Two Mile Tour Part of National “First Day Hikes” Event
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a guided hike of Rocky Point State Park in Warwick on New Year’s Day. The two-mile tour is part of the sixth annual First Day Hikes event organized by the National Association of State Park Directors and will explore Rhode Island’s newest coastal state park. Guided tours will be held in all 50 U.S. states as part of this one-day event.
WHAT: Free guided nature tour of Rocky Point State Park
WHERE: Palmer Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island
**participants should meet in the parking lot across from 415 Palmer Avenue
WHEN: Sunday, January 1, 2017 // 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Rhode Island is home to a wide array of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and other recreational facilities. Rocky Point, once a popular amusement park, is now a sprawling green space that looks out over Narragansett Bay. As part of the tour, participants will take in the sights along the Park’s coastal trail and learn about the history of the park.
Opening for the first time in nearly twenty years on October 25th, 2014, Rocky Point State Park now serves as a memory for many Rhode Islanders of generation's past. Over the 150+ years of the property's existence, it has served as a location for nature trails, a ferry pier, an observation tower, hotels, clambakes, restaurants, swimming pool, rides, games, and concerts – but the attraction of 120 acres of land for public use within 10 miles of downtown Providence has been a consistent draw since 1850.
Now as the state's newest coastal state park, visitors can enjoy the property they once made so many memories at, while the younger generations of park-goers can make new ones.
If you are planning to visit the Rocky Point property, please keep in mind that this is now a passive use park, and certain guidelines exist for its preservation. The State of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick ask that you adhere to the following rules:
Opening for the first time in nearly twenty years on October 25th, 2014, Rocky Point State Park now serves as a memory for many Rhode Islanders of generation's past. Over the 150+ years of the property's existence, it has served as a location for nature trails, a ferry pier, an observation tower, hotels, clambakes, restaurants, swimming pool, rides, games, and concerts – but the attraction of 120 acres of land for public use within 10 miles of downtown Providence has been a consistent draw since 1850.
Now as the state's newest coastal state park, visitors can enjoy the property they once made so many memories at, while the younger generations of park-goers can make new ones.
If you are planning to visit the Rocky Point property, please keep in mind that this is now a passive use park, and certain guidelines exist for its preservation. The State of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick ask that you adhere to the following rules:
- You are welcome to visit the property, but please realize that there is very limited parking, and you should not park on the neighborhood roads.
- The removal of anything (natural or man-made) from the property is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, historic remains or artifacts, and natural rock material (including fossils & minerals).
- For your safety, do not climb any of the structures in the park.
- The harming or removing of any plant or animal life is strictly prohibited. This includes hunting, or trapping, or the cutting of plants or trees. Fishing is permitted with a valid license.
- Overnight Camping and/or building of fires is not permitted. The property is available for day use only.
- The use metal detectors, or any kind of digging tools or equipment, is not permitted.
- Leave nothing behind. Do not litter or leave any trace of your visit. Please keep the property clean and pristine so that others may enjoy it as much as you have.
- Off road vehicle use is not permitted. The use of motorized dirt-bikes and ATV’s is strictly prohibited.
- The use of the property is “at you own risk”. Please remember that this is a very rugged natural area with many hazards and pitfalls. Hiking in the areas off the main path can be dangerous, and should be attempted by capable hikers only.
According to the National Association of State Park Directors, over 55,000 people participated nationally in the First Day Hikes event on January 1, 2016. The local event, held at Blackstone Valley State Park, drew over 350 people. This year’s national tour schedule is available online at www.naspd.org. Tours are free and open to the public.
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear hiking boots. Parking is available across the street from 415 Palmer Avenue. All vehicles must be removed from the parking lot by 3 p.m. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information or to register, contact Felicia Celeberto at Felicia.celeberto@dem.ri.gov.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates. Hashtag your hike (#FirstDayHikes) to join the national conversation on New Year’s Day!
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