June News
Dear Park-goers,
If you need convincing that summer in Rhode Island has arrived, head over to the Roger Williams Park Boathouse Cafe for a waterside drink, flatbread, and ice cream, and let the stress melt away! They officially reopened over Memorial Day weekend (follow for hours), and will be here all season, backdropping a can’t-miss lineup of fun at the park!
This month brings more Partner Peace Walks every Friday, a Save the Bay cleanup, and the next installment of Groovin’ Summer Movies (plus karaoke and Food Truck Friday!), and just around the corner in July are two FirstWorks concerts to add to your calendar. Our park partners have tons of programming in store, too, including a Concert Under the Stars with the Museum of Natural History, an animal encounter at the Botanical Center, Stormwater Innovation Center’s interactive watershed tour, fitness programming at the Gateway Center, giant bugs at the Zoo, and much more.
We’re excited to present an exclusive boat-side interview with our outgoing Board Chair, Joe Pari, talking about all things Roger Williams Park, including our biennial fundraiser, Rosé in the Roses. There’s still time to get your tickets, but the window closes this Friday, June 5! You won’t want to miss out on Providence’s garden party extraordinaire!
Keep reading for more fun ways to enjoy Roger Williams Park this summer!
The RWPC Team
Abbie, José, and Melissa
Upcoming RWPC Events
Swan Stories
Come along for a boat ride on Pleasure Lake with RWPC’s José Ramirez and Abbie Lahmers, interviewing outgoing RWPC Board Chair Joe Pari about Roger Williams Park’s history, the founding of the Conservancy, some of his favorite memories and projects, and, of course, Rosé in the Roses on June 11 at the Botanical Center!
With delicious bites by Russell Morin Catering and French macarons from Ellie’s Bakery, wine and other celebratory beverages, live music from Ashley Frith and Luis Gilberto, mahjong with The Gilded Birds, high-energy sounds from Providence Drum Troupe, living art by TEN31 Productions, fun games and prizes, and the scenic bliss of the Botanical Center and Rose Maze – this year’s Rosé in the Roses will be the best yet! And every ticket benefits the Conservancy’s work stewarding and bringing free programming to the park.
People of RWP
Meet Joe Pari!
Outgoing Board Chair Joe Pari is the reason RWPC exists today! His idea, which he brought to the Rhode Island Foundation, eventually turned into a massive fundraiser supporting the Conservancy’s endowment and capital improvement campaigns. Now in its 10th year, RWPC continues to champion everything that makes the park great. “That’s really what I’m most proud of,” says Joe, “that we’re able to communicate all of these great things that are going on and be the biggest spokesperson for Roger Williams Park.”
Joe has been visiting the park since he was young, and fondly remembers playing croquet with friends and “playing hooky” at the zoo as a teenager. “To see the park from the water is something really special that everyone should take advantage of, whether it’s on this electric boat or on the Swan Boats,” he shares.
Programming Spotlight
Movies in the Park with Providence Children’s Film fest returned to the Boathouse Lawn in May with a brand-new theme: Groovin’ Summer Movies! These toe-tapping, music-forward films are great for all ages, and as always, screenings are totally free to attend (popcorn included!). Happening on the first Fridays of every month through September, you can also swing by Food Truck Friday for dinner, catch a round of karaoke before the film starts, and then lay out a blanket for movie night. Films begin when the sun sets.
Donor Event Recap
Thank you to all of our #401Gives donors and Roger Williams Park Conservancy supporters who came out for our Donor Appreciation Party last Thursday, May 27! It was a wonderful chance to meet and mingle with new supporters and long-time park-lovers alike – and to take a walk to visit our new Conversation Nooks. Thanks to funding from AARP Rhode Island, these groups of 2-3 Adirondack chairs placed around the park encourage connection in the outdoors. Stop by the park’s new best seats in the house next time you’re visiting!
More Events at the Park
RWP Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
RWP Zoo & Carousel Village
Volunteer at the Park
Park Partners
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
The Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and is home to the state’s only public planetarium. Spring hours: the Museum is open daily 10 AM – 4 PM, with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM (tickets online).
The Museum offers a variety of programming, including Outdoor Adventures, Discovery Tykes classes, and other special events.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New England’s 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 – Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM. They host programming for all ages, including Greenhouse Impressionism painting sessions in the winter, Wee-One Wednesdays, Storytime with Chris, yoga, Tai Chi, and more!
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel
It’s 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.
From April 11 through August 9, see the Zoo from an insect’s perspective during A Bug’s World, featuring giant big installations! The Zoo is open daily 9 AM-4 PM.
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park is a thriving public space for all. Watch for art and recreational activities like yoga, bachata, hip hop aerobics, Tai Chi, and more – follow their Facebook page 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 Conservancy’s mission is to sustain and enhance Roger Williams Park as a vibrant public space for all.
