July News
July is heating up at Roger Williams Park with a full schedule of fun happenings to add to your calendar! Free concerts bring regional and global talent to the Boathouse Lawn while leisurely swan boat rides and chess lessons invite you to unwind outside. No matter how you experience the Park, these are summer memories in the making!We’re excited to share that the vibrant Gateway Center recently earned a prestigious National 2025 AIA Small Project Award (American Institute of Architects) for its design excellence as a welcoming connection between Broad Street and the Park! Contributing to sustainable and inclusive placemaking, the Gateway Center is Providence’s first net-zero building, and it connects the community by way of bike, foot traffic, and transit routes. Stop by and take a selfie the next time you’re visiting the Park!
Watch for two FirstWorks Summer Beats concerts this month, a family-friendly movie night, Mental Health Morning at the Botanical Center, a cleanup with Save the Bay, and much more. Plus, save the date for the Roger Williams Park Pops Concert on August 6! Read on for even more events and highlights.
See you soon in the Park!
Upcoming Events
People of RWP
Meet Richard Riccio and John Goff!
Richard, the Botanical Center Supervisor at RWP, grew up in Federal Hill and has worked for the Providence Parks Department for 36 years. He loves witnessing all seasons at the Park, but early- to mid-June is his favorite time as almost everything is in bloom at the Botanical Center.
A mechanic by trade, John has worked for the Parks Department for over 14 years, with the bulk of that time at RWP. He does not take for granted the diversity of wildlife present, from sunning turtles to the occasional coyote, and all the nature right within the city.
Even though their presence in the Park is not strictly for leisure, on any given day you can find Richard and John taking a walk during their break, enjoying the health benefits of being outside. If you see them, say hi! Theyโre a small part of the mighty Parks Department crew who take care of over 100 parks, including our beloved RWP.
Inspiration
This month, we’re inspired by our friends at the Downtown Providence Parks Network (DPPN)! They’ve been working on a really exciting project for the past two years that just recently launched: the beautiful Wayfinding Project that visually connects downtown parks through dynamic original graphics with a message of belonging for all.
Designed by Tatiana Gรณmez and Josรฉ Menรฉndez of Buena Grรก๏ฌca Social Studio, over 200 banners help connect visitors to their surroundings, stretching from Point Street Bridge to Waterplace Park, along with Biltmore Park, Burnside Park, and Kennedy Plaza. QR codes on banners connect to an interactive map, created by Ben Laudicano of Local Robot, event schedules, cultural highlights, and more. It’s such a wonderful addition to downtown! Learn more about DDPN’s Wayfinding Project online.
Summer Pops 2025
Save the date!ย On Wednesday, August 6 at 7:30 PM (rain date: August 7), theย RWP Summer Pops Concertย takes place at the Temple to Music, featuring the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performing “Don’t Touch that Dial: TV Classics” with conductor Troy Quinn. The Rhode Island Foundation and Citizens are presenting sponsors of this free community event, with support from the Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism; the Providence Tourism Council; the Roger Williams Park Conservancy; and the Providence Parks Department. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the surrounding lawn for an evening of music and delicious bites from food trucks!ย Visit our calendar to learn more.
More Happenings in the Park
Volunteer
Park Partners
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Islandโs only natural history museum and is home to the stateโs only public planetarium. Summer hours are 9:30 AM โ 3:30 PM, daily; Planetarium shows daily at 1pm (purchase tickets online).
The Museum has many events including monthly Bird and Plant walks & Discovery Tykes classes and other special events.
The museum is temporarily closed for construction, reopening on Monday, July 7.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New Englandโs largest glasshouse display garden, the Botanical Center is a wonderful place to enjoy and explore, with so much to see inside and outside this magical space.
The RWP Botanical Center has weekly Wee-One Wednesdays, as well as other engaging programs, like Storytime with Chris, Ask a Hort, Open Paint Fridays, soil testing, Greenhouse Jazz, and more!
Find out more about the RWPBC and happenings for all ages on their website.
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel
Itโs always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo, which is home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world. Come visit the animals and spend time in the Zoo’s tropical rainforest.
Be sure to get tickets toย Return of the Dinosaurs, through August 10.ย Food Truck Fridays are every Friday at Carousel Village.
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park
Have you visited the Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park? It is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.
The Gateway Center is a thriving public space for all. Follow the website link below and their social media to keep up to date.
The Roger Williams Park Conservancy is a nonprofit partner to the City of Providence Parks Department and works to boost, amplify and support all of Roger Williams Park and the park venues. The Conservancyโs mission is to sustain and enhance Roger Williams Park as a vibrant public space for all.
