram #islamabadblogger #islamabadian #islamabadstreetstyle #islamabadfood #islamabadgirls #islamabaddiaries

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.

11 Memorial Blvd Parking

11 Memorial Blvd Parking

Paid parking; uncovered lot

50 Exchange Ter, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Cafe Nuovo

Cafe Nuovo

Contemporary American cuisine with river views.

One Citizens Plaza, 1 citizens plaza, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Downtown Historic Walking Tour

Downtown Historic Walking Tour

A tour through downtown Providence's historic sites, showcasing the city's rich architectural and cultural history.
Early Black History Walking Tour

Early Black History Walking Tour

A guided walking tour that explores the early Black history of Providence, highlighting significant landmarks and stories of African American resilience.
Experience Rhode Island Tours

Experience Rhode Island Tours

Offers guided tours of Rhode Island, including historic, cultural, and food tours, giving visitors an in-depth experience of the state.

1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Gondola Tours

Gondola Tours

Gondola rides on the Providence River, offering a romantic and scenic way to experience the city's waterfront, especially during sunset or WaterFire events.

One Citizens Plaza, 1 citizens plaza, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Jacky’s Waterplace & Sushi Bar

Jacky’s Waterplace & Sushi Bar

Sushi and pan asian favorites in a stylish space overlooking the river.

200 Exchange St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Palo

Palo

Tapas bar and lounge with craft cocktails.

3 Steeple St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Providence Ghost Tours

Providence Ghost Tours

Provide Ghost Tours offer eerie walking tours through some of Providence's most haunted locations, with stories of paranormal activity and the city's dark side.

Prospect Terrace, 60 Congdon St, Providence, RI 02906, USA

Contact Information

Providence Parks Department

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

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A heartfelt welcome to our beautiful city, @melaniesutra, and thank you for sharing these magical moments in Providence! Your reel truly captures the charm, vibrancy, and hidden gems that make our city so special. 💕

From the perfect downtown location to world-class theater (@provpacri @thevetsri @trinity_rep) and culinary treasures like @belliniusa’s unforgettable focaccia, Providence has something to inspire everyone!

And for art lovers, highlights like the @splendorofflorence #SottAcqua pop-up and the breathtaking @waterfireprovidence make the city shine even brighter. 🎨🔥

We’re so glad you’ve experienced the magic here, and we hope to see you back soon! Providence is always ready to welcome you.

#TravelInspo #ArtLovers #FoodiesWelcome #DiscoverProvidence

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A heartfelt welcome to our beautiful city, @melaniesutra, and thank you for sharing these magical moments in Providence! Your reel truly captures the charm, vibrancy, and hidden gems that make our city so special. 💕 From the perfect downtown location to world-class theater (@provpacri @thevetsri @trinity_rep) and culinary treasures like @belliniusa’s unforgettable focaccia, Providence has something to inspire everyone! And for art lovers, highlights like the @splendorofflorence #SottAcqua pop-up and the breathtaking @waterfireprovidence make the city shine even brighter. 🎨🔥 We’re so glad you’ve experienced the magic here, and we hope to see you back soon! Providence is always ready to welcome you. #TravelInspo #ArtLovers #FoodiesWelcome #DiscoverProvidence

Last Saturday, we hosted nearly 150 residents on an unforgettable free trip with @savethebayri 🌊🐠🐟diving into the history, science, and beauty of Narragansett Bay and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier.

🚢 As part of the Sott’Acqua: @splendorofflorence program, this experience brought us full circle in understanding the Hurricane Barrier and the critical flood mitigation efforts that protect downtown Providence. Participants of all ages, from 2 to 89 discovered:
🌟 How Hurricane Carol (1954) devastated Providence, leading to the construction of the Hurricane Barrier to prevent future storm surges.
🌊 The depth and ecology of Narragansett Bay, one of Rhode Island’s most treasured natural resources.
🌱 The incredible diversity of life in the Bay, including striped bass, blue crabs, quahogs, and oysters, along with the vital ecosystems of eelgrass meadows and salt marshes that support countless species.

This free program, generously sponsored by the @rifoundation Rhode Island Foundation, brought our community together to learn about our waterways’ fascinating history, delicate ecosystems, and their connection to global efforts in protecting and understanding our natural world. It was an incredible day filled with education, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the Bay’s impact on our daily lives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey to explore, learn, and celebrate the natural beauty and resilience of our backyard! Thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners: @ri_commerce, @providencetourismcouncil, @savethebayri @ting.barnardstudio, @paolinoproperties, @rifoundation, @collettetravel, @repgabeamo, @cityofprovidence, @pvdmayor , @riphilharmonic @downtownpvdparks, @riphilharmonic, @festivapartydesign, @hopeandmainpvd, @providenceact, @accademia_del_maggio, @brownu, @providenceact, @repgabeamo @southcountyri, @liunanewengland @hopeandmainpvd @belliniusa @gracechurchprovidence @ruthdavisassociates @santanderbankus @universityofri, @italyinboston @accademia_del_maggio @pocfoundation.ri @goprovidence and @risdmuseum!

