November News
Hi Park fam!
Just as fall is a season of transition, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy steps into November with an exciting change, too! We recently welcomed Melissa Carden as the new Executive Director of RWPC. Keep reading below to learn more about what she brings to the role.
Soon you’ll notice new spots to sit and relax in the Park in the form of welcoming Adirondack chairs! These Conversation Nooks are supported by a grant from AARP, through the Community Challenge grant program, designed to fund local projects that help make communities more livable for people of all ages.
Fun programming is also in store for this month, thanks to our partners, including Betsey Williams Cottage Open Houses every Friday through the RWP Museum of Natural History, food trucks at the Zoo on November 11, fitness programming for all levels at the Gateway Center, and the chance to search for gnomes during the return of the Botanical Center’s Gnome-vember festivities!
With Thanksgiving around the corner, we would love to hear from you about what inspires feelings of thankfulness at the Park! Do you have a favorite piece of architecture or serene place to sit in nature? Is there a program that keeps you going every week, a family outing that’s become a tradition, or piece of history you connect with?Β EmailΒ [email protected]Β to share what makes you thankful, and it may be featured here or on our social channels!Β Β
See you at the Park!
Fall Highlights at the Park!
In October, we waved farewell to Long Wave β the mesmerizing light-up installation funded by RI Commerce Corporation and created by Pneuhaus β but before it came down, we hosted two Sunset at Long Wave events, the first with King Neptun3 performing original songs and the second featuring music and poetry by I Am Empress! Under the glow of Pneuhaus’ temporary installation, Mini Groves, Sussy Santana led Rooting at the Rose Garden, an hour of presence and gratitude, to close out this month of illuminated entertainment.
Just as the autumn foliage was nearing its peak, our Program Manager JosΓ© Ramirez led a Fall Mobile Photography Workshop. After offering instruction and answering questions, JosΓ© took the group on a walk around the Park, capturing the sights and scenery through phone camera lenses β no fancy gear required! From sweeping views to up-close nature shots, each photographer came away with gorgeous photos!
People of RWP
Meet Melissa Carden!Β
Melissa is the new Executive Director of Roger Williams Park Conservancy! She brings her experience as a marketing strategist and community leader to the role, and sheβs no stranger to the Park or RWPCβs impact, having served on the board of the Conservancy for the past three years.
βI have enjoyed the Park with my family for generations, and I am looking forward to building on the board’s and [former ED] Bonnie Nickerson’s work to bring the beauty of the park to even more partners, neighbors, Rhode Islanders, and out-of-state visitors. We are so lucky to have this gem that brings people together to appreciate nature and build community.βΒ Read more online.
Gnomes at the Botanical Center!
Gnome-vember is back at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center! The search begins for over 60 gnomes that are hiding among the flora and fronds through November 30. Find the golden gnome for a prize, and bring the kids for gnome-themed story times on Saturdays, November 15 and 29, with Chris. Learn more at theΒ Botanical Center’s website, and followΒ @rwpbotanicalcenterΒ and us atΒ @rogerwilliamsparkΒ for fun gnome shenanigans this month!
Happenings in the Park
Inspiration
Share Your Stories of RWP!
TheΒ Volunteer
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. During November, the Museum is open daily 10 AM β 4 PM with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM (tickets online). The Museum is closed Nov. 6, 11, 27 and 28, and closes at 1 PM on Nov. 10.
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 fall and winter, Wee-One Wednesdays, Storytime with Chris, Ask a Hort, Open Paint Fridays, Greenhouse Jazz, 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. Come visit the animals and spend time in the Zoo’s tropical rainforest.
TheΒ Holiday Lights SpectacularΒ kicks off November 28, and runs through January 4, 2026, with dazzling lights all over the Zoo.
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.
