September News
Hello, September!
Not too hot, not too cold – the perfect season to savor those lingering summer-like days in the People’s Park! And there are so many ways to make the most of your time here, from gazing at the enchanting lights of Long Wave (on view through the end of October!) at sunset to taking a stroll back in time for the Betsey Williams Cottage open house, presented by Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
September also brings the home stretch of Food Truck Fridays, the final Movie in the Park of the season, an inspiring documentary screening of Join or Die at the Casino on September 10, and fun and educational happenings from our park partners – like the annual Rain Harvest Festival hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center. Learn about all these events and more in this month’s edition of the newsletter!
Have you taken a photo of Long Wave worthy of sharing with the world? Tag us on Instagram (@rogerwilliamspark) and use the hashtag #LongWave or send us an email ([email protected]) with your photo, and you could win tickets to experience the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Zoo!
Savor these September days at Roger Williams Park!
Upcoming RWPC Events
Betsey Williams Cottage
If you’ve entered Roger Williams Park via Elmwood Avenue, it’s likely you’ve noticed the small red cottage framed by the wide, beckoning branches of the unmistakable sycamore tree (among the Park’s most notable trees). For some lifelong Rhode Islanders who have strolled by the house countless times—and history buffs who were plagued with curiosity to peek inside since they were young Park-goers—its 2016 restoration and subsequent opening to the public for special programming would have certainly been a cause for celebration.
What many may not know, however, is that the Betsey Williams Cottage is at the center of Roger Williams Park’s origin story. Without Betsey’s generous gift to the City of Providence, the land may look very different today. Read the full article on our website, and sign up for an Open House September 27 with the RWP Museum of Natural History and Planetarium!
People of RWP
Meet Renée Gamba!
A lifelong Rhode Islander and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium Director, Renée’s passion for Roger Williams Park is contagious. This month marks her 25th year of working for the Museum! Every day she looks forward to coming to the Park and designing programming using the museum collections and planetarium. Working with NASA Space Grant, she brings space exploration closer to her local community. Renée’s love for nature and history also drives her work in uncovering local heritage—making her both a steward of the past and an educator of the future.
“There are so many interesting pieces of history and stories about the park and venues that exist. Most fascinating is knowing the park is part of so many lives and they all have a story to tell. Growing up in Rhode Island, I visited the park and have always loved it!”
Inspiration
At the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, we’re often asking these questions: how can we take steps to use the Park to foster connection and civic engagement? How can our work meaningfully bring people together to create a shared sense of belonging? How does community engagement translate into healthier neighborhoods?
We are excited to be hosting a free community screening on September 10 of Join or Die – a documentary that posits similar questions. Local nonprofits and civic and community organizations will be on hand after the film for a “Joining Fair,” inspiring audiences to not just watch, but also to act. Read more in the Providence Eye, and register for the free screening online!
More Happenings in the Park
Volunteer
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. During September, the Museum is open daily 10 AM – 4 PM with planetarium shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM (purchase tickets online).
The Museum has many events 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: 10am – 4pm. 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
It’s 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.
Get tickets for the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, Sept. 26 – Nov. 2! Food Truck Fridays continue at Carousel Village through September.
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 5 PM.
The Gateway Center 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 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.