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Last Saturday, we hosted nearly 150 residents on an unforgettable free trip with @savethebayri 🌊🐠🐟diving into the history, science, and beauty of Narragansett Bay and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. 🚢 As part of the Sott’Acqua: @splendorofflorence program, this experience brought us full circle in understanding the Hurricane Barrier and the critical flood mitigation efforts that protect downtown Providence. Participants of all ages, from 2 to 89 discovered: 🌟 How Hurricane Carol (1954) devastated Providence, leading to the construction of the Hurricane Barrier to prevent future storm surges. 🌊 The depth and ecology of Narragansett Bay, one of Rhode Island’s most treasured natural resources. 🌱 The incredible diversity of life in the Bay, including striped bass, blue crabs, quahogs, and oysters, along with the vital ecosystems of eelgrass meadows and salt marshes that support countless species. This free program, generously sponsored by the @rifoundation Rhode Island Foundation, brought our community together to learn about our waterways’ fascinating history, delicate ecosystems, and their connection to global efforts in protecting and understanding our natural world. It was an incredible day filled with education, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the Bay’s impact on our daily lives. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey to explore, learn, and celebrate the natural beauty and resilience of our backyard! Thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners: @ri_commerce, @providencetourismcouncil, @savethebayri @ting.barnardstudio, @paolinoproperties, @rifoundation, @collettetravel, @repgabeamo, @cityofprovidence, @pvdmayor , @riphilharmonic @downtownpvdparks, @riphilharmonic, @festivapartydesign, @hopeandmainpvd, @providenceact, @accademia_del_maggio, @brownu, @providenceact, @repgabeamo @southcountyri, @liunanewengland @hopeandmainpvd @belliniusa @gracechurchprovidence @ruthdavisassociates @santanderbankus @universityofri, @italyinboston @accademia_del_maggio @pocfoundation.ri @goprovidence and @risdmuseum!

Tonight! Experience the magic of Italian opera at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence! 🎶 Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring renowned singers from the Academy of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and your Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Celebrate the Splendor of Florence and the 25th Anniversary of the Friendship Pact between Florence and Providence with opera masterpieces by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and more. This free concert is our gift to you in honor of our 80th Anniversary, made possible by Rhode Island Commerce and our generous partners. Don’t miss this spectacular event!

Thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners: @ri_commerce, @providencetourismcouncil, @savethebayri @ting.barnardstudio, @paolinoproperties, @rifoundation, @collettetravel, @repgabeamo, @cityofprovidence, @pvdmayor , @riphilharmonic @downtownpvdparks, @riphilharmonic, @festivapartydesign, @hopeandmainpvd, @providenceact, @accademia_del_maggio, @brownu, @providenceact, @repgabeamo @southcountyri, @liunanewengland @hopeandmainpvd @belliniusa @gracechurchprovidence @ruthdavisassociates @santanderbankus @universityofri, @italyinboston @accademia_del_maggio @pocfoundation.ri @goprovidence and @risdmuseum!
#HopeAndMain #DowntownMakersMarket #FlorenceMenu #LocalChefs #ItalianCuisine

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Tonight! Experience the magic of Italian opera at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence! 🎶 Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring renowned singers from the Academy of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and your Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. Celebrate the Splendor of Florence and the 25th Anniversary of the Friendship Pact between Florence and Providence with opera masterpieces by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini, and more. This free concert is our gift to you in honor of our 80th Anniversary, made possible by Rhode Island Commerce and our generous partners. Don’t miss this spectacular event! Thank you to our amazing sponsors and partners: @ri_commerce, @providencetourismcouncil, @savethebayri @ting.barnardstudio, @paolinoproperties, @rifoundation, @collettetravel, @repgabeamo, @cityofprovidence, @pvdmayor , @riphilharmonic @downtownpvdparks, @riphilharmonic, @festivapartydesign, @hopeandmainpvd, @providenceact, @accademia_del_maggio, @brownu, @providenceact, @repgabeamo @southcountyri, @liunanewengland @hopeandmainpvd @belliniusa @gracechurchprovidence @ruthdavisassociates @santanderbankus @universityofri, @italyinboston @accademia_del_maggio @pocfoundation.ri @goprovidence and @risdmuseum! #HopeAndMain #DowntownMakersMarket #FlorenceMenu #LocalChefs #ItalianCuisine

🌍✨ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the impactful panel discussion on climate change, co-hosted by the Department of Italian Studies and the Office of Global Engagement at Brown University. We are deeply grateful to our esteemed moderator, Cornelia Dean, and our incredible panelists: April Brown, Enrica Caporali, Manuel Cordero, Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Macarena Gomez-Barris, and Kyle McElroy. Your insights and perspectives on flood vulnerability, infrastructure preservation, climate action, and community resilience were truly enlightening.

Thank you to the scholars, community members, and everyone who engaged in this important conversation, connecting global and local efforts for a more resilient future. #ClimateAction #CommunityResilience #BrownUniversity @brownu @italianstudies_brown

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🌍✨ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the impactful panel discussion on climate change, co-hosted by the Department of Italian Studies and the Office of Global Engagement at Brown University. We are deeply grateful to our esteemed moderator, Cornelia Dean, and our incredible panelists: April Brown, Enrica Caporali, Manuel Cordero, Emanuele Di Lorenzo, Macarena Gomez-Barris, and Kyle McElroy. Your insights and perspectives on flood vulnerability, infrastructure preservation, climate action, and community resilience were truly enlightening. Thank you to the scholars, community members, and everyone who engaged in this important conversation, connecting global and local efforts for a more resilient future. #ClimateAction #CommunityResilience #BrownUniversity @brownu @italianstudies_brown
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

info@downtownparks.org

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