February News
Dear Park-goers,
We hope this newsletter finds you warm, safe, and mostly dug out of the snow on this frosty week! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve been loving reading your stories of getting married and engaged at iconic sites like Temple to Music and of folks solidifying their admiration for the Park in everyday explorations and peaceful moments spent in the outdoor oasis. The results are in: the Temple to Music was voted the most romantic spot by those who took our survey, with the Lover’s Bridge (pictured above) and Japanese Garden close behind. Keep reading for more love stories from Park-goers!
Despite the frigid temps, there are plenty of ways to warm up at the Park this month, from signing up for free Mental Health Mornings at the Botanical Center to quenching your thirst for knowledge with space and history programming at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium. Keep up with your fitness goals at the Gateway Center, too.
As we cross our fingers for spring weather to arrive soon, RWPC is already in the midst of planning another packed year of free programming for all. Help us develop events and activities that you want to see in the Park by filling out aΒ short programming surveyΒ sharing your preferences. Your insights are essential to our process of curating fun and meaningful programming for the communities we serve!
See you at the Park!
The RWPC Team
Programming Spotlight
Take a moment to unwind and connect with others for two Mental Health Mornings on the calendar this winter on February 12 and March 14, 9-10 AM. Join us for an hour of calm in the magical space of the Botanical Center with a relaxed session guided by health expert Sandra Victorino β co-founder of the Latino Mental Health Network of Rhode Island with her own practice β presented by the Roger Williams Park Conservancy. Each session is free, but registration (links below) is required to keep the groups to a reasonable size.
People of RWP
Meet Zach Pona!Β
Zach grew up being greeted by the Mr. Potato Head at the playground entrance and visiting polar bears on snowy days at the Zoo. Today, he captures stunning images of the Park as an aerial photographer and videographer. His favorite subject is the Iron Bridge during fall.
“Every area offers a different experience, which keeps the park feeling fresh and inspiring no matter how many times I visit,” says Zach. “Places like the Japanese Garden and the Temple to Music truly make you feel as though youβve stepped into a different world β quiet, immersive, and completely removed from the city around you.”Β See Zach’s work on Instagram:Β @zachpona.
Share Your Love of RWP!
The Save the Date from Jillian and Adam’s wedding (read more in the article!) | Photo by Danielle Lefebvre Photography
Itβs officially February, which means weβre celebrating Valentineβs Day by spotlighting what Park-goers love most about the Peopleβs Park! Whether itβs remembering exchanging vows at Temple to Music or experiencing the beauty of walking paths with a loved one over the years, Roger Williams Park has been the setting of more than a few real-life love stories. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories!Β Read the article onlineΒ for a few of the ways visitors romanticized their lives at the Park.
New Park Survey
The RWP Conservancy partners with the City of Providence and the Providence Parks Department to host and co-host programming throughout the year. Our programs, activities, and events are designed to serve the diverse needs and interests of the surrounding communities and appeal to a broad audience. Help us continue to sustain, enhance, and activate the Park by filling out this brief survey sharing your thoughts and preferences for future programming!
Happenings in the Park
Save the Date!
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
The Gateway Center
Give Back to the Park
Park Partners
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Islandβs only natural history museum and is home to the stateβs only public planetarium. This month, the Museum is open daily 10 AM β 4 PM, with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM (tickets online), and at 1pm and 2pm February 14-20.
The Museum has many events including Outdoor Adventures,Β Discovery Tykes classes, and other special events.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New Englandβs 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 is open Tuesday β Sunday: 10 AM β 4 PM. They host programming for all ages, including Greenhouse Impressionism painting sessions in the winter, Wee-One Wednesdays, Storytime with Chris, Open Paint Fridays, yoga, Tai Chi, and more!
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel
Itβs always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo, which is home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world. Visit the animals and spend time in the tropical rainforest.
DuringΒ Winter Wonder Days, enjoy half-priced admission during January and February. Don’t miss theΒ Great Backyard Bird CountΒ Feb. 14-26! The Zoo is open Thursday-Monday, 10 AM – 4 PM.
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams ParkΒ is a thriving public space for all. Watch for art and recreational activities like yoga, bachata, hip hop aerobics, Tai Chi, and more β follow theirΒ Facebook pageΒ and website to stay up to date on events!
The Gateway Center is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
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 Conservancyβs mission is to sustain and enhance Roger Williams Park as a vibrant public space for all.
