June News
Films, walks, talks, wellness events, concerts, chess, clean-ups and more – are all happening in Roger Williams Park this month!
We’re thrilled to partner with FirstWorks for Summer Beats again this year. Join us for the first concert on Thursday, June 26th for Las Guaracheras, a dynamic and acclaimed all-women salsa sextet from Cali, Colombia. On Wednesday, June 25th, join us for a Community Conversation with Johanna Barthmaier-Payne, Associate Professor and Department Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. Check out the event highlights below, and our updated events calendar for all RWP events.
See our People of RWP feature this month, introducing Samuel LaFortune. Sam is bringing his many years of chess expertise and instruction at the Washington Park Library to RWP on Tuesdays and Wednesday evenings on the Boathouse Lawn, come by and join us – open for all ages and all levels.
See you soon in the Park!
Upcoming Events
See the full events calendar
People of RWP
Meet Samuel LaFortune!
My name is Samuel LaFortune and I am a music artist, fashion stylist for a group called Wavybunch, educator, and chess instructor. I have been running the chess club at the Washington Park Library for 15 years and I am now working with Jose Ramirez to facilitate chess in the park. I’m very passionate about giving back to my community that helped shaped me into the man I am today.
I love Roger Williams Park because I grew up here in Washington Park. I have so many great memories with family, friends and community programs that I participated in here at Roger Williams Park and at the zoo. There’s always something fun to do either with friends or family, there’s no place like it in Providence. I now have the privilege of raising my son in the same community and park that I grew up in and loving every moment of it.
Inspiration
Did you know that Thursday, June 12th is international Outdoor Office Day?
There are so many ways to take our work outdoors! Save the date and make RWP part of your work day by taking a walking break during your workday or scheduling a walking meeting. Outdoor Office Day integrates wellbeing with the future of work, walkability, urban nature and placemkaing and invites us to rethink our relationship with work and wellbeing.
For more information and ideas to share, visit https://www.naturedesks.com/
Volunteer
Interested in getting involved at the park?
We’ll be in touch with volunteer opportunities, from regular park clean-ups and plantings to assisting with RWPC public events throughout the year.
We also have opportunities for corporate and community service days in the park. Contact us for more information!
Promenade in the Park
Thank you for a wonderful first* Promenade in the Park! Thank you to all of our fantastic local business partners, the stunning arches from Amore Arches, Live painting by Sydney Darrow, floral arrangements from A Bushel and A Peck Floral Design, MacLean Poses & Petals, Sweet As Honey Floral and the The Flower Shack, unique picnic pop-ups by Posh Picnics Co. and musical accompaniment from the one and only Phil Edmonds! See these photo highlights!
*hoping to make it an annual spring event!
More Happenings in 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. Open daily 10:00 – 4:00. Come visit this state treasure. Planetarium shows are at 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Museum has many events including monthly Bird and Plant walks & Discovery Tykes classes and other special events.
Get all the details and Reserve your tickets online at their website below.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center
New England’s largest glasshouse display garden, the Botanical Center is a wonderful place to enjoy and explore. So much to see inside and outside this magical space.
The RWP Botanical Center has weekly Wee Wednesdays and offers other engaging programs including Storytime with Chris, Ask a Hort, a new bookclub, soil testing and Sunday Jazz and more!
Find out more about the RWPBC and all that is happening on their website below.
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel
It’s Always an adventure at Roger Williams Park Zoo! Home to over 100 rare and fascinating species from around the world. Come visit the animals or escape the chill and visit the Zoo’s tropical rainforest.
Be sure to get tickets to Return of the Dinosaurs, April 6, 2025 – August 10, 2025. Food Truck Fridays are back every Friday at Carousel Village starting April 18th, 5:00 – 8:30.
The Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park
Have you visited the Gateway Center at Roger Williams Park? It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 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 Conservancy’s mission is to sustain and enhance Roger Williams Park as a vibrant public space for all.
